do I use my CPAP when I have a cold??

Quick question.... My daughters have nasty colds and I feel it coming on myself... do I continue to use my CPAP when I'm sick??? Or will I just be spreading germs all into my machine??? I read the post about the sinus infection but not clear on the subject still.

Thanks!!

Only if the cold cures your sleep apena.

Seriously that is when I need it even more. A CPAP machine sucks in fresh air from the room so it does not get your germs in it that way. Washing the mask more would be in order. I have never had a medical condition so far when I could not use my CPAP in 4.5 years and hopefully I will not. Others may have other thoughts.

Here's an answer to your question by one of the most respected current contributors to the field.
http://www.health.com/health/condition- ... _2,00.html
You could also try switching to a full face mask if you are completely congested.

mountainlvr wrote:Quick question.... My daughters have nasty colds and I feel it coming on myself... do I continue to use my CPAP when I'm sick??? Or will I just be spreading germs all into my machine??? I read the post about the sinus infection but not clear on the subject still.

Thanks!!

It depends.......
For sinus infections, the general consensus is to suspend treatment (depending on the seriousness of the infection).
For other kinds, if you can keep the mask on and still breathe, the therapy may help get you over it sooner.
It would take quite a bit of effort on your part to be able to get "germs" blown back into your machine when the air is flowing. And, you can't re-infect yourself.

Den

I would make sure you use it --esp. if you are sick as it is even more important to get your sleep. I have never had a medical condition so far when I could not use my CPAP --even when I had colds ---I slept very well WITH my mask and machine --ON.

Carrie

Use the machine if you can. I was diagnosed almost 7 years ago and have never missed a night on cpap (except part of a night when we had a power outage and I don't have a battery --I do now). I have not had many colds since my diagnosis but have always been able to wear the mask even when I had one.

With a cold, I find the humidity helpful and sometimes turn it up just a bit during the cold. A full face mask might make it easier if you are quite congested. I have a full face mask on hand in case but I have not had to use it yet.

I managed fine with a nasal mask during colds. Now I use nasal pillows and have not had a cold since I started using them a year ago. If I get a cold and my nose gets irritated from blowing it, I'm not sure the nasal pillows will be a possibility so I have the full face mask ready.