Question:
CPAP Risks..freaking me out...how common?

I thought it would be a good idea to research the CPAP since I'm going to have to use it for the next 2 or more years of my life. But I came across the "Risks of CPAP" on Webmd and am freaking. One of the risks is a bacterical infection of the brain or spine! Also known as meningitis. I am so scared...how often does this happen? Anyone know anyone this has happened too....    — Renee B. (posted on May 23, 2003)

May 23, 2003
I was not told about any type of risk when I was put on my CPAP, however, mine has the water reservoir to run the air through before I breath it in and I would imagine that a bacterial infection would be possible (but not common), if you didn't use fresh distilled water nightly. They told me to empty mine daily and wash it weekly and I would assume that this is to prevent bacteria from growing in the water.
   — Carolyn M.

May 23, 2003
If you keep your mask clean (e.g. lysol) I would imagine it would be unlikely to happen. I think the risks of WLS are much greater than the risk of this happening!
   — Matt K.

May 23, 2003
Renee, my darling but lazy husband has had his CPAP for three years...it only gets washed properly when I nag him for months, he rarely remembers to change the water (again with the nagging!) and he hasn't had any problems yet. So I imagine if you take proper care of it you'll be even less likely to have infections than my sweet hubster!
   — Maria N.

May 23, 2003
I second Maria's comments. My DH has been on a CPAP since 1988. I could count the times he has cleaned his machine on fingers and maybe a couple of toes. He has never had a problem. <BR><BR>As a side note, he is so attached to his CPAP that even though he had WLS in February, and I doubt he still needs to use the CPAP, he won't try to sleep without it!
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 23, 2003
HI there...I am a nurse in a pulmonary office. We do tons of CPAP setups. In all the time I have worked in pulmonary medicine....I have never ever heard of this happeneing. Keep in mind though...if it happened to one person...it has to be listed as a risk. Keep your machine and mask clean, you can check with your provider as to the proper way to care for your specific machine.
   — jennap

May 23, 2003
When I got my cpap delivered I was told to clean it with a mild detergent and that using other things to clean it like bleach or lysol was not a good idea.
   — jennifer A.

May 24, 2003
My five year old son has been on CPAP machine for 3 years. He was the youngest person in North Florida to get one. I've been so relieved since we got it. I just keep him mask clean and we use it with no problem. The benefits greatly outweigh the risks!!
   — Melissa B.