26 Mar CPAP & Microplastics exposure
I came across an article that our patients may find interesting.
The article was published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine on 4th February 2026, Volumen 22, article number 25.
Mauad, T., Carvalho-Oliveira, R., Faria, C.S. et al. Does the use of continuous positive airway pressure devices pose a risk of microplastic exposure to the upper airway? A pilot study. J Clin Sleep Med 22, 25 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44470-025-00021-3
This article presents a pilot study investigating whether using CPAP devices, a standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), increases exposure to inhaled microplastics (MPs) in the upper airway.
Here is a comprehensive summary of the study’s goals, findings, and implications:
- Microplastics are tiny plastic particles (less than 5 mm) found everywhere in the environment. Researchers were concerned that the plastic components in CPAP machines—such as the main unit, filters, hoses, and masks—might degrade over time, causing patients to inhale microplastics during therapy.
- The study compared 21 regular CPAP users with 21 non-users (all diagnosed with OSA) to see if CPAP users had higher levels of microplastics in their nasal passages.
Key Findings
No Increase from CPAP: Surprisingly, the study found no significant difference in the total number of microplastics between those who used CPAP and those who did not. Both groups had microplastics present in their nasal fluid.
The most common types of plastic found in both groups were polyethylene and polyamide, which are standard environmental pollutants.
Only one type of plastic, Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), was found in higher concentrations in the CPAP group. EVA is sometimes used in the tubing of CPAP devices.
- The primary health implication isn’t “poisoning,” but rather chronic irritation. Having EVA microplastics in your nose is like having microscopic grains of sand constantly “ticking” your immune system, which can lead to persistent inflammation or a more sensitive airway over many years.
While CPAP use itself didn’t significantly raise overall plastic levels, the study found a strong link between the amount of microplastics present and markers of inflammation in the airway. Higher levels of microplastics were associated with increased inflammatory biomarkers (cytokines like IL-1β and IL-6).
Why This Matters
The results suggest that the microplastics found in our airways come more from the general environment (indoor and outdoor air) than from the CPAP machine itself. For context, the study noted that wearing a simple surgical mask for just two hours can increase microplastic levels in nasal fluid four-fold.
The association between microplastics and inflammation is a significant finding. It suggests that inhaling these particles—regardless of the source—may trigger immune responses or irritation in the respiratory system.
Conclusion
For common users, the takeaway is reassuring: regular CPAP use does not appear to significantly increase your exposure to inhaled microplastics. However, the study highlights that microplastics are a pervasive part of the air we breathe and are linked to inflammation in the upper airways.