CPAP with a cold?

[TiredMominCanada]

So of course the school year has begun and the little germs have arrived home with my kids.

Less than a week in to CPAP and I have a cold!

I've heard that some doctors advise not to use the machine if you have a cold because it can cause ear issues. Is there any truth to this? The DME has given me a full face mask to try so I'll use that tonight. I'm not completely plugged up but had trouble with the nasal mask last night.

Thanks!

[Julie]

Hi - it probably could cause ear issues IF you tried to get by with only a nasal mask as you'd be so stuffed up and not breathing properly, that efforts to do it along with Cpap pressure might be too strong for your ears to sustain - I'm just speculating - so it's good that you have a FF mask to use (hope it works!).

[BlackSpinner]

A CPAP is a bloody wonder if you have a cold. Turn up the humidity as far as it will go and it clears your nose and helps your cough. Put some Vicks or Tiger Balm on a cotton ball at the air intake to add even more bliss.

[Pugsy]

Ear problems with cpap use are rather rare. Most of us do what BlackSpinner does...crank up the humidifier and it really does help. I have used nasal pillows exclusively for over 3 years...2 colds..no ear problems.
Should you develop ear pain though...see the doctor for sure immediately. Rare doesn't mean impossible.

[nanwilson]

Those that use a nasal mask only, usually have a back up full face mask for times like this. I find that being on the hose seems to lessen the cold. As a matter of fact, I woke up this morning with a scratchy throat and stuffy head....my granddaughter has had a cold for a week...guesse who has it now
Feel better
Nan

[archangle]

CPAP sometimes makes your ears pop like going up and down in an airplane due to air going up your Eustachian tube. Some people are probably concerned that it will push germs and gunk up into your middle ear.

I guess it's theoretically possible, but remember that only a small amount of air goes up the tube to equalize pressure unless you have a ruptured eardrum or other hole in your head. It's not like there's a continuous airflow. You'll also be pushing a lot more air up there every time your sneeze or blow your nose.

A cold can mess up your inner ear even without CPAP. I haven't seen any evidence CPAP makes it worse.

[locust78]

For me, CPAP works like a non-medicinal decongestant when I have a cold or allergy issues. The pressure opens up my sinus passages & allows me to continue to breathe through my nose when it otherwise would be shut. I think this also prevents my sinuses from cascading into a cycle of blockage/worse cold/infection that I sometimes experienced before CPAP.

[Java Time]

It is that time of year

I like the vicks on a cotton ball as well.

These things also may help...
Mucinex is always a possible fix. Make sure you drink LOTS of water to get the yuck out.

I personally like neilmed sinus wash with Alkalol (link to explanation of use at end of my signature line)

When it gets really bad and I haven't slept well for a couple days, I will resort to Afrin or a generic Afrin. But be really careful with this, you aren't supposed to use it more than a couple of days in a row. I use it as my LAST line of defense and I don't use it often.

Good luck and hope this passes quickly.

P.S.
Everyone remember to wash your hands frequently, cover when you sneeze and stop that germ transmission!