CPAPtalk.com

I know as bad as you feel when you get sick - I wouldn't want to go all nite without breathing on top of that.

Tell your RT they need to come here for training with CarbonMan....tada!!!

I've struggled with sinus congestion and have been using sprays to get through the night. When I got a cold last week, I decided that I needed a full face. I'm on my second one now, I'm fortunate to have a CPAP store in town with a 30 day exchange policy. Unfortunately the second one that I got yesterday was worse than the first. My leakage alarm kept waking me so I ended up using the spray, which I'm trying to get away from, and went back to my nasal mask. I'll be trying #3 Monday! I'm not bothering mentioning the brands as I have found that the one I have the worst luck with may be the perfect fit for someone else.

But in keeping with the topic, I believe that a back-up FF mask for times of having a cold is necessary. How can someone vend solutions unless they've suffered from sleep apnea and fought the fights themselves?

I wonder if I'm weird in that I have 1 mask. A Comfort Gel. That's all I use. When I have a cold I still use my Comfort Gel. I've never been the type to keep multiple masks around for different situations.

I really wonder if I'm the exception or the norm for that?

I am sitting here as we speak with a dooooooozey of a cold. My nose is plugged.
Try a shot of Afrin. When some air gets moving put on the mask and set the humidity and heat as high as you can take it.
In my case I find that it keeps my nose and my lungs clear all night long. It is great!

As soon as I take the nose mask off and stop treatment the nose starts plugging up again.

Better a shot of Afrin or whatever and a good night of sleep than anything else, no?

Doctors are not always right. Some are downright ignorant. Some get by. Once in while you will find a gem.

Good luck.

Dear Torontocpaguy,

Hope you are feeling better soon!

Thanks for taking the time to post.

Warmly,

Jersey Girl

Well I didn't want to use Afrin so I managed with the Vicks. I am sure there are other methods. And yea, the pressure actually helped keep me open too.

I wouldn't like the doc never mind a DME RT telling me that I can only have one mask - esp. if/when the insurance is willing. Much less suggesting I should sleep without the cpap. Can RT's dispense medical advise?

Isn't that dispensing medical advise? While trying to be lazy and not have to do any paperwork? Would a pharmacist tell you to go without your insulin?

Dear Mattman:

You are not alone!! There are at least 2 of us then. LOL! I have 1 mask. Swift Lt for HER. That's all I use. When I have a cold or a stuffy nose, I still use my Swift LT for her. I've never been the type to keep multiple masks around either for different situations--even though I do have a plastic tub with masks in that I tried and hated. hahhahahaha!

Carrie