Ugh. (Having a cold while on CPAP)

CollegeGirl · Post by **CollegeGirl** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 6:01 pm

Yes, this topic gets rehashed over and over again, but I thought the newbies would be glad to know that colds can kick the derriere of even a more experienced user that knows exactly what to do.

I have a nasty little cold right now, and a runny nose/sneezing. I started out the night last night with my Aura, but kept waking up feeling like I couldn't breathe through my nose. So, about half way through, I switched to my Ultra Mirage Full Face (which was harder than it needed to be since I didn't have it all put together. Ugh!)

I honestly don't know how I ever slept on my tummy with a full face mask. It was SO leaky, and hurt my face (pressing on my sinuses, I imagine). I had so much trouble getting any sleep at all with it.

So I finally woke up this morning (to a splitting headache) and checked my numbers.

My half of the night with the Aura: 0 events. My half with the UMFF: tons of leaking, well over what VFR should be, and two hypops. It's amazing to me that the Aura still gave me better treatment, even with all that congestion. So I'm back to the Aura tonight.

Bones · Post by **Bones** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 6:12 pm

Hey CG,

Sorry to hear you're feelin' bad. My doc has given me a prescription nasal spray called Atrovent to use when I have a cold. It is non steroidal and non antihistimine. It dries up my nasal passages like a charm and allows me to continue with my nasal mask.

Feel better soon.

Brian

Rabid1 · Post by **Rabid1** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 7:05 pm

I've been meaning to ask:

Would it not be better to suspend CPAP therapy while being so congested?

KimberlyinMN · Post by **KimberlyinMN** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 7:36 pm

When I had a nasty cold over Thanksgiving, I had such a bad cough that was made worse by the flow of air with CPAP, I slept one night without the treatment. Other than that, I make sure to use at least my Comfortfull 2 full face mask when I have nasal congestion.

Kimberly

ejdischer · Post by **ejdischer** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 7:55 pm

I currently use a Hybrid but I'm dumping it because of nasal pain. ANNNYWAY, I'm getting an Opus from the DME this week and ordering a Soyala FF from CPAP.com this week as well. My ultimate plan is to use the lightweight Opus regularly, and switch to the Soyala when I'm congested or sick.

EJD

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 8:07 pm

Rabid1 wrote:I've been meaning to ask:

Would it not be better to suspend CPAP therapy while being so congested?

No, I've become addicted to breathing at night. Jim

CollegeGirl · Post by **CollegeGirl** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 9:06 pm

I'm with ya, Jim. I prefer congested breathing to not breathing at all. I suppose it's a personal preference thing - but with more than 90 events per hour, no WAY am I suspending CPAP.

felineperson3 · Post by **felineperson3** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 10:22 pm

I can usually continue with my Breeze, Aura, or CL2, but if I am so congested that I can't breathe at all through my nose I do have the Hybrid which is better than abandoning the treatment altogether or the (Ultra Mirage--which I don't like at all since it springs too many leaks when I move around). I figure anything that works is better than no treatment at all and the congestion will eventually end, thank goodness! Many times I have noted if I only have mild nasal congestion the moist air from the heated humidifier going through the nasal pillows actually improves my congestion.

tooly125 · Post by **tooly125** » Sun Feb 11, 2007 11:13 pm

I am enjoying my first real cold since i have started my treatment.
Must have caught it from you in the chat room CG
I only have my hybrid and have been putting it on when I go to bed and have been taking it off in my sleep during the night.
I think a runny nose and xpap are going to be miserable no matter what mask you have but I agree with Jim in that "I've become addicted to breathing at night"

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Sun Feb 11, 2007 11:24 pm

Woo Hoo is right. I think we better get a chaperone in the "chat room". ...

Tooly, I have to ask you a personal question, if I may.

In your picture, I see the dog on your shoulder, but those "dark locks" down the front of your chest, is that the dog or your hair? Don't get me wrong, I like long hair on men. But your hair is the same color as the dogs, and I can't tell if that's his legs or your hair.

I love your doggie by the way, what is he?

Krelvin · Post by **Krelvin** » Sun Feb 11, 2007 11:46 pm

Funny thing for me is that I've had less colds, acid reflex etc... since I've been using Bipap.

I can see where if you are stuff up, using a nasal mask might be a big problem. I use a full face mask all the time and unless I'm coughing a ton, its not that bad.

but, luckily, I've not had to deal with it much. Even asthma is down where others seem to be wiped out.

Offerocker · Post by **Offerocker** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 5:37 am

I've been on God's "sh__ list for a week now!!

Last Monday I woke up with gurgling in my nasal mask - what a nasty awakening and picture - yuk. The pressure from the cpap was fighting the runny nose, and the mask got full.

Finally got to doc on Friday: Sinus infection! This is the first time I've had one, and it's a horrible experience. (Anyone know HOW this starts? - cause?). I'm sneezing (hard), blowing, taking meds, and am just now able to breathe through my nose, but mostly mouth-breathing because the nasal membranes are so sore. Ayr jell helps.

Since breathing through my nose is painful, I've suspended my cpap - no choice, since I don't have a full-face mask...then I'd have to tape my NOSE instead of my mouth, ha ha.

I've never experienced this before, and it's really thrown me for a loop. I'm finally feeling semi-human again after 3 days of popping pills and loading up on liquids...and going through a box of "Puffs".

I will certainly have more empathy for others who have a sinus infection from now on!

Humidifier

Ugh. (Having a cold while on CPAP)

When you're sick, what do you do?

Ugh. (Having a cold while on CPAP)