CPAP used to treat respiratory flu?

[Sleepopotamus]

Has anyone tried using CPAP to treat flu/ viruses? I tried sprinkling salt in humidifier container on my Remstar. Not sure if it helped or not. Am also wondering if Vick's Vap-o-rub coul b e used for a short treatment as well? It would seem that the machine could bake a doable kind of respirotory therapy

I've been fighting a fever for almost 3 days -- taking Tylenol to reduce fever. But continue to have runny nose and some coughing.

Thanks

[felineperson3]

Sleepopotamus,
This topic was discussed in some of the posts Feb. 18th. I have copied and pasted some of them for you to review. Hope this helps answer your question and that you start to feel better soon. If not, you may need to have your physician prescribe something for you.

Decongestant in the humidifier water - naughty?
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cpaper



Joined: 07 Feb 2005
Posts: 37
Location: Liverpool UK
Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 9:08 am Post subject: Decongestant in the humidifier water - naughty?

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What’s the word on putting a few drops of decongestant (e.g. Olbas Oil) in the heated humidifier water? Is it a no-no? Do manufacturers freak out or is it ok?

Gregg

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Liam1965



Joined: 28 Jan 2005
Posts: 735
Location: New Hampshire
Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 9:22 am Post subject:

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I would think (but this is JUST A GUESS) that it would depend rather highly on whether the decongestant was made of something that would react poorly with the lining of your humidifier or the hose or the mask.

And, I suppose, whether the decongestant was made to be heated.

I don't think I'd try it, but that may just be that I'm more wimpy than you are.

Liam, scared of his own shadow.

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Mikesus



Joined: 09 Feb 2005
Posts: 953
Location: Stafford, VA
Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 9:23 am Post subject:

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That stuff isn't made to go right into your nose. I would be very cautious...


Mike who runs with scissors...

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Liam1965



Joined: 28 Jan 2005
Posts: 735
Location: New Hampshire
Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 9:30 am Post subject:

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Mikesus wrote:
That stuff isn't made to go right into your nose. I would be very cautious...


Well, my initial thought was "Vicks Vapo-Steam", that's made to be put into hot air humidifiers, which people often then sit and directly inhale.

But I think that stuff might be slightly caustic, and I wouldn't want it to eat away at the lining of hose, mask or humidifier. I don't think one or two small drops of it would harm your nose, though. (Then again, I'm not a doctor).

Mikesus wrote:
Mike who runs with scissors...


Ah yes, memories of when I removed my own appendix.


Liam, who no longer runs with anything more dangerous than a large bowl of jello. Then again, he rarely runs, so the point is somewhat moot.

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Mikesus



Joined: 09 Feb 2005
Posts: 953
Location: Stafford, VA
Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 12:20 pm Post subject:

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I am pretty sure I saw in the instructions for my humidifier that you aren't supposed to put anything other than water in it...



(I found that out AFTER my elbow wouldn't fit... )


Seriously tho, you might wanna talk to your Doc about Flonase or Vancenase AQ (or any other steroid type inhaler) Just remember when you use those to go up and away from your nose so you don't cause any damage (got that tidbit from National Jewish when I was there for my Asthma). Definately do not use Afrin. Not only does it cause congestion rebound, it also eats away at the underlying structures...

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tomjax



Joined: 14 Feb 2005
Posts: 18

Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 5:39 pm Post subject: decongestants in water.

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A real no no.
The use of the vaposteam and aromatic oil based substances are more placebo than effective. The only thing this does is coat your blinds, mirrors and carpet. It is of very limited value in breathing problems. Forget it.

The use of afrin, flonase or any other things will NOT be inhaled at all. All that comes up from the water is WATER. Everything stays in the chamber. This includes virus, bacteria, etc.
Put only WATER in chamber.

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Davidmcc



Joined: 22 Jan 2005
Posts: 37
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 7:52 pm Post subject:

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