H1N1 and CPAP

[Portland]

Is it OK to use a CPAP if you have flu-like respiratory symptoms and someone in your household has been diagnosed (after swab test) with H1N1? Can all that blowing air make things worse?

[sleep talker]

Many of the contra indications of using CPAP (conditions in which someone can't use) were established decades ago.

- pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum

- decompensated cardiac failure or hypotension, particularly if associated with intervascular volume depletion.

- Pneumoencephalus, recent trauma, or surgery (pituitary or nasal) that may have produced cranio-nasopharyngeal fistula (risk of entry of air or other material into the cranial cavity)

- Respiratory distress syndrome

- Otitis media or perforated ear drum (risk of spread of infection)

- Massive epistaxis (nose bleed)

I've been using XPAP for 13 years and have been pretty sick at times. I've found that your body tells you if it doesn't want the mask on. If you're really sick and vommiting, you probably weren't going to get any sleep anyways.

You can google "Contraindications to CPAP use" for more info.

[Tracy]

I had this discussion recently with Dr. Jim who is the President of TAS, boarded in sleep medicine and pulmonology. He said he would advise all of his apnea patients who use CPAP to continue CPAP use no matter what kind of flu they have or others in their household.

He would advise being mindful of disinfecting your mask and TUBING with the same mild soap BUT with the vinegar and water rinse to disinfect.
2 parts water to one part vinegar.

Also remember to use only distilled water in your CPAP humidifier!

Tracy