Nasal mask user / what do you do when your full of cold?

[KSparkles]

I mouth breathe when I have a cold. Do I just got buy a full face mask for these occasions? Or does anyone have a better idea?

I have an airfit n10 currently.

Cheers

[Ladyflower]

Personally, if I can't breathe through my nose I don't wear my mask. I am claustrophobic when it comes to anything over my face so I will not wear a full face mask. If you can that's probably your best bet. Myself, I'll take my chances sleeping without it for a couple nights.

[Krelvin]

I wear a FFM all the time, but if I used a nasal mask I would have one for the times I couldn't use it.

NOT using my CPAP is NOT an option. Without it, I don't and can't sleep and will end up in much worse condition quickly than just having a cold to the point of being unable to work, think, function.

Using my CPAP makes any cold I get much easier to deal with. I look forward to using it when I am sick as it provides breathing relief. Cuts down on allergies too.

[Delco]

I have a nose mask. I use a nasal spray and turn it up about 2cm.

[chunkyfrog]

Usually, blowing my nose before masking up does the trick.
For worse congestion, nasal spray and a Breathe-Right strip.
I still have an old full face mask for extreme conditions, but have not needed it for at least 3 years.

[ontariomama]

I use the nasal pillows and use a nasal decongestant like Otrivin when I have a cold. But, I find that the pressure of the air in the CPAP keeps the nasal passages open and I seldom have to use the nasal spray.

[49er]

As one who is currently experiencing a cold, I find my Elan Cloth Mask quite easy to use and the VPAP quite soothing to my nasal congestion. This has been true prior and after my septoplasty.

Interestingly, a few years ago, when I was using full face masks and came down with a cold, I found them impossible to use because I found it so hard to breath. Not sure why but I think maybe because they were pressing on the nasal area, I couldn't breath as well and I was a horrible mouth breather which made me realize full face masks weren't for me.

Anyway, I am quite relieved I don't have to worry about changing masks to deal with a cold as mine is perfect.

49er

[chunkyfrog]

I would not be surprised if pressure-induced congestion is a lot more common than the "professionals" try to make us think.
Just look at all the folks who gravitate to nasal pillows, or fabric masks.

[Sir NoddinOff]

I mouth breathe when I have a cold. Do I just got buy a full face mask for these occasions? Or does anyone have a better idea?

I have an airfit n10 currently. Cheers

Yes - get an FFM.. My only caveat is to use the FFM for a few nights beforehand and get used to the feeling, plus learn how to control the leaks (maybe try a Padacheek liner). You don't want to do all that testing when you feel miserable with the flu!

[Sheriff Buford]

I agree with Sirnod... get a full face backup mask. The Resmed F10 is a popular lite weight mask. The nice lady at cpap.com told me they sell so fast, it's hard to keep them in stock. As the years go by, most folks eventually get a "back-up" mask, anyway. I would suggest you never spend one night without cpap therapy.

Sheriff

[codinqueen]

I have an Innomed Hybrid mask that I keep on-hand for colds and sinus infections, but I have not needed to use it since I signed on here as a member of the forum. The Innomed Hybrid allows you to use mouth or nasal breathing. I found the Liberty mask, which is also a hybrid mask made by ResMed I think, would not seal for my face, but the Innomed Hybrid did seal when I tried it just to see if it would seal, Another thing you can do is get some "Clear" oil from CPAP,com, made by Pur-sleep. It is a special blend of oils to put on a cotton ball or a special diffuser disk and place in front of your air intake, by the filter on your CPAP. It's about $25 + S/H and makes it easier to breathe thru colds, sinus infections, and allergy congestion, also make the CPAP air being forced into your nose or mouth smell better. I buy a large bottle about every 6 months since the large bottle lasts for awhile. You only put a drop or two on the diffuser pad or cotton ball at night when you are ready to mask up. By the way, Never, EVER put oil or Vicks in your humidifier water, just sit the oil or Vicks next to the air intake where the filter is, and you will be able to smell it thru your tubing.Welcome to our "club".