Dealing with a cold on CPAP

Hi Folks:

I started on CPAP in April of this year. I have yet to get a head cold, but I'm sure the day is coming. I presently use a nose pillow mask (ResMed Swift FX). I could see this being problematical with a cold, and am wondering if I should arm myself with a different kind of mask against the eventuality. I'm looking at hybrid masks, such as this one: <http://canadacpapsupply.com/cpap-masks/ ... dgear.html>. Any thoughts on this, or other recommendations appreciated.

Regards,

Paul

Any FF mask or Hybrid that is comfortable on your face.

Tried that mask and found it real hard to seal. Very odd chin shelf thing did not help.I have two FFMs which I can use (but kinda hate) but have defeated some medium congestion (allergies not cold) with just dry air - but my pressures start at 10, which might help...

LSAT wrote:Any FF mask or Hybrid that is comfortable on your face.

Hi LSAT:

Thanks for the thought. The only trouble is, masks are SO damned expensive here in Canada that I am ordering things through this online company (half the price of my local supplier), and there is no opportunity to try them on or find out if they are comfortable before buying. However, it's a risk I'm willing to take.

Paul

Paul_H wrote:

LSAT wrote:Any FF mask or Hybrid that is comfortable on your face.

Hi LSAT:

Thanks for the thought. The only trouble is, masks are SO damned expensive here in Canada that I am ordering things through this online company (half the price of my local supplier), and there is no opportunity to try them on or find out if they are comfortable before buying. However, it's a risk I'm willing to take.

Paul

I have one and I love it for its flexibility. Though when I was trying to get it fitted right I suddenly developed compassion for people talked about flinging masks across the room. If you go to cpap wiki and search for hybrid fixes it will show a pages of lab rat fixes and fitting suggestions.
I chose to order this one over the net because it came with multiple nose pieces and mouth pieces.

Paul_H wrote:Hi Folks:

I started on CPAP in April of this year. I have yet to get a head cold, but I'm sure the day is coming. I presently use a nose pillow mask (ResMed Swift FX). I could see this being problematical with a cold, and am wondering if I should arm myself with a different kind of mask against the eventuality. I'm looking at hybrid masks, such as this one: <link removed>. Any thoughts on this, or other recommendations appreciated.

Regards,

Paul

I use nasal pillows and find that if I get congested the pressure helps to clear things so I can breath again thru my nose. The hard part is getting the machine started, I have to press the button instead of inhale.

The first time I had a cold I went to my old FFM - well that didn't last 5 min. After using nasal pillows nothing beats that style mask.

Thanks all, for your replies. Maybe I'll just hold off and wait until I get my first cold on CPAP, and see how I deal with it with the nasal pillows.

Paul

The Wife gave me her cold for my birthday last month. I have been using the nano and it did fine for me through the worst of it. I have a FFM in my supplies but have only used sparingly after I got it. I've been at this since 2003 and have only missed a handful nights, none to a cold.

P H, you are smart to plan ahead for the contingency.

Even though I get far fewer colds since beginning xpap therapy 8 yrs ago, (and even though when I do get one, the severity and duration is typically lower than before), there have been two times when I needed a FF mask for a couple of nights.

My ins includes a mask every 6 mos, so several years back I just got a FF for one replacement cycle, and kept it on hand for use only when the nasty bugs arise and the nasal mask can't cut it. Turned out to be a wise decision.

BTW, even if I had to buy one (watch for sales), I would have done it just to have when there was no other breathing alternative.

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