What to Know About COVID-19 and Sleep Apnea

With so much information coming out every day about COVID-19 and the global pandemic, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. This is especially true for people navigating chronic health conditions, like sleep apnea. Several of the most important things to know about having sleep apnea during the pandemic are below.

Am I at a higher risk for severe COVID-19 because of my sleep apnea?

The question of COVID-19 risk with sleep apnea is a complicated one. From what we know right now, sleep apnea on its own does not increase a person’s risk for developing severe complications from COVID-19. However, people with sleep apnea may have other co-occurring (comorbid) conditions that could increase their risk for serious COVID-19 infection.

For example, it is thought that having heart disease or diabetes can increase a person’s risk of having severe COVID-19. People with sleep apnea are more likely to have these conditions than someone without sleep apnea. Additionally, older individuals seem to be at a higher risk for serious COVID-19 infection, and many with sleep apnea are older (over the age of 65). So, although having sleep apnea on its own might not directly increase a person’s risk, other characteristics, conditions, or risk factors may.

To best understand your risk based on your overall health, contact your doctor. Although there is no cure or vaccine for COVID-19 at this time, there are still other things you can do to reduce your risk of being infected. This includes physical distancing from others, wearing a mask, washing hands regularly, eating well, exercising, and covering coughs and sneezes.^1,2

Can my CPAP machine spread COVID-19?

Nighttime breathing machines, like CPAP and BPAP machines, are important for those with sleep apnea to get a good night’s rest. However, there may be a chance that these could be sources of COVID-19 spread. Specifically, for those who sleep in close quarters with someone, like a partner or spouse.

From what we know right now, COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets. This means, when a person coughs, sneezes, or breathes, small virus particles may hang around in the air and infect others or land on surfaces. The machine’s mask may not seal completely over your face, making it possible for air to escape and move around to someone you are sharing a room or bed with. Also, the exhalation port (where carbon dioxide that you breathe out leaves the machine) may also carry virus particles while you sleep.

For these reasons, it is recommended that if you have a breathing machine and have COVID-19 or think you may have COVID-19, you should sleep in a separate room (if possible). If it is impossible for you to isolate yourself from others in your home, talk with your doctor about other possible short-term treatment options from your sleep apnea, until you are well again.^1,2

Can my CPAP machine be used to treat COVID-19?

We are hearing a lot in the news about breathing machines and ventilators being used to treat COVID-19. However, it is important to remember that these invasive ventilators being used in the hospital are different from at-home sleep apnea machines.

Your sleep apnea machine should not impact the way the virus travels in your body, or make a current COVID-19 infection worse. But, your at-home machine will also not make a difference in treating COVID-19. If you are experiencing signs of severe infection, like shortness of breath or chest pain, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately. Do not try to treat your COVID-19 at home with your nighttime mask.^1,2

Getting medical attention or sleep apnea testing during the pandemic

If you are concerned about your health or sleep apnea treatment, you may want to talk with your doctor. For some, this may seem scary, especially if you are trying to avoid leaving the house as much as possible. Fortunately, many clinics are now offering telemedicine (online) appointments for routine care. Adjusting sleep apnea treatment or discussing your COVID-19 risk can both be done via a telemedicine visit. If you need to talk with your doctor, but do not want to visit them in-person, call their office to see what other options they may be offering.¹

If you need to undergo sleep testing to determine if you have sleep apnea (or for any other reason), you may also have similar fears. Going to a sleep testing facility can be nerve-wracking during these times. Many facilities may actually be closed or reducing their operations to conserve supplies and prevent COVID-19 spread. Recently, home sleep apnea tests have become available for purchase. These can track your sleep at home and send the results to a qualified sleep doctor for review. These tests are for purchase and have different requirements. If you are interested in doing a home sleep apnea test, talk with your doctor first, to make sure the test you are buying is legitimate and to best understand how to use it.³