Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on July 31, 2009 at 3:37pm

What do you mean by hydration to 4? What type of mask are you using? What type of machine? It is possible that now that your body is getting the o2 that it needs that this could be a reaction. It is not uncommon for new PAP users to get a cold or sick in some way.I would strongly suggest that you use your machine whenever you sleep. Sometimes lowering your humidity to one or turning off the humidifier will help with colds.

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Permalink Reply by susan mccord on July 31, 2009 at 4:02pm

Hi Rock--Ii mean humidifier setting that's part of my machine. The tech told me that, because my nasal passages and sinuses were feeling totally dried out, that raising the # might help. It was originally on #2, now it's on #4.It did help and then I caught this cold.
Don't know the actual name of the mask. The headgear says RESPIRONICS comfort series. It's a padded nose piece that has a plastic forehead support across the top. Machine is Respironics REMstarPro M series. My pressure Rx is 9. Re: getting sick, that's yet another piece of info I wasn't given. Why are these things not discussed fully with new patients? Half of my stress is new things happening (always at night), and either not knowing what I should do OR wondering if something's wrong because of something I'm doing.....for instance, the written info I was given is conflicting re; wearing mask with a cold vs. having a sinus infection and calling md before using the mask. So I had to wait to see if it was one or the other. It's a cold.

Thanks for your input. I feel like I'm out here flailing around like an idiot. -Susan

Rock Hinkle said:

What do you mean by hydration to 4? What type of mask are you using? What type of machine? It is possible that now that your body is getting the o2 that it needs that this could be a reaction. It is not uncommon for new PAP users to get a cold or sick in some way.I would strongly suggest that you use your machine whenever you sleep. Sometimes lowering your humidity to one or turning off the humidifier will help with colds.

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Permalink Reply by Marie Davis on July 31, 2009 at 4:09pm

I find moisture saline (can find in the baby department) helps me with my nose issues when I don't have a cold. You are in the right spot here for educating yourself! THis site can provide more experience than a lot of calls to your sleep institute. Susan, I too have been very frustrated with getting answers and have had to learn it all myself too. When I have a question I DO come here....we are the users and the groundbreakers in this miracle, life_CHANGING machines!! Hang in there it will get so much better for you!! I have been on treatment now for about 6 months and I am a changed woman, alert, happy, less fatigued and down right less crappy. Sorry I haven't had a bad cold yet but allergy season is almost here for me so I will be in your shoes then. . . 4 seems like A LOT of moisture to me though, don't over drown yourself or you will have seepage from your mask..hope you gets some suggestions here....Marie

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Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on July 31, 2009 at 4:11pm

When your airways are dried out it is better to raise your humidity. Now that you have a cold it would probably help to lower it. I would say to 1 if you can tolerate it. It is good practice to keep a full face mask for cases such as these. You can wear a FFM when you have a sinus infection, or a cold. the problem is that not all of the DMEs are fully educated with the equipment. Either the training is not available to them or they are too lazy to figure it out on their own. You have found a great resource in sleepguide.com.

susan mccord said:

Hi Rock--Ii mean humidifier setting that's part of my machine. The tech told me that, because my nasal passages and sinuses were feeling totally dried out, that raising the # might help. It was originally on #2, now it's on #4.It did help and then I caught this cold.
Don't know the actual name of the mask. The headgear says RESPIRONICS comfort series. It's a padded nose piece that has a plastic forehead support across the top. Machine is Respironics REMstarPro M series. My pressure Rx is 9. Re: getting sick, that's yet another piece of info I wasn't given. Why are these things not discussed fully with new patients? Half of my stress is new things happening (always at night), and either not knowing what I should do OR wondering if something's wrong because of something I'm doing.....for instance, the written info I was given is conflicting re; wearing mask with a cold vs. having a sinus infection and calling md before using the mask. So I had to wait to see if it was one or the other. It's a cold.

Thanks for your input. I feel like I'm out here flailing around like an idiot. -Susan

Rock Hinkle said:

What do you mean by hydration to 4? What type of mask are you using? What type of machine? It is possible that now that your body is getting the o2 that it needs that this could be a reaction. It is not uncommon for new PAP users to get a cold or sick in some way.I would strongly suggest that you use your machine whenever you sleep. Sometimes lowering your humidity to one or turning off the humidifier will help with colds.

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Permalink Reply by susan mccord on July 31, 2009 at 4:17pm

Thank you for your response, Marie. Jeez, I've already gotten more help from people on this site than from the people I'm paying!! I will try the saline. At this point, the moisture doesn't seep. My sinuses and nasal passage were bone dry which why the tech rec's increasing the humidifier. He had set it on 2 originally. I'm sure you'll see me on here frequently. This is frustrating, and kinda scary. Weird for me 'cause I'm not a dependent kind of person, so it makes me mad when I can't figure stuff out. Usually I can....oh well, these control issues die hard, don't they?!! lol

I'm grateful for your response. Thanks! -Susan McCord sjmccord@gmail.com

Marie Davis said:

I find moisture saline (can find in the baby department) helps me with my nose issues when I don't have a cold. You are in the right spot here for educating yourself! THis site can provide more experience than a lot of calls to your sleep institute. Susan, I too have been very frustrated with getting answers and have had to learn it all myself too. When I have a question I DO come here....we are the users and the groundbreakers in this miracle, life_CHANGING machines!! Hang in there it will get so much better for you!! I have been on treatment now for about 6 months and I am a changed woman, alert, happy, less fatigued and down right less crappy. Sorry I haven't had a bad cold yet but allergy season is almost here for me so I will be in your shoes then. . . 4 seems like A LOT of moisture to me though, don't over drown yourself or you will have seepage from your mask..hope you gets some suggestions here....Marie

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Permalink Reply by susan mccord on July 31, 2009 at 4:32pm

Rock, I just told Marie, on this site, that I've gotten more info here than in over a month's trying to learn about this apnea stuff. I feel like I've just found my soft place to fall!! I WILL try your suggestion re: turning down the humidifier tonight and see how that goes.

My DME tech DID say I could use a variety of masks and told me I could switch out if I need to, and to try a different mask whenever I'm eligible so I'll have one for whatever I need, when I need. He included FFM in that discussion. He's been on CPAP himself for something like 26 years, so I figure he knows what he's talking about, as do you, obviously. Problem here is he's extremely busy and hard to catch up with. However, there's usually a resp. tech who I can find if I'm really in a bind. I'm just tired and having to explain the whole thing over and over is just too much sometimes. That sounds really high-maintenance which annoys me, 'cause I'm typically good with problem-solving, coping, etc. BUT that's all more info than you need, I'm sure! Thank you SO MUCH for your input. Mike said you'd be very helpful, and you are. :-)

-Susan McCord sjmccord@gmail.com
Rock Hinkle said:

When your airways are dried out it is better to raise your humidity. Now that you have a cold it would probably help to lower it. I would say to 1 if you can tolerate it. It is good practice to keep a full face mask for cases such as these. You can wear a FFM when you have a sinus infection, or a cold. the problem is that not all of the DMEs are fully educated with the equipment. Either the training is not available to them or they are too lazy to figure it out on their own. You have found a great resource in sleepguide.com.

susan mccord said:

Hi Rock--Ii mean humidifier setting that's part of my machine. The tech told me that, because my nasal passages and sinuses were feeling totally dried out, that raising the # might help. It was originally on #2, now it's on #4.It did help and then I caught this cold.
Don't know the actual name of the mask. The headgear says RESPIRONICS comfort series. It's a padded nose piece that has a plastic forehead support across the top. Machine is Respironics REMstarPro M series. My pressure Rx is 9. Re: getting sick, that's yet another piece of info I wasn't given. Why are these things not discussed fully with new patients? Half of my stress is new things happening (always at night), and either not knowing what I should do OR wondering if something's wrong because of something I'm doing.....for instance, the written info I was given is conflicting re; wearing mask with a cold vs. having a sinus infection and calling md before using the mask. So I had to wait to see if it was one or the other. It's a cold.

Thanks for your input. I feel like I'm out here flailing around like an idiot. -Susan

Rock Hinkle said:

What do you mean by hydration to 4? What type of mask are you using? What type of machine? It is possible that now that your body is getting the o2 that it needs that this could be a reaction. It is not uncommon for new PAP users to get a cold or sick in some way.I would strongly suggest that you use your machine whenever you sleep. Sometimes lowering your humidity to one or turning off the humidifier will help with colds.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Moe-jo on July 31, 2009 at 9:34pm

I started my CPAP therapy when I had a cold and allergy symptoms. I started with a higher humidity setting and found that I had chest congestion that just wouldn't clear up despite using puffers. The humidity was the key. I had to turn it down. Once I turned the humidity down I was feeling better and off the puffers in no time flat.

As for feeling sleepy - I was very tired for a few weeks after I started therapy. My Resp. Therapist told me this could happen, and to expect it. It's like your body starts to recognize restful sleep, and then craves it. It hasn't completely subsided for me, but I've only been using my CPAP for two months. Every day gets better.

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Permalink Reply by susan mccord on July 31, 2009 at 10:07pm

Thank you so much for replying to my questions. I've learned a lot from this site and I just started today!

What # did you reset your humidity to? I'm gonna try it tonight and see what happens. Also, did you take any cold/allergy medicine early on when you were learning to be on CPAP? I've taken Xanax 1.0 for sleep for a long, long time. It's worked pretty well for me. I'm not going to d/c that until I know for sure I may be able to get by with pump. Besides I'll have to withdraw from it and I don't want to deal with that when I'm already anxious about this. I never take any more than Rx. I've also taken Nyquil the past 3 nights so I could breathe with the mask. It's worked fine, but I'm wondering what your experience is with cold/allergy meds and CPAP....

Thanks again for your time and thought, Susan McCord

Moe-jo said:

I started my CPAP therapy when I had a cold and allergy symptoms. I started with a higher humidity setting and found that I had chest congestion that just wouldn't clear up despite using puffers. The humidity was the key. I had to turn it down. Once I turned the humidity down I was feeling better and off the puffers in no time flat.

As for feeling sleepy - I was very tired for a few weeks after I started therapy. My Resp. Therapist told me this could happen, and to expect it. It's like your body starts to recognize restful sleep, and then craves it. It hasn't completely subsided for me, but I've only been using my CPAP for two months. Every day gets better.

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Permalink Reply by Moe-jo on August 1, 2009 at 11:58am

Hi Susan - I was just finishing a round of antibiotics - my chest congestion sounded like allergies to my doctor, but I have a tendency to develop pheumonia when I was like I was, and had had a fever one night, and fluid in my ear, so I was on the antibiotics for those reasons. I was using both a ventolin puffer and the steriod one - I can never remember the name of it. Otherwise, just Ibuprofen for discomfort.

I don't take antihistamines anymore because, for some reason, they make my legs have weird achy sensations, so I haven't used them for my allergy symptoms. I do use decongestants now and then, and don't find they have any particular interaction with machine use, one way or the other.

My family doctor recommended that I wait until my cold was cleared up a bit before starting the CPAP because it was a 30 day free trial, and she wanted me to have the best chance for success starting off. She knew starting it with a cold might present some challenges. I was too excited to wait, so I only waited a day or so before making arrangements to get the machine.

I started out with my humidity setting between 3 and 4 (I'll have to look back to see what model my machine is - I don't know if there's any consistency between machines with respect to the humidity setting.), anyways, when my chest congestion hadn't cleared up after the second week, I dialed back to just under 1, and it cleared up right away. I knew my prolonged symptoms had to be related to the machine somehow, because I have never needed puffers for my hayfever before. I have a "reactive airway" and usually need them for colds, but not allergies. My congestion hung on way longer than the cold. Once I cut back the humidity, I was set to go.

I was glad this resolved my problem, because the issue for me was that I was struggling to breathe out while wearing my mask. It felt like I was getting more air in than I could breathe out. My therapist also changed my C-Flex setting, and that helped ease the effort on exhalation, but it was getting the chest symptoms under control that really made the difference. Now, I am barely aware of the air movement at all.

Where I live it's been very humid, and I have no nasal irritation or problems with my humidity set to zero, which is where it is right now.

ETA: I appear to have the same machine as you - Respironics M-Series Pro. I think humidity settings would depend on a number of factors, though, so don't go by me, do what works for you! :-)

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Permalink Reply by Moe-jo on August 1, 2009 at 12:46pm

Susan wrote...
"What do you guys think,or what is your experience,with lack of initial education/support? I don't even have a f/u appt. with md till 3 weeks from now, which makes no sense to me when I'm starting what appears to be a difficult regimen of therapy, at least it has been for me to date. I'd appreciate any help. P.S. I'm a young 67 years old and a heart patient."

Susan, I don't know where you live, but I'm in Canada - my family doctor sent me for the sleep study, and I haven't had any follow-up with her other than to get my results, discuss treatment, and for the referral and prescription for my CPAP. I am on a waiting list for an ENT consult, and my family doctor wanted all this sleep stuff done while I was on the waiting list.

Everything that went through my DME was lightning fast. I see my Respiratory Therapist there, she followed up with me once per week during the first month, I am now due to go back at the end of my second month, then I will have to go three months after that, then six months. That's their typical follow up regimen. If I had any problems or issues, I could call for an appointmet, and they can fit me in within a day or so.

One thing I am confused about though, is who my "sleep doctor" is. At this time, it's my family doctor by default, but I don't know if that becomes something the ENT follows me for, or what. I will ask at some point for sure.

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Permalink Reply by susan mccord on August 1, 2009 at 2:06pm

Hi--good to hear from you again. I tried your idea about cutting back humidity last night--went from 4-3--I think it helped I'm gonna put it back to 2 tonight and see. That's where it was set originally. I live in a fairly humid climate too but am in a/c most of the time.

Sounds like you have a lot to deal with, bud. I'll hold good thoughts for you.

Hey, I'm gonna post a discussion report today, so check it out. I'd put it here but am too lazy to type it twice!! I know, pathetic!!

Moe-jo said:

Hi Susan - I was just finishing a round of antibiotics - my chest congestion sounded like allergies to my doctor, but I have a tendency to develop pheumonia when I was like I was, and had had a fever one night, and fluid in my ear, so I was on the antibiotics for those reasons. I was using both a ventolin puffer and the steriod one - I can never remember the name of it. Otherwise, just Ibuprofen for discomfort.

I don't take antihistamines anymore because, for some reason, they make my legs have weird achy sensations, so I haven't used them for my allergy symptoms. I do use decongestants now and then, and don't find they have any particular interaction with machine use, one way or the other.

My family doctor recommended that I wait until my cold was cleared up a bit before starting the CPAP because it was a 30 day free trial, and she wanted me to have the best chance for success starting off. She knew starting it with a cold might present some challenges. I was too excited to wait, so I only waited a day or so before making arrangements to get the machine.

I started out with my humidity setting between 3 and 4 (I'll have to look back to see what model my machine is - I don't know if there's any consistency between machines with respect to the humidity setting.), anyways, when my chest congestion hadn't cleared up after the second week, I dialed back to just under 1, and it cleared up right away. I knew my prolonged symptoms had to be related to the machine somehow, because I have never needed puffers for my hayfever before. I have a "reactive airway" and usually need them for colds, but not allergies. My congestion hung on way longer than the cold. Once I cut back the humidity, I was set to go.

I was glad this resolved my problem, because the issue for me was that I was struggling to breathe out while wearing my mask. It felt like I was getting more air in than I could breathe out. My therapist also changed my C-Flex setting, and that helped ease the effort on exhalation, but it was getting the chest symptoms under control that really made the difference. Now, I am barely aware of the air movement at all.

Where I live it's been very humid, and I have no nasal irritation or problems with my humidity set to zero, which is where it is right now.

ETA: I appear to have the same machine as you - Respironics M-Series Pro. I think humidity settings would depend on a number of factors, though, so don't go by me, do what works for you! :-)

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Permalink Reply by susan mccord on August 1, 2009 at 2:14pm

Moe-jo--I'm not getting NEAR that follow-up with DME. My guy there is really nice, says "call anytime", but he's rarely available--he calls back eventually but it's not prompt. I can often get another resp tx-st if I ask, but I've only done that once. I'm impressed that they actually scheduled you in for f/u. That would have helped me tremendously. Re: sleep md, I don't know either. I have f/u scheduled in about 3 more weeks with the neurologist who referred me for sleep study--my cardiologist referred me to HER, but she's not a sleep specialist. (?). I'm sure I'd do fine with resp. tx-st follow-up but don't know how to make that happen. I think I'll just call DME and raise thunder!!! I worked psych/med social work for a gazillion years and no one I know would EVER send someone out, regardless of the problem, without comprehensive f/u info.
Stupid, in my opinion.....

Moe-jo said:

Susan wrote...
"What do you guys think,or what is your experience,with lack of initial education/support? I don't even have a f/u appt. with md till 3 weeks from now, which makes no sense to me when I'm starting what appears to be a difficult regimen of therapy, at least it has been for me to date. I'd appreciate any help. P.S. I'm a young 67 years old and a heart patient."

Susan, I don't know where you live, but I'm in Canada - my family doctor sent me for the sleep study, and I haven't had any follow-up with her other than to get my results, discuss treatment, and for the referral and prescription for my CPAP. I am on a waiting list for an ENT consult, and my family doctor wanted all this sleep stuff done while I was on the waiting list.

Everything that went through my DME was lightning fast. I see my Respiratory Therapist there, she followed up with me once per week during the first month, I am now due to go back at the end of my second month, then I will have to go three months after that, then six months. That's their typical follow up regimen. If I had any problems or issues, I could call for an appointmet, and they can fit me in within a day or so.

One thing I am confused about though, is who my "sleep doctor" is. At this time, it's my family doctor by default, but I don't know if that becomes something the ENT follows me for, or what. I will ask at some point for sure.

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