chemo therapy-staying well with cpap

With chemo, immunity down, susceptible to bacteria and germs that most people handle. How to stay well and keep cpap okay. Haven't been using cpap with that fear. Have lost 35 lbs so far. Bought from cpap.com the disinfectants but don't want to introduce any chemicals now either. The thoughts of getting an infection from the humidifier is scary.

Anyone have thoughts. Much appreciated. I posted earlier about my cancer and treatment. This is really hard.

Thanks,
Sweetdreams

Sweetdreams
I am a 8+ year cancer survivor. Wish I had been on CPAP while going through it all, it would have made it easier for me, but I was not diagnosed till afterwards. I understand your concern about disinfectants. Keep it simple. Since it is only you using the mask, rinse it daily with hot water (sink water hot, not microwave).

Once a week you can soak your mask in a gentle dish soap. I use 7th Generation... baby shampoo is often used by many here. Not too much or you will never get the soap residue off!!! You can rinse the hose with water and white distilled vinegar about twice a month. Soak it once every two or three months or just soak it the same time you do your mask.

I must say that I am not undergoing treatment now... so my cleaning is not as steady. The above is what I would strive for if I was going though treatment.

I use my mask for naps etc. If you do take a nap...use it. Your sleep routine is second to being rested.

Good luck with your treatment... you need all the good sleep you can get. You are in my thoughts. Feel free to PM me.
Barb

Sweetdreams,
With all you have to deal with in having chemo (I too went through it) your immune system is severely stressed and complete sleep is so important to the healing process. Use your machine, your body is going through enough without having to deal with the problems you'd encounter by not hosing up. As Barb_Z said, you are the only one using your equipment and gentlty cleaning your mask, there are a number of non-chemical products that work great, and changing your machine filters regularly should be enough to keep you safe. Have you talked with your doctors about this? My guess is they will agree that you should be using your Cpap.

Cancer and Chemo are scary. Be determined, proactive and have a positive attitude. I believe that if you take control, mind body & spirit, you will survive. This applys to many illnesses as well as OSA.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

That's a lot to deal with.... My sympathies. There are bacteria filters for use with any cpap... they fit between the cpap outlet and your hose. That might ease your mind a bit. Rest is important to both your health and your healing; if at all possible, use your cpap. Here is a link to the bacteria filter:

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/In-lin ... bipap.html

Good luck!

Sweetdreams,

My THOUGHTS and MY PRAYERS are with you as you are going through Chemo, I will keep you in my prayers...

Get alot of rest and take extra good care of yourself.

SleepyNoMore

You can check with your doctor about what to use for cleaning. The air is the same air you breath normally, so it shouldn't be a problem. You probably need sleep more now than ever.

Good luck with your treatment!

Brenda

Hi Sweetdreams, best wishes to you! I am a ten year survivor here. Chemo is hard on your body, and I was not dx with apnea so I can't really say about using cpap during my chemo. I did deal with other issues, like developing diabetes during treatment, low white counts that I had to give myself neupogen shots etc. I wish you the best, and my suggestion would be to discuss all your concerns with your hemotology oncologist. He or she would be best able to give you input on suceptability right now, since he or she is the one with the access to your blood test results. Just one thing I would like to suggest, treat yourself to something special. I would pamper myself, do something like buy perfume, talk a long relaxing walk, a small box of fancy chocolate...you get my point. I really wish you the best!!!

So good of you to respond to me. Looks like I'll be going in clinic for fluids everyday to stay out of hospital, but feel so much better after. With stomach surgery (stomach cancer) my nutrition is suffering. Food is a word. and its hard to hydrate and eat with nausea and a little stomach. I'm grateful I was left a pouch to help though.

The cpap was worrying me but I'll be diligent in its care. I don't seem to be suffering sleepiness, fatigue from lack of sleep, etc. Caught a couple of snores is all. Wondered if losing so much weight has helped the apnea.

I have a fight on my hands, butI have many wonderful family, friends and others to offer support and who are fighting with me. I do believe in mind, body, spirit, and attitude for wellness. I have faith in God.

Thanks to all of you for yourhints, will be using them to stay healthy! Also your encouragement and prayers. I've been on CPAPtalk since October 2006 and this is a wow group.

Blessings to you.
Sweetdreams