1-800-758-7571 | Hablamos Español!
Advanced Homecare Online Logo

Is dog hair dangerous for your CPAP machine?

March 28, 2023

RETURN TO MAIN BLOG PAGE

Is dog hair dangerous for your CPAP machine?

For those with obstructive sleep apnea, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are likely a treatment option to maintain open airways during sleep. Many CPAP users wonder if dog hair is dangerous for their machines, as they use air from the room to cycle through the machine. Here’s some of the science behind the machine to give you peace of mind. 

Understanding the Filter System 

CPAP machines use a filter system to capture impurities in the air, including dust, dirt, and pet hair. The filter system prevents these impurities from entering the user’s airway. The filter system consists of two parts: the disposable filter and the non-disposable filter.

The disposable filter is typically made of paper or foam and captures large particles, including pet hair. The non-disposable filter is made of a fine mesh material that captures smaller particles such as pollen and dust.

Is Dog Hair Dangerous for Your CPAP Machine? 

Dog hair is not necessarily dangerous for your CPAP machine. The disposable filter captures most of the hair. This prevents it from entering the non-disposable filter or the user’s airway. If the disposable filter becomes clogged with dog hair, it can cause problems with the machine’s performance, and the user may experience difficulty breathing.

Additionally, if the non-disposable filter becomes clogged with pet hair, it can affect the machine’s performance. This can cause the user to experience difficulty breathing. It is important to regularly replace both the disposable and non-disposable filters to ensure the proper function of the CPAP machine.

Tips for Managing Dog Hair and Your CPAP Machine 

There are several steps you can take to manage dog hair and your CPAP machine:

  1. Keep your CPAP machine clean and dust-free, and consider keeping it away from where your dog sleeps or sheds.
  2. Brush your dog regularly and take steps to reduce shedding.
  3. Change the disposable filter at least once a month or more often if it becomes visibly dirty or clogged with pet hair.
  4. Wash the non-disposable filter at least once a month or more often if it becomes visibly dirty or clogged with pet hair.
  5. Consider using a HEPA air purifier in your bedroom to reduce the amount of pet hair and other impurities in the air.

Dog hair is not necessarily dangerous for your CPAP machine unless the filter becomes clogged. Regularly replacing disposable and non-disposable filters and taking steps to manage dog hair can help ensure the proper function of your CPAP machine.

Are you struggling to get the sleep you need? If you’ve tried our 5-day plan, but still have issues, it might be time to consider a sleep study. Visit: www.advancedhomecareonline.com/sleep-studies/ to get started. 

Get In Touch!

Are you - or someone you love - suffering from sleep apnea?

The End
but it doesn’t have to be…

READ MORE

How to Get Good Sleep With a Cold

How to Get Good Sleep With a Cold

The battle between a good night's sleep and the discomfort of a cold is a familiar struggle for many and can be especially scary for those with sleep apnea. As the sniffles...

The Massive Effect Light Has on Your Sleep

The Massive Effect Light Has on Your Sleep

Life is busy, and we understand that worrying about work and social commitments and dealing with digital distractions can often cause the quality of our sleep to take a back...

What Does Caffeine Do to Your Sleep?

What Does Caffeine Do to Your Sleep?

We all know that caffeine can give us that much-needed energy boost in the morning, helping us power through our day with a clear mind and focused attention. However, many...