CPAP and cold season

Denny · Post by **Denny** » Sat Jul 16, 2005 5:44 pm

I know it is a few months away, but what are people doing to be able to breathe through their noses when you get a bad cold with congestion? Vicks vapo rub under your nose, Green tea in the cpap humidifier lol. Any tricks that I can prepare?

Newsgrouper · Post by **Newsgrouper** » Sat Jul 16, 2005 6:04 pm

Many here suggest keeping a full face mask in reserve for such occasions.

qrlylox · Post by **qrlylox** » Sat Jul 16, 2005 7:29 pm

Can we get some recommendations on FF masks? I have a cold right now and was just perusing cpap.com and have no idea which one might be the best choice.

mikemoran · Post by **mikemoran** » Sat Jul 16, 2005 9:15 pm

I used the Ultra Mirage FF during my cold. The folks at CPAP.COM fitted me just right. It leaks a little when I use it, but not more than my autopap can handle.

Tired Marie · Post by **Tired Marie** » Sun Aug 06, 2006 7:33 am

I use the Fisher & Paykel Full Face FlexiFit 431. It fits under your chin and seems to stay in place better when you move or turn over than others which fit beneath your lips, therefore I don't seem to get any leaks. Of course, it may just be that I am not aware of any leaks. For me, it's the most comfortable ff I've used. It comes with 3 size fittings, so you can try all three to see which suits your face.

Of course, what works best for one of us may not be the best choice for someone else. You might want to view and read about ff masks on cpap.com and other sites. If you are using a DME, they "may" allow you to try several on.

Personally, I would be afraid to put Tea Tree or anything else in the humidifier water. If anyone else does that, I would like to hear about it.

Tea Tree is definitely a healer and I use it for many purposes. I have Psoriasis of the scalp and a hereditary skin disease. I use Jason Tea Tree Shampoo for my hair and body as well when I shower. I use a drop of pure Tea Tree Oil mixed in a saline spray for nasal congestion, also on a sore that is not healing.

I hope you do find a way to keep using cpap during a cold or the flu. Since I use a ff all the time, I am able to continue cpap with cold or flu.

Regards,

birdiebaby · Post by **birdiebaby** » Sun Aug 06, 2006 8:51 am

I just made it through a cold with my Hybrid. I irrigated my nose nightly before bed, and when necessary, used a decongestant spray. The combination worked great for me.

Missy · Post by **Missy** » Sun Aug 06, 2006 8:59 am

I have only used 2 FF masks, the Comfortlite 2 and the F&P Flexifit 431. I was having a serious leak problem with the CL2 and had to switch the 431. I really like the 431. I have had it for almost 2 weeks now, and the last three nights I have slept better than I have in years. It took a little getting used to, but then that's the norm for a new mask, I think. It's true, everyone's different, but my vote is the F&P Flexifit 431. Good luck!!

ghmerrill · Post by **ghmerrill** » Sun Aug 06, 2006 9:31 am

I can't abide a nasal mask and use an Ultra Mirage Full Face all the time. I'm on the lookout for something better, but it's hard to say with any degree of precision what "better" means since in general I'm pretty happy with it. I've tried the Hybrid and it just doesn't work for me.

I think you'll discover that (a) there just aren't many FF masks around, and (b) choosing one is very subjective. No one who doesn't have your face, your sinus problems, your idosyncracies, etc. can offer advice of any value to you. And this means that none of us can offer such advice that goes beyond what we like and what works for us.

If possible, I would recommend seeing if your DME will give you "loaners" to try out for a couple of days each. The problem is that the DME may not want to do this, and the other problem is that DMEs tend to restrict their offerings to particular brands or models. But it's probably worth trying.

patbringer · Post by **patbringer** » Sun Aug 06, 2006 11:12 am

I have these nasal congestion issues too. My Apria RT told me that the Hybrid works great for this because it allows you to breathe through your mouth like any standard full face mask but also the nasal pillows deliver a lot of fresh air into your nares that helps reduce the congestion.

Actually I read somebody's post (I think oldgearhead's) that mentioned the same.

Pat

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ghmerrill · Post by **ghmerrill** » Sun Aug 06, 2006 11:38 am

Keep in mind that a really important element in discussions like this is the heated humidifier.

RedThunder94 · Post by **RedThunder94** » Sun Aug 06, 2006 2:25 pm

the comfortfull 2 is my full face mask of choice for when i can't or don't feel like using the activa.

roadwarrior · Post by **roadwarrior** » Sun Aug 06, 2006 8:40 pm

I'm just waiting until I see some feedback on the new "Mojo" full face mask. It is supposed to offer a new level of comfort and quality of seal as compared to prior offerings from others. It is pricey (I think around $170.00) but if it works I'll jump on one for sure. I like my Activa, but I know all too well if I get some sinus issues I'm dead in the water without a FF mask.