Staph Infection in Nose:

[Phaleronic]

My mother (77yo) has a staph infection in her nose, she's on cpap treatment, uses distilled water in the humidifier tank and my father washes the hose and humidifier chamber every month or so, I'm wondering if it could be caused by her CPAP or not?   I have been using mine for 7 years and have not had an issue like this..

Thanks

[Sleeprider]

Anything is possible, but unless she loaned her equipment to someone with a staph infection, it's unlikely. The staphylococcus bacterium is present on a widespread basis on most of us, but is not normally infectious unless it enters a wound on the skin. That could happen with a CPAP mask, or pillows, if abrasion or any wound is present from another source. Staph infections are contagious and can be spread by toothbrushes, towels, coughs, sneezes or close skin contact. It's going to be really hard to identify a source or cause. It might be a good idea to up the cleaning game with an anti-bacterial like Control III during the infection. Be aware that anyone handling her equipment is especially vulnerable and need to use a disinfecting hand cleaner if a disinfectant is not used in the equipment washing process.

[Phaleronic]

Thanks Sleeprider, I will relay this.

[Melman]

20-30% of the population carry Staph. aureus in their noses and are generally asymptomatic. Your mom may be such a carrier and developed the infection due to some type of abrasion. It's unlikely she got it from her CPAP. Is she being treated with an antibiotic?

[Phaleronic]

She is going on antibiotics tomorrow as it's a five day treatment they want her on before she goes in for surgery.

[Snackers]

I had staph in my nose and my primary doctor prescribed mupirocin which is like vaseline.  Used it in each nostril 4 times a day and was fine within a few days.  Now I apply,y it only several times a week.