Best humidity settings when having congestion/cold?

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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dacotto1984
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Joined: Sun Aug 28, 2022 5:32 pm

Best humidity settings when having congestion/cold?

Post by dacotto1984 » Wed Dec 28, 2022 8:41 pm

im experiencing congestion for the second time after starting cpap therapy.
The first time i was having big issues with the cpap machine compressing my congestion. I was not able to breathe.
After tinkering for quite a bit, i was able to adjust to a setting that helped with the congestion. I did wake up with alot of liquid within my full face mask.. not sure if that was all snot or just humidity.

Either way. I was wondering what advice would people give for congestion?
What temperature and humidity levels work best?
any other advice?
Thank you

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Julie
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Re: Best humidity settings when having congestion/cold?

Post by Julie » Wed Dec 28, 2022 9:24 pm

Second answer first (less complicated) - if you get 'rainout' in your mask, be sure your machine's located below the mattress so the water will run back to it and not to you. And if that's already happening, it could be that the air is cold where you are and there's some condensation, so a hose cover to warm it up could help.

Otherwise, not knowing where you live, but assuming for now that it's colder than the summer was, added humidity might be adding to congestion, so you might need to play with the levels - no one else can really do that for you. Some need more in the winter due to heating (and drying), others less, depending on ambient humidity, etc.

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chunkyfrog
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Re: Best humidity settings when having congestion/cold?

Post by chunkyfrog » Wed Dec 28, 2022 10:02 pm

I don't change anything.
If congested, a breathe-right strip is usually enough.
If more is needed, a squirt of mucinex on each side does the trick.

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