DME did not think I needed a mask for when I have a cold!

[GumbyCT]

I know as bad as you feel when you get sick - I wouldn't want to go all nite without breathing on top of that.

Tell your RT they need to come here for training with CarbonMan....tada!!!

[Jersey Girl]

Oh, yes, I am sure that my RT would just love to train with Carbonman!

[Husky Lover]

I've struggled with sinus congestion and have been using sprays to get through the night. When I got a cold last week, I decided that I needed a full face. I'm on my second one now, I'm fortunate to have a CPAP store in town with a 30 day exchange policy. Unfortunately the second one that I got yesterday was worse than the first. My leakage alarm kept waking me so I ended up using the spray, which I'm trying to get away from, and went back to my nasal mask. I'll be trying #3 Monday! I'm not bothering mentioning the brands as I have found that the one I have the worst luck with may be the perfect fit for someone else.

But in keeping with the topic, I believe that a back-up FF mask for times of having a cold is necessary. How can someone vend solutions unless they've suffered from sleep apnea and fought the fights themselves?

[mattman]

I wonder if I'm weird in that I have 1 mask. A Comfort Gel. That's all I use. When I have a cold I still use my Comfort Gel. I've never been the type to keep multiple masks around for different situations.

I really wonder if I'm the exception or the norm for that?

[torontoCPAPguy]

I am sitting here as we speak with a dooooooozey of a cold. My nose is plugged.
Try a shot of Afrin. When some air gets moving put on the mask and set the humidity and heat as high as you can take it.
In my case I find that it keeps my nose and my lungs clear all night long. It is great!

As soon as I take the nose mask off and stop treatment the nose starts plugging up again.

Better a shot of Afrin or whatever and a good night of sleep than anything else, no?

Doctors are not always right. Some are downright ignorant. Some get by. Once in while you will find a gem.

Good luck.

[Jersey Girl]

Dear Torontocpaguy,

Hope you are feeling better soon!

Thanks for taking the time to post.

Warmly,

Jersey Girl

[GumbyCT]

Well I didn't want to use Afrin so I managed with the Vicks. I am sure there are other methods. And yea, the pressure actually helped keep me open too.

I wouldn't like the doc never mind a DME RT telling me that I can only have one mask - esp. if/when the insurance is willing. Much less suggesting I should sleep without the cpap. Can RT's dispense medical advise?

Isn't that dispensing medical advise? While trying to be lazy and not have to do any paperwork? Would a pharmacist tell you to go without your insulin?

[sleeplessinaz]

Dear Mattman:

You are not alone!! There are at least 2 of us then. LOL! I have 1 mask. Swift Lt for HER. That's all I use. When I have a cold or a stuffy nose, I still use my Swift LT for her. I've never been the type to keep multiple masks around either for different situations--even though I do have a plastic tub with masks in that I tried and hated. hahhahahaha!

Carrie