Besides the established general guidelines concerning the general public, some additional specific recommendations apply to individuals suffering from obstructive sleep apnea:

1. See that you benefit from sufficient sleep
   Sleep in itself acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. It keeps our defences up against infections and is essential in our recovery from diseases. Sleep is an essential, basic need, more so than eating and drinking. Allow yourself to sleep.

2. Diligently continue your treatment for obstructive sleep apnea
   You will benefit from treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. It improves sleep, stabilizes mood, decreases inflammation and stabilizes blood pressure. According to a report on the first cases in China (JAMA Huang, Feb 7, 2020); 40% of patients admitted in intensive care with a severe case of COVID-19 were treated with positive pressure (CPAP or bi-level).

3. Maintain a good hygiene
   It is important to wash your hands before and after installing your device. Clean your face before putting on the mask. Avoid touching your face, mouth, eyes and nose.

4. Protect your device and equipment from others around you
   Identify your equipment with your name. If you are hospitalized; bring your mask, your tubing, as well as your electrical wires and compressor. Keep your equipment away from other people’s coughing and fingers.

5. Clean and do the upkeeping of your equipment
   If you cough in your mask, make sure that you clean it yourself. Wipe it off first to get ride of the bulk of the secretions, then wash it in soapy warm water (dishwashing soap) each day. Also, wash the tubing and the humidifier daily. Check on the integrity of your mask and tubing.

6. Filter
   Upkeeping of filters varies depending on manufactures.

Resmed: standard filters must be hand-cleaned weekly and discarded every 3 months. Hypo allergenic filters must be discarded every month.

Respironics-Philips: grey foam filters are washable weekly. Dry them well before re-inserting. White filters are disposable monthly. Dark blue filters are washable weekly. Dry them well before re-inserting. Pale blue filters are disposable monthly.

Fisher&Paykel: all their devices have disposable filters after a maximum 3-month regular use. It is strongly recommended to replace filters after a COVID-19 episode.

This information is for references only, and is by no means a substitute for your doctor’s judgement and recommendations.
This information is based upon the best information available as of September 14, 2020 and is subject to change without notice.

You are advised — no cause for undue panic — to take this pandemic seriously. We are committed to your well-being and we hope that this information is helpful. Follow the guidelines established by public health, the government and your doctor with regards to your specific situation.

Côté Santé continues to offer COVID-adapted care to the population by means of teleconsultation, teletitration, home testing and other respiratory cares such as home oxygen therapy and nebulized devices. Call us any time by dialing 1 855 246-9393.

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