"Backup" mask for colds?

Hi all,
Just wondering-- do most folks have a "backup" mask in addition to whatever you usually use? I'm still new to this, only a week in, and am coming down with a cold or something that has had me plugged up and sneezing. Made out OK last night (though my mask is rubbing the bridge of my nose raw and I haven't figured out how to get that under control.....) but it made me wonder-- what are you supposed do if you're totally plugged up with a cold and sneezing, coughing, whatever? I don't like the idea of Afrin or sprays that cause rebound and I already do daily sinus rinses and am on allergy meds. Do you keep a full face mask on hand to use in these situations? What's the general wisdom?

Thanks much!
E

Sneezy, itchy, runny, allergy, feels like cold coming on could be related to humidity. I had similar thing happen to me about 2 weeks into therapy when I lowered my humidifier number. Bad move on my part. I need much more humidity. Same thing happened when I slept overly long and ran out of water.

So for me more humidity is better but I have read for some people less humidity is better. If you don't really come down with a cold, this might be what is going on. Might play with the humidifier settings to see which works best for you.

Regarding backup mask, it appears that many have some sort of FF back up in the event a major upper respiratory infection occurs. I have been trying the Hybrid without having much success.

Ewl,

Many people have a full face mask to use when they are stuffed up and cannot breath through their nose. I haven't had much use for mine. Usually once I hook up my nose unplugs and I can breath fine. Its not a bad idea to keep a backup on hand.

If your mask is rubbing your nose raw, it is either adjusted too tight or the wrong size. You can try a piece of moleskin or paper tape over the sore spot for a couple nights to help it heal up. A little neosporin in the morning can help it heal faster too. Good luck.

E,
I've had the same concern but have ducked the problem for the most part. My DME said I ccan request a full-face mask at my next replacement interval -- something I've considered. As for the Afrin-type nasal sprays, I wouldn't dismiss them out-of-hand because of concern for rebound. Instructions indicate rebound occurs after regular use meaning more than 2-3 times, days in a row. So, one or two nights is safe IMHO. Just a tool for the toolbox of papping.

Good luck,
Gary

Just a heads up for those that don't read the fine print on the warning label: Afrin is bad news for men with prostate issues. It's very likely to cause urinary retention in men with an enlarged prostate, and has also been know to cause severe flareups of prostatitis in men prone to that malady. I guess the good news is that you'll be breathing freely while waiting for the ER nurse to insert a catheter.

Thanks for the replies... now I have to wonder whether it's a cold or something brought on by the cpap/humidifier. Although I'm pretty plugged up and sneezing/blowing pretty much all day long, so I'm thinking a cold. (Can't help wonder if cpap pressure makes it worse though...) Still, maybe will try lowering the humidity and see what happens-- I only have it on "2" now though. Thank goodness for the "Clear" mint/lime scent from Pursleep-- that has helped keep me clear enough to breathe at night, anyway. Yes, agree that Afrin for a night or two might be ok, it just seems I get even more stuffed up when it wears off. Good grief.

I primarily use my Liberty and have an F&P 431 FFM on hand for nasal congestion or when the nares are irritated.

All papers face this issue . . some like me are avoiding making a decision . . . I tried on a couple of FF and could not control the leaks. The R.T. said he didn't think he could adjust them any better.

When my nose gets stuffy, I up the humidification one degree, like Pugsley. Last night I was breathing fine & lowered the humidification from 2.5 to 2. I had an instent reaction, chipmonk cheeks. I increased the humid. to 2.5 again and the air in my cheeks immediately stopped.

I run through most of the threads every day . . . because I learn so much from them. It seems sleep-apnea is an on-going science and we users are creating the science. Thanks to this forum we get to spread the good news.

Jan

SaltLakeJan wrote:All papers face this issue . . some like me are avoiding making a decision . . . I tried on a couple of FF and could not control the leaks. The R.T. said he didn't think he could adjust them any better.

When my nose gets stuffy, I up the humidification one degree, like Pugsley. Last night I was breathing fine & lowered the humidification from 2.5 to 2. I had an instent reaction, chipmonk cheeks. I increased the humid. to 2.5 again and the air in my cheeks immediately stopped.

I run through most of the threads every day . . . because I learn so much from them. It seems sleep-apnea is an on-going science and we users are creating the science. Thanks to this forum we get to spread the good news.

Jan

Wow, I never made any connection to humidity and 'chipmunk cheeks'. I will have to give that a second look once the ambient humidity dies down a little.

I've been thinking of getting a backup mask, and I'm eligible for a new mask (have been for almost a month now)...but I haven't yet.

Last night I was blocked up bad....couldn't get sinus rinse to flow through the blockage. So I had to give in and use nasal spray (store brand of Afrin). I use it rarely, because my nose will feel raw the next day (probably dries out my nose, but turning up my humidity also causes congestion...so I don't do that on the night that had to resort to using it).

Might want to talk to my doctor about something else....flonase doesn't seem to be doing it for me. Though I don't really want to, because all the unexpected medical bills this year are making me unhappy.

The Dreamer.