Mar 24th 2023
How to Tackle CPAP Allergies
If you’re a sleep apnea patient, you know how effective CPAP therapy can be in helping you breathe easier and get more restful sleep at night. But some CPAP users encounter some side effects from using CPAP machines, including experiencing symptoms of allergies.
What exactly are CPAP allergies, and how can you treat them effectively? In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the causes of CPAP allergies and offer some steps on how to tackle them.
What Are CPAP Allergies?
Sleep apnea is a condition that affects millions of people, typically older adults. Patients are often prescribed continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines to help them breathe more easily at night and experience better, healthier sleep.
CPAP machines work by blowing pressurized air into a mask worn over the nose and/or mouth, which helps keep the patient's airways open throughout the night. Unfortunately, many CPAP users experience allergies related to their machine or its components. These allergies are often characterized by symptoms such as:
It is important to avoid these allergens wherever possible by keeping your CPAP equipment clean regularly. A sanitary CPAP machine and parts can help prevent or reduce symptoms of CPAP allergies.
Steps to Tackle CPAP Allergies
Fortunately, there are some straightforward steps you can take to minimize your chances of experiencing CPAP allergies. We recommend making the following steps a regular practice in your care and use of your CPAP equipment.
Keep Your CPAP Equipment Clean
Clean your equipment (mask, tubing, and humidifier chamber) with an approved cleaning solution at least once a week to ensure optimal performance and reduce any risk of allergies. You can use a 1:1 water/vinegar solution as a cleaning agent, and allow the equipment to air dry out of direct sunlight.
You’ll also need to replace the mask and other components of the machine periodically to prevent any build-up of bacteria or mold. Replace the mask cushion and filter every month, the mask frame and mask tubing every three months, and the headgear and humidifying tubing every six months.
Use Different Cleaning Methods
Cleaning your equipment is essential, but some patients find that specific cleaning agents work more effectively for them than others. Consider trying different products such as wipes or soaps designed specifically for cleansing CPAP gear.
Identify and Avoid Allergens
If you are suffering from CPAP allergies, try to identify and avoid any potential allergens that affect you such as dust mites, pollen, or pet dander. Keep your bedroom clean and air out your bedding regularly daily or at least weekly.
Minimize Exposure to Allergens in the Bedroom
Using mattress and pillow covers can help prevent allergens from getting into your bedding and pillows. Vacuum frequently and wipe down surfaces to remove any dust or other allergens that may be present in your bedroom. If possible, keep pets out of the bedroom to reduce exposure to dander that could trigger allergies.
Keep Things Moist
Dry airways can aggravate your allergies and heighten your symptoms. Use saline spray before bedtime (as well as throughout the day) to lubricate your nasal passages which can help lessen your congestion and flush out unwanted pathogens. If your CPAP machine has a humidifier, use it (and be sure to have distilled water on hand).
Try Different Equipment
After consulting with your physician, you may benefit from using a different setup for your CPAP therapy. Many patients find that a full-face mask (versus a nose-only model) provides great protection from allergens in the room.
Adjust Your CPAP Pressure Settings
Many sleep apnea patients find that slowing the ramp feature on their CPAP machine helps ease some allergy effects they experience. By lessening the air pressure before falling asleep, your body may have an easier time handling the therapy.
Consult With a Medical Professional
If you are suffering from severe symptoms of CPAP allergies, consult with a medical professional. Your doctor may recommend taking allergy medication or undergoing allergy testing to identify any triggers that may be causing your symptoms. Immunotherapy may also reduce the severity of your symptoms.
Find CPAP Allergy Solutions at GoCPAP.com
To prevent and reduce symptoms of CPAP allergies it is important to keep your equipment clean and avoid any potential allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander. At GoCPAP.com, we sell a variety of cleaning supplies — including different models of cleaning machines — that can make keeping your CPAP equipment much easier and more effective.
If you have questions about CPAP allergies or how to clean your CPAP equipment, visit the GoCPAP.com blog, where we provide more helpful resources about CPAP comfort and cleaning supplies.
