Level of Contamination of Positive Airway Pressure Devices Used in Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

OBJECTIVES: No study has evaluated the degree of contamination after the total disassembly of continuous positive-airway pressure (CPAP) devices. We assessed the extent of contamination of the CPAP device by disassembling the system and identifying the factors that influence the degree of CPAP contamination, which is applied daily in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

METHODS: Chart review of the medical records of patients with OSA who underwent disassembly and cleaning of the CPAP device was performed by two skilled technicians who photographed the levels of contamination of each component and scored them using a visual analog scale. Clinical characteristics and records of CPAP device usage were statistically analyzed to determine the characteristics that were significantly associated with the degree of CPAP device contamination.

RESULTS: Among the 55 participants, not only the external components, including the mask and tube, but also the internal components, such as the humidifier and the interior of the main body, showed a substantial degree of contamination. The total and average daily duration of usage of the CPAP device were not significantly associated with the degree of contamination. Age was most frequently associated with the degree of contamination, such as in masks, humidifiers, and interior and exterior main parts. The degree of contamination of the internal components of the device was significantly correlated with the degree of contamination of the external components.

CONCLUSION: Age-specific guidelines for hygiene management of the external and internal CPAP components should be prepared.