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Hard to use CPAP with a cold
I adjusted fairly well to sleeping with CPAP after the first couple of nights. Now, almost two weeks later, I've had a cold for almost a week. Postnasal drip and a dry cough -- I would have thought those were mutually exclusive, but I assure you they're not.
I use a nasal pillow mask, and I've ended up taking it off in the middle (or beginning) of the last few nights because the air pressure (or the increased flow?) irritated my throat even further, and the pressure leakage through my mouth when coughing feels difficult and weird.
I had gotten used to CPAP over the first week, feeling less sleepy during the day. Now, leaving it off because of discomfort, I feel like the walking dead, much worse than before I started CPAP. I'm constantly nodding off at my desk.
Anyone have the same experience with CPAP during a cold? Anyone find a way to get comfortable and keep the mask on?
I use a nasal pillow mask, and I've ended up taking it off in the middle (or beginning) of the last few nights because the air pressure (or the increased flow?) irritated my throat even further, and the pressure leakage through my mouth when coughing feels difficult and weird.
I had gotten used to CPAP over the first week, feeling less sleepy during the day. Now, leaving it off because of discomfort, I feel like the walking dead, much worse than before I started CPAP. I'm constantly nodding off at my desk.
Anyone have the same experience with CPAP during a cold? Anyone find a way to get comfortable and keep the mask on?
Views: 179
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on
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Some of us have a backup mask that we use. I have a full face mask that I use when really congested.
Have you tried a saline rinse such as a neti-pot? That might help the congestion.
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Permalink Reply by Rodney Stanford on
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I have almost the exact experience. I am also new to CPAP, adjusted well, then got a cold and am having similar difficulties.
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Permalink Reply by Daniel on
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When I get a mild cold, I find that the CPAP can help me breathe better. But when I have a severe cold, it makes things much worse. I lay off the CPAP for a few days, take Tylenol PM, and start up with the CPAP as soon as I can breathe better through my nose.
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Permalink Reply by St. Chris on
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I'm not congested at all -- I'm breathing perfectly well through my nose. It's the cough that causes the problem.
I did manage to keep the mask on for most of the night, only taking it off about an hour before the morning alarm. (I don't have trouble going back to sleep.) Still extremely tired, though.
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Permalink Reply by Melinda Hertel on
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Have you tried increasing the temperature setting on your humidifier? Also, there is a CPAP unit with heated tubing that creates a very comfortable and effective humidity--better than any other CPAP on the market. It's called a SleepStyle 604 or 608 made by Fisher and Paykel Healthcare. I use the 608 and love it. Living in Arizona makes for very dry air. So with a cold and irritated throat it's even worse. I have never NOT been able to use my CPAP since I started using the SleepStyle. I just raise the temp setting when I'm sick and it works. Of course, I still have irritation in the throat (when I'm sick) until the water heats up. But after the initial cool air disappears I am able to sleep.
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Thanks, Melinda! I had been thinking of turning up the humidifier, but hadn't tried it yet. That does make sense. I'm still a bit low on the learning curve. I'll turn it up tonight.
I probably don't need heated tubing, since I keep my room warm for sleeping. However, when I took my CPAP on a cabin camping trip last weekend, the night temperature was in the 50s. I didn't bother to set up a space heater, and I got massive condensation in the tube. I can see how heated tubing would be valuable in a cool room.
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Permalink Reply by amott1973 on
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I get that stupid cough every time I get a cold. It's related to my asthma and it SUCKS.
Here's what I do.
Sleep propped up on like 3 pillows or more.
Take robitussin DM which has an expectorant and suppressant.
Take sudafed (not the new fake stuff that doesn't work, but the kind you have to buy behind the counter. I use the 12 hour generic, it's super cheap and works)
Drink hot tea when it's really bad. Helps soothe the throat and melt away some of the draining stuff.
Sometimes I'll try chloraseptic throat spray which helps from the sore throat from coughing, but I'm wondering if it might also deaden that tickle that makes you cough too.
If all else fails I get my doctor to call in a script for tussinex. It costs me 40$ for a bottle, but this stuff WORKS! You'll sleep great with it. Just make sure you use your machine as it has codeine and that + sleep apnea can be bad.
Good luck! I know it's an utter pain in the ass. I can totally sympathize.
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