sleep apnea and cpap concern

[revjeff]

I have been on a cpap machine for over 6 months and do great with it. I will be first one to testify it will change your life for the better.

Lately it smells a little like swamp water however, as I have a humidifier on it.  I don't know what changed as this has never happened for 6 months.  I did use some questionable water once, but always use distilled.

Could my humidifier part have a bacteria in it? If so how do I get rid of that? Also I did clean it out with soap and water; but it still lingers a little.

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hi.

I suspect a fungus somewhere in the machine, mostly in the humidifier, as you also suspect.  What you can try is read this...http://www.cpapstation.com/cleaning.shtm

Regards

DrAbhijeetMD

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
You could get the CPAP machine serviced from the authorised dealers. Its been 6 months and a servicing would help the machine functon better and remain trouble free longer. Also the authorised dealers would replace any pearts that are used or worn out of need be. You are right that CPAP has proved to be a boon to patients with sleep apneas.