Btw, yes I cleaned it thoroughly with each use.

I take Xarelto and had a molar pulled and had no problem with excessive bleeding. My dentist had no conerns. Not saying you should do it but I wonder why so many opinions.

I use a cpap machine. Petey, I have to disagree with you. It's extremely rare for cpap machines to cause any of the infections that you mention. I visit cpaptalk, a good cpap on-line site. this topic comes up, as you would imagine. Studies have been done.

Essentially, filtered air passes over distilled water (but that's optional) through a hose to your mask. I use a machine to clean my hose, mask and humidifier daily, but the vast majority of long term users think that this is unnecessary. If you clean your hose and mask once a week it's fine. Many people never clean their hose.

It's hard enough to get people with unsuspected apnea, or even who are aware of their apnea, to use a machine. This is directly related to afib--your chances of having an episode if you have sleep apnea are higher.

So get and use the damn machine if you have sleep apnea! Especially if you have afib too. You'll thank me when you're suddenly dreaming again, and your day time mood and energy sky rocket.

My point was that you can't take one person's experience with oral appliances (Paul) and make a blanket statement about them (or anything like type of ablation or which anticoagulant is best),.. it depends on the person. Sally made the below statement about oral appliances as a result of Paul's experience:

"I was considering looking into the dental appliance, but I think I'll keep my CPAP for now."

If you keep your appliance clean (all you have to do is soak them during the day with a tablet), you shouldn't have a problem. If you have a pocket, like Paul, maybe the appliance isn't right for you, but in general, for those with mild or mild-moderate sleep apnea caused by jaw position, an appliance is usually the best choice.

The appliance is less complicated, less complicated to clean, and less obtrusive. Problems are rare. If your sleep apnea is mild to moderate, oral appliances are just easier to deal with. My oral appliance has helped my daytime jaw position. My wife is glad I don't have a machine because the appliance makes no noise.. So for people like me, the oral appliance is much better. People with more severe sleep apnea are better off with cpap, particularly if you don't have jaw problems. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine supports this.

I didn't make up the cpap and sinus infection connection, which according to cpap.com, are common enough to mention. The website is excellent for cpap users and they provide guidance on preventing infection. See below:

http://www.cpap.com/cpap-faq/New-CPAP-User.html

What can I do for sinus and congestion relief? A lot of new CPAP users report having an increase in sinus congestion after starting CPAP therapy. When treating your obstructive sleep apnea, sinus congestion presents a roadblock to healthy breathing. CPAP air is an irritant - to one degree or another - to everyone. The irritation may cause the nasal passages to dry out and bleed, or the mucous membranes may try to protect the nasal passages by producing excess mucous and so congestion results.

Many CPAP users find (Bacteria Filters) them helpful in reducing the occurrence of sinus infections and other nasal issues.
Sinus infections and nasal congestion often result from the failure to care for and replace disposable equipment regularly.

So cpap and oral appliances are both good, with minimal problems... but it all depends on your situation and preferences.

petey

My post was getting long, so I decided to post the below separately concerning cleaning a cpap. It seems the filter is the only thing to clean on the machine, but the mask and hoses require more frequent cleaning. It IS more complicated then the oral appliance.

More from cpap.com:

"How often should I clean my filters? Washable foam filters should be cleaned as soon as they become discolored. Manufacturers recommend foam filters be rinsed weekly under clear running water and allowed to air dry before being reinstalled in the machine. If the machine is used in a very dusty environment, the foam filter may require more frequent cleaning.

The Tube Cleaning System is a tube care kit to rinse, soak and dry the hose.
The CPAP Tube Brush Second Gen is used to scrub the inside of a tube. It is available for both slim line and standard diameter hoses.
A SnuggleHose Cover wraps the length of the tube in soft fleece material. Although its intention is to help reduce rainout (water collecting in the tube) many CPAP users report it deters pets from using the hose as a chew toy. The SnuggleHose is available for 6 foot; 8 foot and 10 foot hoses.

How often should I replace my CPAP hose? CPAP hoses can last a long time, sometimes up to a year if taken care of properly.

Signs of wear include dry, cracked places on the inside lining or on the rubber ends; "stretch marks" near the rubber ends; mineral deposits or mold from water left inside the hose; or a visible puncture or tear in the material.

How do I care for my mask? Masks should be washed daily with warm water and gentle soap or baby shampoo. Let the mask air dry. Never use antibacterial soap as it will break down the silicone of the mask cushion. Avoid soaps that include lotion which can coat the mask and cause it to lose its seal. A safe cleaner is the Control III Disinfectant CPAP Cleaning Solution.

Remember, going to bed with a clean face will improve your seal and protect the lifespan of your mask.

petey

I know the cpap users are going to be all over me for this, but a company that sells cpap machines (not oral appliances), Valley Sleep Center, says this:

"HOSE:

Your CPAP / BIPAP hose is your high risk item for micro contaminate growth of mold, mildew, fungus and bacteria. The hose is exposed to a wet, damp, moist and warm environment all the time, which will condensate in the center 2 feet of your CPAP / BIPAP hose, where it makes a big U shape where it bows from the CPAP / BIPAP unit to the bed and your mask. The hose has lots of rolls and ridges in it and it is very difficult to keep clean. You will rarely ever wear out your CPAP / BIPAP hose or break it. The reason that most insurance companys will replace the hose every 90-days is to reduce the incidence rate of mild upper respiratory infections, nasal congestion, phlegm and mucus in the back of the throat from inhaling micro contaminate mold, mildew, fungus and bacteria. Everyone has heard of Legionnaires Disease, which was an infected humidified A/C delivery system to such a degree that it killed people. Our respiratory system is very delicate and sensitive to airborne contaminates and you should take every step to protect yourself by replacing your CPAP / BIPAP hose every 90-days."

http://valleysleepcenter.com/replace-cpap-mask-supplies/

Petey,
You just gave me one more thing to worry about ! Just kidding....thanks for the information.

I have a Res Machine - Air Sense 10. Do you know if just washing it out with soap and water vs one of those So Clean CPAP Cleaner and Sanitizer Machines is better? Is it worth - $300 to get one of those. I did find out that I have to get a special adaptor for my machine as well. Does anyone have a So Clean Machine?

Quick note: The one thing that I did buy is a CPAP Pillow. It makes it so much easier to sleep with the mask on.
Sally

Yes, I have a so-clean and I love it. Apparently they go on sale from time to time. I paid a lot for mine but I think it's worth it, for peace of mind if nothing else.
Nevertheless, I'm still going to suggest that Petey is making far, far more out of the dangers of cpap machines, in terms of infection, than really exists.
Look, you're breathing the exact same air as you would if you did not have a machine--except that you run it through a filter first. It's the air in your bedroom. I'm not going to go over every point that petey makes; just, if you're scared off by all of this, go to your doctor and ask about the safety of cpap machines. I mean, citing Legionaires Disease!!! come on... this is fear mongering to sell product. The rolls and ridges of hoses is on the outside, not the inside. Hoses are easy to clean; millions of people do so safely every day. "our respiratory system is sensitive to airborne contaminants"...yes, again, non-cpap users also breathe this horrible, noxious, potentially deadly...air.

I didn't write the articles. I think they are overkill. The idea that dental appliances are likely to cause infections is overkill too.

Lfo1,
You mention alivecor. The only app I found on the App Store is aliveECG, that's a veterinary product.