Do people with Sleep Apnea are at more risk of getting coronavirus?

There is no evidence that people with sleep apnea are more likely to get infected with the coronavirus. People who have a higher risk of getting COVID-19 disease include:

• People above 65 years of age or older

• People with underlying conditions such as chronic lung disease, Moderate to severe asthma, Serious heart conditions, Severe obesity, Diabetes, Chronic kidney disease, Liver disease, etc.

• People who were in close contact with a coronavirus-infected person.

Should I continue using CPAP if I have symptoms of the coronavirus?

If you feel that you have symptoms of COVID-19 then first isolate yourself in a separate room and use a separate bathroom. You can use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine when you sleep alone. Follow these steps for routine CPAP care:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling the CPAP machine.

• Avoid letting anyone smoke in the home, especially around the CPAP machine.

• Keep pets away from the machine.

• Use distilled water in the humidifier to keep the tub clean.

Book an appointment for the best sleep disorder treatment in Bangalore at Sakra World Hospital.

Will CPAP spread the coronavirus to others?

COVID-19 virus spreads through close contact with one another. It is transmitted through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. There is no evidence, but there is a concern that using CPAP could spread the virus through the exhalation port which allows the carbon dioxide to escape from the mask. 

Therefore, it is necessary to isolate yourself before using CPAP if you have symptoms of COVID-19.

Can I use CPAP if I have symptoms of the coronavirus but can’t self-isolate?

If you experience symptoms of COVID-19 but can’t isolate yourself in a separate room then contact a sleep apnea specialist in Bangalore and ask if there is any alternative treatment for sleep apnea that you could use while you recover from the coronavirus.

If distilled water is not available in my area then what should I use in my CPAP humidifier?

Humidifier requires distilled water to work optimally as most of the minerals in distilled water are removed so it prevents mineral buildup in the humidifier tub. But in emergency cases you can use bottled water, it will not harm the device or pose a risk to patients.

For a sleep apnea test in Bangalore, consult Sakra World Hospital. 

Can I share my CPAP device with my family members?

No, you can’t share the CPAP device with your family members as it is only for personal use. No one else can use it without following the disinfectant protocol.

Will using a CPAP machine drive the coronavirus deeper into the lungs?

No, there is no such evidence till now that using a CPAP machine will drive the coronavirus deeper into the lungs.