Colds suck

Flying_Norseman · Post by **Flying_Norseman** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 7:58 am

I could feel one coming on Sunday night and yesterday. I went to sleep with my CPAP mask on last night and did pretty well, but today I doubt I will be able to wear it. I use the Swift II nasal pillows and I doubt I will be able to breathe through my nose very much tonight. I have only been on CPAP for about 3 weeks and it is going really well for me. It's weird, but I am not looking forward to sleeping without the mask tonight.

floppysleeper · Post by **floppysleeper** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 8:14 am

You might need to make a run and get a different mask just for this reason. I had to when I had pneumonia. I know better than to sleep without my machine. The night it broke down on me I felt AWFUL the next day. Not bad but awful.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 8:53 am

It's funny, I was laying in bed last night watching TV, and my nose was stuffing up by the minute. I could not breathe out of one side at all by the time I was ready to go to sleep.

I put my full face mask on, and within 5 minutes, my nose was clear again. I guess the moisture really helps with that.

JQP

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 9:12 am

Don't feel like the Lone Ranger! Fine all day yesterday until late afternoon. Started sneezing, then nose dripping like a water faucet, then plugged up tighter than a drum. Phlegm in throat, then tight cough and chest. Then would have sworn I was burning up but only 100.2 temp. Astelin cleared the nose before I went to bed but a rough night. Low AI but HIs outta sight. Feel like I was shot at and missed and sh*t at and hit this morning.

Flying_Norseman · Post by **Flying_Norseman** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 9:13 am

I really don't have the means to go out and buy the FF mask right now. I asked my Doctor about what to do when I had a cold and he said that most people just don't use the CPAP for the duration of the cold. I will probably go get some decongestants on my way home tonight though. I have really become attached to the CPAP machine, so-to-speak.

papdaddy · Post by **papdaddy** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 9:29 am

When I get a cold and stuffed up nose I use a netti pot (small vessel filled with saline solution ) and rinse out sinus cavity. It opens nasal passage and the pressure from the machine should keep it open til morning. I also have used Afrin severe congestion nasal spray about 15 minutes before bedtime. with the pressure from the machine blows the nasal passage open. I have a rough time sleeping without my machine. With the above I have only missed 3 days due to sickness, in almost 6 years of xpaping.
Hope that helps,
Rich

Flying_Norseman · Post by **Flying_Norseman** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 12:38 pm

Thanks PDaddy, I will give that a shot.

mike199 · Post by **mike199** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 2:58 pm

Have you tried Breath Right Strips? I have had good luck with the strips and a decongestant or allergy pills when I had a cold or allergy breathing problems.

JeffH · Post by **JeffH** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 3:04 pm

[quote="Flying_Norseman"]I really don't have the means to go out and buy the FF mask right now. I asked my Doctor about what to do when I had a cold and he said that most people just don't use the CPAP for the duration of the cold. I will probably go get some decongestants on my way home tonight though. I have really become attached to the CPAP machine, so-to-speak.

sleepycarol · Post by **sleepycarol** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 3:20 pm

Not meaning to gross anyone out but I can't figure out how you can cleanse you sinuses with a netti pot and not have it run down your throat. When I was younger I used to have strep throat 3 or 4 times every winter and would have to gargle with salt water. Once I accidently swallowed it and boy did it make me sick -- to this day I still can't gargle with salt water due to the gag reflex (I know it is mind over matter but try telling it to my gag reflex). Any suggestions would be helpful as I have heard it can really help and I have severe allergies and would like to try it.

papdaddy · Post by **papdaddy** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 3:28 pm

Hi SleepyCarol. When you use a netti pot , you put the end of the "pot" in one nostril with you head tilted to the side. The saline will enter the nasal cavity and exit through the other nostril, removing any debris. If you do not try to breath while doing this it will not go down your throat at all. I t is a wierd experience at first to say the least. But the benifits far outweigh the awkwardness.
Rich

sleepycarol · Post by **sleepycarol** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 5:41 pm

Okay Thanks Rich.

I have been wanting to try it to see if it would help with my allergies but was afraid it would all run down my throat and start the gag reflex.

I know that our local Walgreens sells the kits.

drummergirl410 · Post by **drummergirl410** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 5:54 pm

I too do not like the thought of going so much of a night without my xPAP! I have severe allergies as well. I do use the Astelin spray and within seconds it cuts through the worst congestion. I also use an over the counter saline nasal spray almost every night, but especially if I'm even the slightest bit congested. Another thing I will do is to turn the humidity down if my nose is stuffy or running slightly. The extra moisture makes it worse, but the dry air helps clear it up. I'll be symptom free for a while afterward even. I will also attest to the xPAP's ability to "blow through" the stuffiness. It takes a few minutes and feels weird, but once it breaks through, it's like normal again. Hope the xPAP will work for you! I think that when you're sick is the time you need to get the good sleep so your body can recoup and get well. I hope it will work out for you.

Flying_Norseman · Post by **Flying_Norseman** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 8:13 am

Well thanks to the tips I got I was able to use the Cpap last night. I used Afrin and it cleared my sinuses up really well. It clearly doesn't last for 12 hours like they claim though. Anyway, it got me through the night. I made the mistake of putting my humidifier on hight though and I am stuffed up like a Thanksgiving Turkey today.

JeffH · Post by **JeffH** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 11:50 am

You don't need the Afrin.

Try this.

Get your nose as clear as you can before you go to bed and put the mask on. If in 5 to 10 minutes the air isn't blowing past your congestion, do what ever you need to get get it opened up, but try letting the air do it's job first.

JeffH

Mask

Additional Comments: Equipment isn't correct, S9 ASV w/H5i

Machine	Mask	Humidifier

Machine	Mask	Humidifier