when you get a cold

[pgr11]

I was just wondering what to do when you get a cold? Do you continue to use the machine or do you stop untill cold is gone. I ask because I just got over being sick but now my wife is sick (for the2nd time). I hope I don't get it again but if I do what should i do? Whats the best method?

[Muse-Inc]

I use the machine and crank up the humidifier.

[gasp]

I use nasal pillows. So, if I can't breathe through my nose I use the full face mask. If I have bronchial congestion, then I use the full face mask because I can cough without driving air into my stomach which is what happens if I open my mouth while using nasal pillows.

I use aromatherapy oils on a little pad and when experiencing allergies or a cold, use the breath easy formulas to help the breathing. I used to use Pur-Sleep products which got me started on this. I have asthma and found using aromatherapy helped my breathing. I also think XPAP therapy has improved my asthma, but that's another thread : )

http://www.pur-sleep.com/products/prodD ... rch=&page=

[Patrick A]

I have been fighting a bad cold for several days now. When I can't breath if my cold is so bad I can't breath at all I sit in my chair (recliner) and would not use my machine. I think that has happened maybe 1 time in the past year. I have some Vick's Vapor rub. I put it in my nostrils, put the mask on and go to bed. I find that works better than anything else. I know I should use my Humidifier, but I was told that if I didn't need to use it by the RT at APRIA RIPOFF not to use it. I haven't used it for as long as I have been on CPAP. I probably should use it, but the humidity here at our house always seems to be high any way.

[gasp]

I have been fighting a bad cold for several days now. When I can't breath if my cold is so bad I can't breath at all I sit in my chair (recliner) and would not use my machine. I think that has happened maybe 1 time in the past year. I have some Vick's Vapor rub. I put it in my nostrils, put the mask on and go to bed. I find that works better than anything else. I know I should use my Humidifier, but I was told that if I didn't need to use it by the RT at APRIA RIPOFF not to use it. I haven't used it for as long as I have been on CPAP. I probably should use it, but the humidity here at our house always seems to be high any way.

That sounds as if you were so miserable, not being able to breath is awful. When my asthma is cranked up, which it rarely is since going on XPAP, I feel distressed. I can't imagine not using my mask even for one night. I hope you feel better soon!!!

[araminta]

I just posted a response to the same question on "CPAP during cold/flu"

[JohnBFisher]

See my response to the post titled "CPAP during cold/flu":

viewtopic/t47793/CPAP-during-coldflu.html

[LSAT]

You might consider getting a Full Face mask to use in these situations. It will allow you to breath through your mouth. Also, crank up the humidity.

[gasp]

I too use a full face mask when congested or have a cold. However, I do not crank up the humidity. If I do, I end up choking on phlegm. However, for you it may be different.

[Jaylee]

I have a nose only mask. I have only been too sick to wear it once, and even then I took a decongestant *I know, bad Jaylee- I am on BP medicine* and was able to put it on 4 hours later. I normally just neti pot and I am okay then. I am a teacher so I have the perma cold some years. Little kids are like petri dishes. I love them, but they are little germ magnets!

[sronsen]

Once I became a full-time user of a nasal-pillows mask, I realized that my chronic sinus problems would likely become a problem with my CPAP therapy in the future, and I was not willing to use one of the few available full-face masks as an alternative.

My primary care physician was very understanding and referred me to several specialists over several months until I found someone willing to listen to me and devise a suitable treatment. That physician happened to be an allergist, even though I had been previously tested and I knew I was not allergic to anything. He prescribed a daily nasal spray and a series of steps and drugs to take when symptoms occur and when they grew worse. I have been following his instructions and I have been able to use my nasal-pillows every night for about eight years. So, here's another aspect of CPAP which requires a lot of good medical support and patience, but once solved, things are easy.

[engransan106]

Don't forget the Netti Pot

[bearded_two]

I use a daily steroidal nasal spray, which helps to prevent congestion. When I get a cold that causes congestion that makes it difficult to use my nasal mask, I use Afrin about an hour before bed time. Afrin should only be used occasionally, no more than three days at a time and not more than about once per month.

[gasp]

I have a nose only mask. I have only been too sick to wear it once, and even then I took a decongestant *I know, bad Jaylee- I am on BP medicine* and was able to put it on 4 hours later. I normally just neti pot and I am okay then. I am a teacher so I have the perma cold some years. Little kids are like petri dishes. I love them, but they are little germ magnets!

LOL "petri dishes' and 'perma cold.' Teachers are so valuable and you seem to be a caring/loving one. Thank you for the job you do.

Kids are indeed germ magnets. I love them too and know what you mean : ) I have a cute story - my husband plays with the kids, being a big kid himself so they all love him. When visiting my aunt's house one of the kids with a runny nose (yellow - you've seen it : ) came up to him and looked at him lovingly as he wanted up on his lap. My hubby looked at me desperately wondering what he should do. I wiped the child's nose, washed his face, and put a game on the floor for my husband to play with the child. Both were happy. But that snapshot of my hubby's look is still in memory - lol!

[terrydk]

I use a daily steroidal nasal spray, which helps to prevent congestion. When I get a cold that causes congestion that makes it difficult to use my nasal mask, I use Afrin about an hour before bed time. Afrin should only be used occasionally, no more than three days at a time and not more than about once per month.

My ENT doctor told me I have a deviated septum so I seem to be prone to sinus congestion problems. My last visit to him was due to an addiction to nasal sprays. As a warning be very careful spraying anything in your nose that contains 'Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride' (such as Afrin) for extended periods of time. I tried my family doctors advise of just trying to stop using it but its not that easy. I ended up getting a prescription of prednisone from the ENT doctor to get off the nasal spray. Now I just try to get by with the Hypertonic nasal sprays and if that doesn't do it I have a prescription for pseudoephedrine.