I Can't Use My Nasal Pillows With a Cold

crankybear · Post by **crankybear** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 4:42 pm

I am new to sleep apnea and have been on my CPAP machine for about a month now. I have adjusted over the weeks with no issues, until now. I had a cold and my nose is congested. I have not been using my machine during my cold. Any recommendations?

TiredMominCanada · Post by **TiredMominCanada** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 5:06 pm

Hi there, I'm only just over a week in myself and ended up with a cold last week. I've been using a nasal mask and couldn't breathe through my nose so I went and got a full face mask from the DME to use for a few days. I also put a cotton ball dipped in vicks near the air intake of the machine and cranked the humidifier up.I don't know if it's a coincidence or not but that was the shortest cold I've ever had! I have to return the full face mask with the loaner machine next week. Once my prescription is finalized I'm going to order a full face mask to have on hand in case of a cold. With little kids colds are quite common in my house!!

Mundy · Post by **Mundy** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 5:16 pm

I caught a cold after only a couple weeks on CPAP too. I had to trade in my nasal pillow mask for a full face mask at my DME. I was able to get a Swift FX too after my cold so now I have both available to use as needed. Too bad insurance won't pay for two masks right away as I think many people are more comfortable having both.

Sir NoddinOff · Post by **Sir NoddinOff** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 5:19 pm

crankybear wrote:I am new to sleep apnea and have been on my CPAP machine for about a month now. I have adjusted over the weeks with no issues, until now. I had a cold and my nose is congested. I have not been using my machine during my cold. Any recommendations?

I advise to continue using the machine. Actually I use both a mask and nasal pillows from time to time. I vastly prefer my nasal pillows during a period of congestion with the usual cold symptoms. The air directed straight into my nose helps keep my sinuses clear and thereby, my throat seems to get less raw, plus drainage is greatly reduced. There is one caveat: If my sinuses get inflamed, which is rare, then I like the nasal mask better. You'll just have to experiment and find out what works best for you. Good luck, hose up and get well soon!

johnthomasmacdonald · Post by **johnthomasmacdonald** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 6:18 pm

try sudafed or another decongestant an hour or so before going to bed

I Can't Use My Nasal Pillows With a Cold

I Can't Use My Nasal Pillows With a Cold

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Re: I Can't Use My Nasal Pillows With a Cold

Re: I Can't Use My Nasal Pillows With a Cold

Re: I Can't Use My Nasal Pillows With a Cold