Using cpap while sick?

[bennyhur]

I am currently sick with some sort of cold/flu. I also have severe sleep apnia.

I did some searching for previous threads and the general consensus is to use the cpap while sick anyway because it can also help clear up the airways from mucus.

However I have a concern that is bothering me, whenever I am trying to sleep with the cpap right now I start coughing quite a bit. I feel like the pressure is pushing all that mucus into my lungs and then of course I have to cough it up to clear my lungs. Last night I was able to sleep with the machine but only after quite some time before being able to fall asleep, and the next morning I spent a good 10 minutes coughing up mucus. Tonight I just cant seem to fall asleep because of the cough.

Should I still try to force myself to use the machine?

[Julie]

If using the humidifier, have you tried turning it down (or up) to see if less water = less congestion (it often does in many people), and are you using any meds at all, and if so which ones - some can cause coughing or problems with sleep.

[chunkyfrog]

Drink extra liquids, to thin the mucus. The anti-mucus drugs will not work without water.
Often the water will do it alone. Once thinned, the mucus can be removed by the body's own mechanisms--
unless you are a heavy smoker. Keep wipes handy for when the mask gets icky.
You need sleep and O2 (CPAP) to heal quickly. Sending wishes you will get well soon. Colds are nasty.

[palerider]

However I have a concern that is bothering me, whenever I am trying to sleep with the cpap right now I start coughing quite a bit. I feel like the pressure is pushing all that mucus into my lungs and then of course I have to cough it up to clear my lungs.

you really need to get over this 'feeling', because it's wrong!

if the pressure was pushing stuff into your lungs, you'd never be able to exhale, think about it.

theres no more air going into your lungs on cpap than there is when you're breathing on your own without it, (except, of course, when you choke during an apnea, then, of course, there's more air going into your lungs with cpap... but, isn't that the whole point?)

you're pushing more air into your lungs when you're up and walking around than when you're asleep breathing with cpap.

[palerider]

If using the humidifier, have you tried turning it down (or up) to see if less water = less congestion (it often does in many people), and are you using any meds at all, and if so which ones - some can cause coughing or problems with sleep.

I normally don't use a humidifier at all, except when sick, then I pull it out of the closet and attach it, it seems to help, sort of like taking a steamy shower helps to loosen up the thickened mucus

[Paralel]

I found a high temp/humidity setting with my heated hose was wonderful for my sinus infection. I honestly think it helped it resolve more quickly.

[Janknitz]

As others have pointed out, the machine is not "forcing the mucous into your lungs". The CPAP just provides a continuous column of air that holds the airway open, just like the air you blow into a balloon holds the sides of the balloon apart from each other.

It may be that the humidifier is loosening the mucous up some, so you can cough it out. That's a good thing!

If it bothers you, try a warm shower before bed to loosen your chest up and cough out all the gunk before you put on the CPAP. Expectorants and lots of warm fluids will help too.

I find that when I put on the CPAP my tight, asthmatic airways relax, and I stop coughing so I can sleep. I feel better on CPAP than I do during the day without it,