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Sleep apnea is a condition that millions of Americans suffer from. It means your breathing stops for a short time during sleep. CPAP equipment is commonly used to help with sleep apnea. However, users aren’t sure if these machines may cause health issues.
Schmidt & Clark, LLP lawyers have worked on numerous cases related to CPAP therapy. Today, we’ll talk about how safe CPAP devices are, if they cause pneumonia, and what your options are if CPAP devices negatively affected your health.
Quick Summary
- According to some studies, CPAP can increase the risk of pneumonia in people with sleep apnea.
- CPAP causes pneumonia due to bacterial contamination of the device.
- You should keep the machine clean to avoid pneumonia.
What is Sleep Apnea and How Does CPAP Help?
Sleep apnea is a common condition where breathing stops temporarily during sleep, leading to poor oxygen levels and disrupted rest.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is widely used to treat this condition by keeping the airway open with a steady stream of air [1].
While CPAP is highly effective, concerns have been raised about whether these machines can contribute to pneumonia and other respiratory infections.
Pulmonologists emphasize that proper maintenance of CPAP devices is critical to avoid complications.
Can CPAP Machines Cause Pneumonia?
While sleep apnea itself does not directly cause pneumonia, studies suggest that CPAP machine users may have an increased risk of developing pneumonia due to bacterial contamination and aspiration risks.
- A nationwide population-based study found that 9% of sleep apnea patients developed pneumonia, compared to non-users [2].
- Another 11-year study of 34,100 patients found that CPAP users had a 20% higher risk of pneumonia compared to those who did not use CPAP therapy.
- Researchers believe that difficulty clearing mucus and immune system disruptions due to poor sleep quality contribute to this increased risk.
Breathing in those organisms can make you sick or increase problems related to conditions such as asthma, reactive airway disease, or other lung conditions.” If you are frequently getting sick or your CPAP smells moldy, it could be a sign that the device is not clean.- Dr. Lawrence Epstein, a sleep expert at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Related Article: Philips CPAP Machine Recall Lawsuit Update
Another study done on 34,100 patients over the course of 11 years found that 8.09% of subjects developed pneumonia.
The researchers found there was a 20% increase in pneumonia risk for subjects who were using a CPAP machine [3]. Considering that pneumonia can have a fatal outcome, this is a big increase.
Related Article: Can CPAP Machine Couse Cancer?
How Does CPAP Cause Pneumonia?
CPAP can cause pneumonia via humid and warm air that may contain certain microorganisms if the device is not regularly cleaned.
CPAP machines can contribute to pneumonia through:
- Bacterial and Fungal Contamination – The humid and warm environment in CPAP tubing and masks promotes bacterial growth. Without proper cleaning, these pathogens can be inhaled into the lungs.
- Aspiration of Fluids – CPAP therapy can increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia, where saliva, mucus, or stomach fluids enter the lungs instead of being swallowed.
- Airborne Pathogens – CPAP blows pressurized air directly into the airway. If the air source or tubing is contaminated, bacteria can be pushed deep into the lungs.
“Patients with obstructive sleep apnea were reported to have a higher risk of pulmonary aspiration of pharyngeal contents during sleep. Moreover, immune perturbations secondary to disrupted sleep may render them susceptible to the invasion of pathogens. Both could potentiate the emergence of pneumonia.” - Dr. Vincent Yi-Fong Su, Taipei Veterans General Hospital · Department of Chest Medicine
Risk Factors for CPAP-Related Pneumonia
CPAP-associated pneumonia is most likely to occur in patients with the following risk factors:
- Improper CPAP Cleaning – Failing to regularly clean masks, tubing, and humidifiers can lead to the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast.
- Aspiration of Fluids – Sleep apnea can impair normal coughing and swallowing reflexes, allowing fluids and bacteria to enter the lungs.
- Age and Underlying Health Conditions – Older adults and those with chronic lung disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems have a higher risk.
- Prolonged CPAP Use Without Maintenance – Using the same filters, tubing, or mask for too long can lead to contamination.
Symptoms of CPAP-Related Pneumonia
CPAP users should be aware of the following symptoms that may indicate pneumonia:
- Persistent cough (dry or producing mucus)
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fever and chills
- Chest pain when breathing or coughing
- Fatigue and weakness
- Increased mucus production (yellow, green, or blood-tinged)
- Wheezing or congestion
If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. Early treatment can prevent severe complications.
How to Prevent Getting Pneumonia When Using a CPAP Machine
To lower your risk of developing pneumonia while using a CPAP machine, follow these essential hygiene and maintenance steps:
- Clean Your CPAP Machine Weekly – Use CPAP-specific cleaning solutions or mild soap and hot water to clean the mask, tubing, and humidifier chamber.
- Replace CPAP Components Regularly –
- Masks: Every 3 months
- Filters: Every 2 weeks or at least monthly
- Tubing: Every 6 months
- Use Distilled Water in the Humidifier – Tap water may contain bacteria and minerals that can accumulate in the machine.
- Dry the Machine Completely – Moist environments promote bacterial growth. After washing, ensure all components are fully dry before reassembly.
- Avoid CPAP Machine Sharing – Using another person’s CPAP device increases the risk of cross-contamination.
By implementing these simple cleaning and maintenance steps, CPAP users can dramatically reduce the risk of respiratory infections and pneumonia. CPAP machine sharing isn’t recommended — Don’t buy used CPAP equipment.
Treatment for CPAP-Related Pneumonia
If CPAP users develop pneumonia, treatment typically includes:
- Antibiotics (for bacterial pneumonia) or antifungal medications (for fungal infections)
- Oxygen therapy if breathing difficulties occur
- Cough suppressants or expectorants to help clear mucus
- Increased hydration to aid recovery and loosen mucus buildup
Is CPAP Safe?
CPAP machines are highly effective for treating sleep apnea and safe when properly maintained. However, failure to clean the device and replace components as recommended can lead to serious respiratory infections, including pneumonia.
If you suspect that a CPAP device has contributed to your illness, you may have legal options. Some CPAP machines have been recalled due to serious health risks.
Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers free case evaluations for individuals affected by CPAP-related complications. Contact us today to discuss your case.
Related Articles:
- Philips CPAP Attorneys in Rhode Island
- Philips Respironics DreamStation Recall
- Philips Dorma Lawsuit Update
See all related medical device lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
FAQ
What kind of infections can you get from a CPAP treatment?
A CPAP treatment can cause a sinus infection, allergic reaction, bronchitis, lung inflammation, and respiratory infections. This happens due to harmful bacteria in dirty CPAP devices.
Is it safe to use a CPAP while sick?
Yes, it’s safe to use CPAP while sick, as long as the humidifier water chambers and machine filters are kept clean.
Hire a Lawyer to Help Your Case
A CPAP device can greatly help people with sleep apnea. However, these devices can also pose health risks and lead to negative long-term health outcomes. Some CPAP machines have even been recalled due to the increased cancer risk.
If you’ve suffered health consequences after using a CPAP device, you should consult a lawyer.
Schmidt & Clark, LLP lawyers will give a free case evaluation and explain if you have grounds for a legal case. Contact us today and get a professional opinion.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482178/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3971026/
- https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml