Have a cold and blocked nose - how to use my BiPAP ?

[heartchakra]

Hello all.

I have a cold and hence my nose is blocked. How do I use my Bipap machine in such a situation ?


Thanks,

Deepak

[sleepycarol]

What kind of mask are you using?

If it is a nasal mask or pillow system, try a neti-pot to open up your nose. If you try nasal sprays (over the counter such as Afrin) be careful as they can cause rebound effect, making things worse instead of better after a few days. Ocean Spray or something similar that is just a saline spray doesn't have the same problem and are safe to use to my knowledge.

Many of us keep a full face mask on hand for these type of occasions when we are stuffy and congested. With a full face mask if you breathe through your mouth, you are still getting treated for your sleep apnea.

Try a little bit of Vicks on a cotton ball or something similar near your intake. I know some don't like this idea, but I find it comforting and it seems to help me feel better somewhat.

Do not put anything in your humidifier as that can damage your machine and void any warranties you have on it.

Try an over the counter cold med as well -- I like the ones that thin the mucus secretions.

Good luck.

[cflame1]

you may also find that playing with the amount of humidity that you've been using normally will help.

[heartchakra]

I dont use a humidifier.

Carol, When you say put vicks near intake - where exactly do you mean - I use a nasal mask.

Will buy a full face mask for future use.

Thanks,
Deepak

[Pugsy]

When you say put vicks near intake - where exactly do you mean -

Outside the machine down next to the air intake (in the back where the filters are). Some aromas (and Vicks sure will do it) help clear up congestion somewhat. Putting it right next to the air intake sucks the aroma into the air going up the hose into the nose. There are some essential oil fragrances that do something similar. I think eucalyptus is one of them. Just about any aromatherapy that has a nasal clearing effect will help. Some are stronger than others.

I use a lavendar essential oil just because I like it. I put it on a cotton ball on a little dish right outside the air intake next to the foam filter and it smells quite nice.

[heartchakra]

Thanks Pugsy

[Janknitz]

Just do the best you can. Don't try to wear the mask in the "sneezy, gooey" stage, but when that's over the PAP may actually help clear your nasal passages.

I crank up the humidifier when I have a cold or URI and it really helps. You say you don't use one, but do you have one? Otherwise, you can use a room humidifier (you can buy this at a drugstore) just to put a little more moisture in the air. I don't normally tolerate much humdification, except when I'm sick--then full blast really helps.

Yes, a full face mask helps, and sometimes even in that sneezy stage I'll just hold the mask in place with my hand when I'm trying to relax enough to go to sleep--this is less than ideal because the mask will slip when I fall asleep, but better than nothing.

Use saline nasal spray--the decongestant sprays have nasty rebound side effects that will leave you worse off than when you started. And drink plenty of warm fluid--chicken soup!

Feel better soon!

[heartchakra]

Thanks Janknitz

No, i dont have a humidifier as never felt the need for one. Stay right opposite the sea.

Thanks for the tips.

Deepak

[chunkyfrog]

If you take a guiafenesin for mucus, be sure to wash it down with a full glass of water.
That's how it works.

[Sparky223]

I like to waterboard myself with a good sinus rinse.

[chunkyfrog]

It is best to take the Guiafenesin ORALLY!