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I am looking for advice regarding CPAP and infectious disease.  A couple weeks ago I came down with a Staph infection, or MRCA, in my nostril.  I have not used my CPAP machine since then as I have been waiting for the infection to clear up.  I am concerned that the CPAP may have been the source of infection.  If this is the case, I am concerned about going back to using the CPAP in fear of being re-infected.  Is anyone knowledgable about MRCA and whether it can be transmitted through the tubing and/or mask and, if so, how does one sanitize to ensure it does not re-infect its user?

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I think this is a question for your infectious disease doctor.  I think I would want to change masks and get a new hose.  Many of us carry MRSA in our nostrils.

Corey, how are you?  Please let us know what your infectious disease doctor says about the MRSA and your equipment.

Last  time I was in the VA hospital they did a nasal swab before and after my stay.

A call to your DME  is prudent at this time. They should have sanitary knowledge.Good Sleep,Chris

Mary Z is correct, most of us have staph in our nares, and due to the bacteria mutating from antibiotic exposure, even in our meat, many of us have resistant staph, MSRA. Once you have this, you contaminate your machine. It's not likely to be the water or just in the tubing. Ask your doctor about ridding the bacteria from your body and nares, because again, the bacteria comes back into your body on it's own plus a disinfecting program for your machine. If we are just colonized with MRSA, and not spreading this to our lungs or elsewhere, that's OK, but with CPAP, we have to be so careful. Years ago, I had staph toxic shock syndrome twice and suspect I might be a chronic carrier. My machine has been fine with good handwashing, new distilled water daily,  cleaning the mask daily, and the tubing biweekly.

I would talk to the DME (although many maybe clueless and I am not sure how much I would trust them -- sorry for those that are on the forum) and my doctor to find out what steps should be taken. 

For those with compromised immune systems routine cleaning is probably prudent, for others occassional cleaning is enough.  I seldom clean my equipment and haven't had any problems, but don't have any issues that I am aware of with a compromised immune system.

     FWIW, I have eliminated one possible source of contamination: I stopped using my humidifier.

     I don't miss it. Moreover, I was delighted not to have to take it with me on two unexpected trips. I suspect that come winter (I live in New York City) I might decide to use it...but maybe not. I hope not.

      I am grateful to a sleep tech on this site (whose name I forget; I believe it started with the letter "E" -- Enrique?) I am grateful to him for suggesting cutting back and ultimately cutting out use of the humidifier.

      I'm glad I took the advice.

I confirmed with the folks at Better Rest Solutions that the SoClean o3 sanitizing process will eliminate bacteria, molds, viruses, and fungi from all your #CPAP components, including MRSA. 

ZolliStar said:

Many of you have suggested the SoClean 03 sanitizing sanitizer from Better Rest Solutions.  Before I invest in this product, I would like to know if anyone has personal experience using it and whether they would personally recommend it.  Pros and Cons???  Thanks.

Greetings Cory,

Lee Dryden, a reporter in Oakland County Michigan and sleep apnea sufferer reviewed the SoClean in March for his blog "Sleeping with CPAP" (http://sleepingwithcpap.blogspot.com/2012/03/review-of-soclean-sani...).

He is still using the SoClean.

You cam also contact Tim Leyva, a long time CPAP user who invented the SoClean at tim.leyva@betterrestsolutions.com. He can answer most all of your questions.

Good luck! 

you can purchase infra red IR light to stick up your nose

IR Nose LIGHT

Features:

• Accredited by Allergy UK
• Suitable for use up to 3-4 times per day, allowing 5-6 hours between treatment.
• Additional nose probes available for purchase
• One unit is suitable for use on multiple people if additional nose probes are purchased

Pack Contains:

• Lloydspharmacy Allergy Reliever unit
• 1 x Set of nose probes
• User Manual
• Please note requires AAA batteries (not included)

Safety:

Use carefully under supervision of a responsible adult. Keep the device out of the reach of children.

Not suitable for use with a pacemaker or other implanted medical devices. Not suitable for persons with Nasal Polyposis, sensitive skin in the nose or with poor circulation.

Please read the enclosed user manual supplied with the product carefully, it contains more important information for the safe use of this product.

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