Head cold!

started CPAP almost 2 weeks ago with a rocky relationship. Now I have developed a nasty head cold and haven't used the CPAP at all the last 2 nights. So to be compliant, I have to start using it again tonight. How the heck does this even work with a stuffy nose that clogs up then drains through the night? will i have to keep removing the cushion to wipe my nose? UGH. I have been taking cold medicine and using saline spray which is helping but since this is for life, any advice dealing with issues like this would be most helpful. THANKS

Read my comment on "Runny Nose and Sneezing" it may apply.

I had a cold with a constant cough over the holidays. I was coughing all day even with cough medicine. Using my machine at night allowed me to sleep without coughing and helped keep my sinuses open.

Now it could also be that your nasal mucosa is not happy with your humidity level. Google CPAP rhinitis. Dry mucosa can actually cause a runny nose. Try increasing humidity and if that doesn't help try decreasing. Drinking plenty of water during the day will help with your night time hydration. Everyone has different mucosa humidity needs and it may take a few trys to get it right. Sometimes at first your nasal mucosa rebels to the increased air. If it continues to be a problem, you might try a FF mask so the air is not going directly into the nose. Using the Saline Spray is good but you might also look into using a NetiPot for nasal rinses.

Use a nasal rinse before bed...NeilMed is very popular. It also helps to use a Full Face Mask in these instances where you can breath through your mouth while still getting your CPAP therapy. Cold or not, you need yo be compliant or you could lose your CPAP.

CPAP will likely help clear your sinuses. One of the main benefits for me is that it has decreased the frequency of my ongoing sinus issues.

Nasal rinsing in the evening seems to work for some, but for me it makes things worse. Especially if I have a cold and already have free-flowing mucous. On a good day, after nasal rinsing, it takes hours and acrobatics to get the water out of my nasal passages.

I ended up switching to a full face mask. Nothing else worked. Fortunately, the previous owner of my used cpap threw it in or I'd have had no options. I was fortunate it fit my face. Within 10 minutes of putting the Dreamwear on, I could not breathe out of my nose. Tried different humidity and no humidity and just couldn't get it to work. Of course, neither the Swift nor the Airfit P10 would work. This was my first cold since getting cpap as well. Normally, when I get sinus infection, I use my Circadian mask because of the pressure, but just couldn't breathe with that either. Anyway, the full face worked although I got the sad face for leaks the third night. I'm using a Walgreens sleep mask to keep any air from blowing in my eyes.

Because you MUST meet compliance or lose your machine, my suggestion is to use it as much as you can and then sit up in a chair and use it until you have 4 hours logged for the day.

I have had a horrible head cold for the past four or five days. Been in inhalers, currently taking anti-biotics. Probably will be on prednisone soon. It started out as a sinus thing with post nasal drip/sore throat. I thought I had it kicked then early this week it SLAMMED ME. Took me out. So I filled my anti-biotic prescription and this Incruse Ellipta thing my doctor gave me (he says its to prevent it from going into my chest I have a history of bronchitis....starts out in my sinuses and goes into my chest). He gave me the other one last year, Breo Ellipta, I think its whatever he has as samples at the time. All he cares about is it "does not go into my chest." I also had a pneuomonia shot last year, first pneumonia shot Ive ever had, also I got the first flu shot Ive ever had this past year.

Im on a lot of drugs right now, its awful

This is one of the reasons I want to move onto getting a MAD oral appliance soon. If I can trade that stupid full face mask, mashed up on my face all night for an OA that only gives me some jaw or teeth pain, by all means Id trade. As long as it treats my OSA OK. The CPAP gives me little help anymore anyway the way I run the thing.

SewTired wrote:....Because you MUST meet compliance or lose your machine, my suggestion is to use it as much as you can and then sit up in a chair and use it until you have 4 hours logged for the day.

I second this strategy. Use it while watching tv, reading a book, anything, to get your four hours a day.