Patients with OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) experience frequent breathing interruptions caused by relaxed throat and tongue muscles that obstruct the airways while sleeping. Doctors may suggest using a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine and other dental sleep appliances to achieve optimal hours of rest.
It is important to keep your anti-snoring apparatus and other CPAP alternatives sanitized adequately at all times. If you don’t clean your system regularly, there are many problems you might face, including health issues as a result of bacteria and machine failure. The average CPAP machine typically lasts for between 3 and 5 years, but improper cleaning can reduce this dramatically.
Several health problems can arise if you inhale warm and moist air containing bacteria, mold, yeast, and different pathogens. Here are some of the health symptoms you might face if you will not regularly clean your CPAP machine:
Sinus infections, pneumonia, and pneumonitis are frequent results of poorly cleaned machines. If you are falling sick more frequently than usual, you should check to see if it’s because of your dirty CPAP machine.
A dirty mask might easily cause acne, soreness, and peeling skin. It’s time to thoroughly disinfect your mask once you notice that your skin is red, itchy, or covered by acne or breakouts.
Sneezing, irritations of the eyes, or nose irritation might be signs of an allergic reaction. It also means that this reaction might be caused by dirty CPAP equipment.
Even a common cough can be extremely annoying sometimes. You cannot sleep well or perform your everyday tasks because of a cough that could last up to 6 weeks.
Seek Help From Experts
You can easily avoid all these health problems. Follow all the critical CPAP hygiene practices, so you don’t have to worry about even more respiratory issues caused by bacteria, mold, or other pathogens.
At Sleep Better Wisconsin, we offer various CPAP alternatives through snoring treatments and other programs designed to help you improve your slumber and your health. For more details, feel free to contact our team of experts directly. We look forward to hearing from you.
