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What do you do for congestion or when you have a cold?
I'm about 4 weeks into adjusting to my new CPAP. I use the ResMed Escape II machine with the Swift LT for Her Nasal Pillows.
I've had some of the difficulties others have described: feeling a bit smothered, mask slipping when I shift position, etc. What I'm finding most problematic is what to do about nasal congestion. Right now it's mild, and I've been taking Sudafed once in a while every couple days, but 1) I don't want to be Sudafed-dependent and 2) I can imagine not being able to use the nasal pillows at all in the height of allergy season or with a cold.
So here are my questions:
1) Some people have reported owning a full-face mask for when they can't breathe through their noses -- how common is that?
2) How do you prevent / treat congestion due to allergies on a long term basis?
3) When I have a cold and sinus congestion, is it better to leave off using the mask?
4) Are there any special equipment cleaning/sanitizing procedures I should follow when I do get a cold?
Thanks.
I've had some of the difficulties others have described: feeling a bit smothered, mask slipping when I shift position, etc. What I'm finding most problematic is what to do about nasal congestion. Right now it's mild, and I've been taking Sudafed once in a while every couple days, but 1) I don't want to be Sudafed-dependent and 2) I can imagine not being able to use the nasal pillows at all in the height of allergy season or with a cold.
So here are my questions:
1) Some people have reported owning a full-face mask for when they can't breathe through their noses -- how common is that?
2) How do you prevent / treat congestion due to allergies on a long term basis?
3) When I have a cold and sinus congestion, is it better to leave off using the mask?
4) Are there any special equipment cleaning/sanitizing procedures I should follow when I do get a cold?
Thanks.
Views: 446
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on
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I own a full face mask for when I am sick with a cold or flu. I typically use a nasal pillow mask.
Use a neti-pot for the congestion. It helps and gets rid of the gunk clogging you usually.
When I am sick I find that I need the machine even more since I need the rest to fully get over the cold or flu. I have read where some doctors recommend not using it in a sinus flair up but I have kept using my machine with no ill effects.
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Permalink Reply by LilaH on
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Any suggestions for choosing a full face mask? The full face mask allows you to breath through your mouth, I'm assuming. Do can you use the same titration?
sleepycarol said:I own a full face mask for when I am sick with a cold or flu. I typically use a nasal pillow mask.
Use a neti-pot for the congestion. It helps and gets rid of the gunk clogging you usually.
I've always been curious about neti pots. They really work?
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I use the Fischer and Paykel Flexi-fit 431 full face mask. I have tried many full face masks and haven't had much luck with them. Everyone is very different and what works best for me, maybe your worst nightmare. Our face structure is different person to person and is probably the main reason for this.
I would go into the DME and ask to try several of the full face masks with the pressure you are prescribed. Lay down and and assume your sleep position and then move around some to see if the mask is comfortable and leakage is under control. If you plan on using an online DME I suggest try www.cpapauction.com. You can pick up masks there for a fraction of the cost and if you can't use it you can turn around and relist it.
I know many users are adamant about the neti-pots. I don't use it on a regular basis, but when congestion is bad I have used it. It helps clear the gunk out and you should be able to breathe easier.
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Permalink Reply by bonesigh on
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When I first stared out on therapy I had a lot of trouble with nasal congestion too. I think it takes time for the brain to adjust to the air up the nose. I'm sure it will get better for you. In the meantime use the neti pot, it works wonders. My full face mask is a Mirage Quattro which is a bit large even at the small size but it is comfortable and does not leak, usually anyway. I clean my unit as usual during a cold. Mask every night before bed and the rest once a week, well, sometimes every other week. Stick with it and good luck!
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sleepycarol said:If you plan on using an online DME I suggest try www.cpapauction.com. You can pick up masks there for a fraction of the cost and if you can't use it you can turn around and relist it.
Wow, I'd never been to CPAPauction. Thanks for the link.
sleepycarol & bonesigh:
did you buy your full face mask specifically to use when you had a cold? Or did you once use it all the time before getting nasal pillows?
Lila
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I started out using a full face mask. The night of my titration I was told many have trouble with air rushing out the mouth and I said well we might as well try a full face mask then. I have learned I do not mouth breathe and switched to the nasal pillow masks. I have the software where I can monitor my leak rate and if I see a problem it is taken care of immediately.
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Permalink Reply by Dave on
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I recommend the nasal irrigation from the same people who make netipot:
http://www.neilmed.com/usa/products.php
The naslal irrigator/nasal wash works slightly BETTER than netipot, but don't pressurize yourself too much by squeezing too hard....it would cause discomfort/pain in ears....I believe this is established fact that the light pressure helps irrigate better (says so in neilmed's own documentation)
If you are a mouth breather, you may have serious sinus, deviated septum, polyp issues, etc....(i do).......working with an allergist may also help.
1) Some people have reported owning a full-face mask for when they can't breathe through their noses -- how common is that?
If full-face masks are needed for you to have treatment while having a cold - go for it!
2) How do you prevent / treat congestion due to allergies on a long term basis?
Nasal Irrigation is good, but work with a good allergist in your area.
3) When I have a cold and sinus congestion, is it better to leave off using the mask?
No, you need to rest more than ever.....but you need to get to sleep to, so you may need to modify your routine to find something that works.
4) Are there any special equipment cleaning/sanitizing procedures I should follow when I do get a cold?
Read the documentation for your various products......for the humidifier bin I use white distilled vinegar diluted with distilled water.....nothing wrong with cleaning a little extra if you are concerned.....but make sure everything always dries out after you wake up (don't put in sunlight though).....this is probably the most important for long-term health
also, get other opinions and discuss with your doctor...as I am a patient just look you...the above is my opinion formed from others and is not necessarily the only way/fact.
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Hi, I use a full face all the time at this point. I occasionally breath through the mouth. I've tried many masks including the nasal pillows mask with the mouth piece but my pressure is so high it makes the nasal pillows pop out of my nose. Wish I could use one of those Swift lite for her masks. They look down right luxurious compared to the one I have now. Again, good luck to ya!
LilaH said:sleepycarol said:If you plan on using an online DME I suggest try www.cpapauction.com. You can pick up masks there for a fraction of the cost and if you can't use it you can turn around and relist it.
Wow, I'd never been to CPAPauction. Thanks for the link.
sleepycarol & bonesigh:
did you buy your full face mask specifically to use when you had a cold? Or did you once use it all the time before getting nasal pillows?
Lila
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Permalink Reply by Mike on
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Like Dave said, you should try to work on your allergy issues with an allergist. the whole point of CPAP therapy is to clear obstructions so that oxygen can get into your system properly. to the extent you can use special allergen free pillows/linens and otherwise avoid the obstructions that develop in your sinuses, you'll go a long way toward optimizing your CPAP therapy.
Dave said:I recommend the nasal irrigation from the same people who make netipot:
http://www.neilmed.com/usa/products.php
The naslal irrigator/nasal wash works slightly BETTER than netipot, but don't pressurize yourself too much by squeezing too hard....it would cause discomfort/pain in ears....I believe this is established fact that the light pressure helps irrigate better (says so in neilmed's own documentation)
If you are a mouth breather, you may have serious sinus, deviated septum, polyp issues, etc....(i do).......working with an allergist may also help.
1) Some people have reported owning a full-face mask for when they can't breathe through their noses -- how common is that?
If full-face masks are needed for you to have treatment while having a cold - go for it!
2) How do you prevent / treat congestion due to allergies on a long term basis?
Nasal Irrigation is good, but work with a good allergist in your area.
3) When I have a cold and sinus congestion, is it better to leave off using the mask?
No, you need to rest more than ever.....but you need to get to sleep to, so you may need to modify your routine to find something that works.
4) Are there any special equipment cleaning/sanitizing procedures I should follow when I do get a cold?
Read the documentation for your various products......for the humidifier bin I use white distilled vinegar diluted with distilled water.....nothing wrong with cleaning a little extra if you are concerned.....but make sure everything always dries out after you wake up (don't put in sunlight though).....this is probably the most important for long-term health
also, get other opinions and discuss with your doctor...as I am a patient just look you...the above is my opinion formed from others and is not necessarily the only way/fact.
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Permalink Reply by Jim Bayer on
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I've been through just about every mask/interface on the market. I'm still looking for a better one but right now I'm using a Mirage Quattro. I had the Flexi-Fit mask too which is also a full face mask. I use the full face mask all the time due to sporadic congestion and mouth breathing, My wife is a VERY light sleeper so any noise is a big problem for her. The full face mask seems to be better.
At any rate, when I'm congested I find it helps me to crank up the humidity to tropical level. For some reason it really makes my sinuses open up and I can breathe a lot easier.
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WELL ACCORDING TO MY ALLERGIST I'M THE MOST ALLERGIC PERSON HE HAS EVER TREATED. I take Aleve cold medicine and benadryl about an hour before bed. I can understand not wanting to become dependent on medications but with something as chronic as allergies there isn't a lot of options.
I will be returning to the allergist in the next month for testing. The type of allergist I go to sends the premixed allergy serums home with the patient and I take a shot every day for either foods, molds or inhalents. The shots make a tremendous difference.
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so I spent the last week being bombarded by germs and viruses from a slew of sick toddlers in my family and my friends' families, and now I'm sick as a dog. i was super congested last night and despite taking a couple of Benadryl and using the Neti Pot before bed, couldn't seem to get enough air with my nasal mask (and I despise my full face mask), so I slept without the machine last night. I hope I'll be cleared up enough to use it tonight.
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