Colds/Flu

[res98]

I'm a 6 Month user...so be gentle. When you have a cold with sinus congestion, do you guys still use the machine. I've got HBP so I can't take decongestents.Will sinus drainage and the open pathways..take the congestion down to the chest easier?

My Top Pressure is 14

-Bob

[Panhandler]

I just went through the first real serious cold since I started CPAP, and it was a real challenge.

I tried benedryl with some success, and shifted from my nasal prongs (F&P Infinity) back to my UMFF mask, so I could breath through my mouth. Still wound up having to unmask several times per night to blow my nose.

I finally broke down and bought one of those sinus flush kits from the pharmacy. Used it morning and evening for a few days until I got better.

Not a high point in my CPAP experience, but I survived!!

[ctc1960]

I sympathize with you...I have a severe cold right now and am not able to breathe at all through my nose. I have been awake for nearly 40 hours and I am hoping the OTC cold medicine begins to work. I do not have an answer other than using a humidifier, however, that backwashed on me last night when I tried it fot the first time.

[RosemaryB]

[quote="ctc1960"]I sympathize with you...I have a severe cold right now and am not able to breathe at all through my nose. I have been awake for nearly 40 hours and I am hoping the OTC cold medicine begins to work. I do not have an answer other than using a humidifier, however, that backwashed on me last night when I tried it fot the first time.

[cflame1]

definately try the sinus rinse.

[Wulfman...]

I'm a 6 Month user...so be gentle. When you have a cold with sinus congestion, do you guys still use the machine. I've got HBP so I can't take decongestents.Will sinus drainage and the open pathways..take the congestion down to the chest easier?

My Top Pressure is 14

-Bob

Please fill out your profile (including pressure settings) so we know a little more about your setup.

I've heard that PAP usage should be discontinued if an actual sinus "infection" is present.

Try cool "pass-over" humidification and a full face mask.....and the nasal rinse, etc. Using heated humidification will probably only make it worse.

Make sure you're not mouth-breathing/leaking.

Den

[lilsheba]

I got my first cold since being on CPAP about a week ago. I had purchased a full face mask in preparation for this eventual situation I had to use the full face mask for about 2 nights....then I went back to my nasal masks. The twice daily Neil Med saline nasal rinse routine helped keep my sinuses clear thank goodness! So yeah it is possible to use the machine with a cold fortunately. I also had to crank up the humidity and the Cflex setting since my lungs are affected too.

Oh and drink lots of water...I've been drinking a 100 ounces or more a day and its helping also.