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Is using xPAP while having a cold or flu potentially harmful?
I have a cold or flu and have tried to continue to use CPAP. Today, I have an earache...something I never usually experience. In my entire life, I've never had an ear infection. I'm going to see how I feel tomorrow and potentially get checked for ear infection/strept. In any case, it brings up an issue I've thought about many times before.
1) Can xPAP push an infection to the lungs (aka pneumonia)?
2) Can xPAP push an infection to the ears?
Anybody have any personal experience with this?
Also, I was wondering if I should have a dental appliance for when I'm sick. Anybody do that?
1) Can xPAP push an infection to the lungs (aka pneumonia)?
2) Can xPAP push an infection to the ears?
Anybody have any personal experience with this?
Also, I was wondering if I should have a dental appliance for when I'm sick. Anybody do that?
Views: 72
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on
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I know for me I need the most restorative sleep I can get when I am sick. That means I use my machine even with a cold or sinus infection. I recently had a severe cold and missed a few days of work due to it. I used my cpap and mask -- although since I was so congested I did use my back up full face mask.
I think it is an individual's choice. I have heard some say that they feel worse when using their machine and they will skip a day or two. If you do decide to skip I would try to stay on my side as usually sleep apnea is worse when sleeping on your back.
As far as pushing an infection deeper such as in to the lungs or ears I wouldn't think it would happen but am not a doctor.
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Permalink Reply by Duane McDade on
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Use your Machine Every single Day! Yes when you're sick too! When is it not good to breathe? Dental appliances only work if your only obstruction is your tounge. so, this would be a good question for your Doctor. Who would know the Nature of your obstruction.
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Permalink Reply by David on
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First, I have found in 3 years use that because I am getting more sleep, my incidents of colds and flu is amazingly way down. Second when it does happen, I set the humidity level way up so that it is less irritating. Third, I try to use a good nasal spray and sinus medications to clear things out just in time for sleeping. Feel better!
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Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on
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Make sure that when you are sick that you clean your machine after each use. With the humidity levels of the machine it can be a great incubator for germs and bacteria. Especially with strept. I do not think that the machine itself could make you worse, but not cleaning it could possibly allow germs /bacteria to be recycled back into your system. This could be why you feel that you are not getting better. Generally with a cold(at least in my experience) the longer you have it the worse it gets. For this reason I can't stress the importance of cleaning your machine. I see it all the time at our lab. A pt will come in with complaints of chronic colds, upper respiratory infections, and strep throat. We ask to see the machine and it looks like it has not been cleaned since they got it. Not that anybody here is like that, but it does happen.
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