C-Pap use during a severe cold

[David Kent]

I have heard that using a cpap while suffering a a severe cold is not suggested. I have been on a cpap for 15 years and have used it every night, but now I am told that if I have a cold I should not use it!!! Right or wrong???

[nate fry]

Just use some afrin for a few days. It works wonders. Just don't get hooked.

[papdad]

David
There was a recent thread on this very subject which you might find interesting. Believe it was entitled "DME advise: is it true?" Do a search for and read that thread.
Norm

Edit: I just searched with the above thread title and did not find it. Will search again. Norm

[sam1234]

I don't see how you could not use it. I have found that I have not always used the humidifier(most of the time), but I always do when I have a cold. The only thing that I would suggest is to wash the mask every morning with soap and water.

I too am a long time "user" of a CPAP.

[papdad]

David:
Found the thread
viewtopic/t37463/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=37 ... =a#p326086
Norm

[wordlife15]

I can say from having a terrible cold about 6 weeks ago, that using CPAP while suffering from a cold is next to impossible. My nose was so congested that breathing under any circumstances was difficult, let alone with a CPAP mask on. Try theraflu severe cold remedy for some relief. Good luck.

[CorgiGirl]

I think this is one of those things where it's different for everyone and you have to figure out what works for you. My husband has no problem using his APAP with a cold, but I could not use it until my cough was gone because the pressure aggravated my cough reflex. I figured that some sleep without the mask was better than no sleep with it and my doc concurred. Next time I plan to use some Tesselon Perles which helps to stop the cough reflex to see if that helps.

[ColinP]

I've found that if my nose if blocked, a few minutes on the hose is enough to clear it, and I sleep well after that. If I'm coughing, I need humidity or else my throat tickles. Luckily I've not had a really bad cough since I started CPAP.

[Hawthorne]

I have been using a cpap machine for 6+ years now and have had my share of colds and coughs in that time.

I have used my cpap every night, even when I have a bad cold. I find I feel better when I get on the machine at night during a cold. I do set the humidity level some higher and I take "cough and cold" medication during the day. This seems to keep the cough reflex quiet all night.

I do wash my mask,especially, more often during a cold or flu bout.

I hope I keep having such success! I think everyone is different when it comes to this situation.

[skittles]

I use my FFM during a severe cold, so the clogged nose does not bother me.

I just got rid of a 2 week cold, with Zyrtec D as prescribed by my doctor - it worked very well for the congestion.

Good luck

Skittles

[elader]

Just got over a head cold - nasal rinse twice a day, afrin at light so I could breathe. I use a full face mask. My biggest problem was coughing in the mask - It really sucks to have a coughing fit in a FF mask. One night, for the first time since I have been on cpap, I slept half the night without it. Other nights, just miserable quality of sleep anyway.

I was convinced I would never get another head cold with nasal rinses, but viruses are sly beasties.