First night, what a disaster!

[oldgeezer]

So, after all the crap to get diagnosed, and get the machine of my choice, what a lousy first night. I'm not disillusioned, I just got so excited about getting the therapy I needed. Who new I would get my first cold in years yesterday! By 11PM after 2 hours of trying to settle down, I ripped the mask off my face. I had so such high hopes. Don't get me wrong, I'm now loaded up with nose spray, cold and sinus crap and am ready for tonight.

On a different note, went to the DME to pick up my machine and orientation. The women who set me up was great. She also confirmed what is told time and time again at this site, DON''T TRUST THE DMEs... Their machine of choice is Respironics, not because of any technical benefit they may have, but simply
because they get a deal on them. She was very happy I got the ResMed, and as a fellow CPAP user was hoping to get my machine next time around. I say this not because I have a clue if any machine is better than another, just to remind those who need reminding, there are all sorts of considerations (mostly the all mighty buck) that plays a huge part in this process.

[chunkyfrog]

The choir nods in affirmation.
Welcome, geezer.

[STL Mark]

Hang in there, getting through the first week is the hardest. Having a cold really adds to the problems. Start each evening with a new outlook in seeing if you can make it through. You may find that a different mask works better when you are dealing with cold/flu like symptoms.

[Bons]

Some people, like my daughter, take to using the paps like ducks to water and see immediate relief. For others of us, it can take more time. Took me months to feel better and sleep most of the night, but it's worth it in the end.

[Starlette]

Good evening Oldgeezer.

Welcome to the forum.
What Chunkyfrog said - I agree

atm I have a cold too. I couldn't use my apap the night before due to the air. When I would inhale, it would worsen the scratchy throat and then I'd want to cough a time or two. However, I slept like a baby, go figure So yesterday for me was crappy and living the day in a fog. I know you know what I mean. Around 8pm, I'll do the same thing by taking a Zyrtec recommended to me by Hubbs. I know I'll be able to use my apap tonight. It's not fun to have OSA have to deal with a cold at the same time

Starlette

[kempo]

Welcome to the forum geez. For most of my life my nose starts getting stuffy right before bedtime. It"s weird, I know. There is a product call AYR nose gel. I use it every night before I go to bed. It works great for me. You can buy it at Wally World or Walgreens. After you get over your bug give it a try.

Good Luck!

[BlackSpinner]

For a cold try cranking up the humidity as high as it will go. Lots of hot, humid air helps with colds or any bronchial issues. Remember those steam humidifiers you were always told to use with babies when they had a cold? This is almost as good!.
Put some vicks (or Tiger Balm) on a tissue and put it near the air intake (NOT IN THE HUMIDIFIER)

Personally cpap is the bomb when I have a cold. Works better then all the OTC meds!

[Riorican]

For years I've used saline spray, morning and night, to keep my nose clear. Recently I read a post here about using nasal spray that contains xylitol. Choices I've found are Spry and Xlear. This works so much better for me than plain saline and when I do get a cold, it allows me to completely clear my nasal passages. Can buy online or health food stores.