new to cpap and have a cold/ congestion

I got my cpap machine about a month ago, I got it with a nasal mask, it seemed like my nose was clear
when I first put it on but then it got stuffy, I think I might of been in the early stages of getting a cold
When I got the machine, I have kept trying the machine for a few weeks with bad stuffy ness off and on and
And I could barely use the machine and actually it was impossible to use and finally I got an appointment
and the insurance company gave me a mask that covers my nose and mouth, that worked really good for
The full night, it was actually the first full night I was able to keep a mask on a full night, then the next night
I tried to wear the mask and either my nose ran badly or water was comming from my mouth and into my mask
It was hard to tell exactly what was happening, now I have congestion with runny nose so I haven't been
trying to use the machine for the last week.

question........ should I be able to use the machine with a cold/runny nose

Hi - I think you may have been using the humidifier, on a high setting, and that could well have given you the congestion, etc. It's not a 'necessary' part of therapy, but a convenience, and if you don't need it (live in a more humid climate, or near water) then you should either turn it down or don't use it at all (haven't used mine in a long time). Do try it on a low or off setting for a couple of nights and see how things go... but, you may still get a cold or two in your lifetime , and that's always a good reason to have a full face mask on hand, whether or not you need it at other times.

What machine and humidifier are you using? I think you have chosen the wrong humidifier in your profile and the machine isn't showing up at all.

Since you chose a humidifier I assume you are using one....what setting are you using on the humidifier?
Some people find that either not enough humidity or too much humidity will cause the same symptoms that you are having and thinking it might be the common cold. Too much or too little humidity will mimic a nasty allergy attack complete with congestion, runny nose, itching and sneezing.

Let's figure out exactly what your equipment is and what settings you are using on that humidifier and see if making some changes will help the congestion.

But to answer your question...yes, we use our cpap machines when we have a common cold or upper respiratory infection. I find that the added humidity actually helps when I have a cold sort of like a hot steamy shower helps when we have a cold.

Google "cpap rhinitis" and I think you will see what I mean.
The thing about this humidity stuff is that some people need a lot of humidity and some people need very little humidity and its entirely personal preference that rules. There is no right or wrong...there is only what works for the individual.
If you are already using a lower humidity setting...try increasing it. If you are using a higher humidity setting try reducing it.

Since you chose a Respironics humidifier that was discontinued almost 10 years ago I assume that you are using Respironics equipment. So look on the bottom of the blower unit for a 3 digit model number which may have DS, REF or P in front or behind it. Tell us those 3 digits and then we can tell you exactly which machine to choose from the equipment menu.

You might try a nasal rinse...Many on this board including myself have used the NeilMed rinse which is available OTC at your pharmacy. It really clears your nose before bed. Once your nose is clear a moderate setting on your humidifier should keep you comfortable...especially with a FF Mask.

It would also be a good idea to find out if your cushion causes reactive congestion
where it presses on your nose. I cannot wear most cushion masks for this reason.
It is not an unusual thing.

[quo. enete="J ulie"]Hi - I think you may have been using the humidifier, on a high setting, and that could well have given you the congestion, etc. It's not a 'necessary' part of therapy, but a convenience, and if you don't need it (live in a or near water) then you should either turn it down or don't use it at all (haven't used mine in a long time). Do try it on a low or off setting for a couple of nights and see how things go... but, you may still get a cold or two in your lifetime , and that's always a good reason to have a full face mask on hand, whether or not you need it at other times.[/quote]

I have tried all different settings on the humidifier and even off, I guess I need to just keep trying different things I pretty much gave up on it since I got this cold but
I seen a few people said that they use the system even when they have a cold or with respiratory problems so I am going to keep trying different things, I have tried nasal rinse and a few other things but I am going to trying.

Doug