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Nasal mask users...what do you do when you have a cold?
I can't breathe through my nose right now so am not using my cpap. Do I need to get a full face mask?
What do others do? Thanks.
Views: 1279
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mike on
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Tough situation. I see that you have the following options: (i) You can do the nasal sprays/ nasal irrigation, and then try to use the nasal mask; (ii) use a full face mask; (iii) not use CPAP until you can breathe through your nose. The first two options are of course the best.
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the bottom line is that CPAP treatment relies on the nose being clear. You need to attack the cold or whatever the source of congestion is as aggressively as possible so that the coast is clear for effective CPAP treatment. For us PAPers, just letting a cold linger has devastating consequences.
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Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on
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Get a full face mask. I know I use one when I am really sick. Colds, at times, don't respond well to treatment as, at least for me, it needs to cycle the 7 to 10 days with a few of those being really nasty. No matter what cold remedy I have tried I have never had them work as good as the commercials on TV (LOL).
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Permalink Reply by Tim on
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I use a squirt or two of Afrin to open my nose up. I only use it before bed bed and I don't use it for more than three nights at a time.
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Permalink Reply by amott1973 on
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I tell you, it's hell! I use a Swift LT and love it, but last night was miserable for me. I have a heck of a cold, possibly going into bronchitis. I had to resort to the afrin last night, which I HATE! and even then I was sleeping miserably. Today during naps I found I couldn't use it at all, I've been sitting straight up to nap and only sleeping 15 minutes at a time. Hardly restful. I would be on the phone ordering a full face mask except that just TWO days ago, when I was still well, I ordered a new Swift FX mask. I can't canx the order as the DME special ordered it for me and I'm stuck with it (her words). If I don't get better soon though I think I might order one online out of pocket though. I'm so jealous of my husbands ff mask right now!
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Permalink Reply by Brandy Winteler on
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I figure this is the right place to put this, rather than starting a new discussion:
I have a hybrid mask and a cold. I found the pressure from my cpap against the sinus pressure I have right now is very painful for me. I had to take it off last night. I slept terribly. Yes, I can breathe through my mouth with the hybrid, but the pressure is also still going to my nose and the pain is just too much when combined with the discomfort from my cold. I'm not sure what to do :(
As for getting a full face mask, I think I would have the same problem. Besides, it won't help me right now.
Any suggestions so I can sleep (and not keep my husband awake with my snoring - which is aggravated by the stuffiness)?
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Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on
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I agree that a full face would probably have the same effect. You may want to talk to your doc about one of the oral devices on the market. Some members here would argue with me, but I do not believe them as efficient as PAP therapy. I do believe that it may do well for your situation.
Brandy Winteler said:I figure this is the right place to put this, rather than starting a new discussion:
I have a hybrid mask and a cold. I found the pressure from my cpap against the sinus pressure I have right now is very painful for me. I had to take it off last night. I slept terribly. Yes, I can breathe through my mouth with the hybrid, but the pressure is also still going to my nose and the pain is just too much when combined with the discomfort from my cold. I'm not sure what to do :(
As for getting a full face mask, I think I would have the same problem. Besides, it won't help me right now.
Any suggestions so I can sleep (and not keep my husband awake with my snoring - which is aggravated by the stuffiness)?
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Permalink Reply by Lisa on
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Does anyone else use menthol crystals in the humidifier when their nose feels bunged up? I've tried various nasal sprays but not found them very helpful. Mostly they make me feel more congested.
I was a bit wary of using the menthol crystals in my current humidifier (Resmed S8) as they advise against putting anything in the water. I had used menthol crystals in my previous Fisher and Paykel humidifier with no problems, but I was in Australia just after I got the S8 and found menthol crystals were both expensive and hard to find there. A pharmacist suggested I try eucalyptus oil instead. I found to my cost that using that was an absolute no no, as the oil caused the humidifier to disintegrate!
Because I have been feeling very bunged up recently I thought I would try the menthol crystals again. I have been using just a tiny amount in the S8's humidifier for a few weeks now and fingers crossed the plastic seems to be OK and I don't feel congested.
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Permalink Reply by RChatty on
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I went an entire 2 weeks with out my "pammy" because I had, (Yes, you're reading right), Terrible cough for 3 days, then sore throat for 3 days, then an UGLY cold for 1 day and then stomach flu for 2 days, then I had a sore throat again for 4 more days, then I gave it an extra day to get better. Finally, I used it again and 4 days later my mask broke. AARRRGHHH. Well, I did glue it so it'll work 'til I get a new one, but I had to sacrifice 2 nights out of the deal. It works though and I'm feeling a little better now.
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Try putting a little of the oil on a cotton ball and putting it next to the air intake of your machine. I do this with some relaxing essential oils I have and it works great (without spending a lot of money on an aromatherapy kit). This will probably be cheaper than menthol crystals and it won't destroy your machine. It is just the vapor getting through. Actually, I should get some eucalyptus oil and try it myself . . .
Lisa said:Does anyone else use menthol crystals in the humidifier when their nose feels bunged up? I've tried various nasal sprays but not found them very helpful. Mostly they make me feel more congested.
I was a bit wary of using the menthol crystals in my current humidifier (Resmed S8) as they advise against putting anything in the water. I had used menthol crystals in my previous Fisher and Paykel humidifier with no problems, but I was in Australia just after I got the S8 and found menthol crystals were both expensive and hard to find there. A pharmacist suggested I try eucalyptus oil instead. I found to my cost that using that was an absolute no no, as the oil caused the humidifier to disintegrate!
Because I have been feeling very bunged up recently I thought I would try the menthol crystals again. I have been using just a tiny amount in the S8's humidifier for a few weeks now and fingers crossed the plastic seems to be OK and I don't feel congested.
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I thought I was nuts for trying this, only I used a candle, not lit. We don't light candles at our house because of the dreaded fear we all have after having our house on fire several times. Anyway, I just put the candle by the intake filter and it worked great. I ought to try it with essential oils. I hadn't thought of that. Thanks for the great idea.
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