Cold and cpap

[Phyllis]

I have a cold and it’s hard to breathe through my nose.  Are there any suggestions

[Walla Walla]

I can think of three options

1. Antihistamine.
2. Increase pressure
3. Buy a Full Face Mask.

That's all I can think of.

[Newbee2016]

Concur with Walla Walla. Get antihistamines from your pharmacist for the running nose. If you happen to take NyQuil and it works, you can skip the following.  

Once the nose is cleared and if/when it progresses to a cough which  comes in the night, then you may probably have trouble getting a good nights rest. Keeping the mask on would be next to impossible. I had a really bad cold and suffered through the night coughing and couldn't sleep. A hot toddy just before bed saved me and I was able to keep my wisp on and apap going. Keep the room temp warm as cold air aggravates the coughs. Hot toddy is basically a mixture of hot water, your fav liqueur whiskey/brandy/bourbon, etc and honey. You could add lemon but I'd skip the tea as the caffeine may keep you awake. Google it for more insights and the proportions recipe. Use this only when you have a cold - not for long term regular use   as there may be side effects or something. 

Remember NOT to take alcohol if you are on antihistamines. 

Having a cold and sleep apnea is tough. Hang in there and hope you get well soon.

p/s: the humidifier helps too.

[Sleeprider]

In 10 years of using nasal pillows, I am yet to experience congestion that does not clear with CPAP pressure. Put on the mask and start the machine, then relax and feel your sinuses open and passages clear. Once you are breathing comfortable, go to sleep. The big thing is not to panic as your nasal passages clear and you can finally breath through your nose again. I look forward to getting on the PAP when I have a cold because I breathe better than at any other time of day.

[trish6hundred]

Hi Phyllis,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
If you are using a smaller pillow on your mask, you might try going up to the next size and hopefully, that will help clear your congestion.
Hope you get over your cold, soon.
Good luck with CPAP therapy, hang in there for more responses to your post.

[Mosquitobait]

Most colds you can breathe through your pillows. The cpap helps open the system. Worked for 2 years. When I have sinus pressure issues, I use one of the fabric Circadian masks. I had one though where it would not clear and I was glad that I had a full-face mask. The alternative was no cpap machine and that isn't really an option. I bought it from an online place, which is why it's always good to have a copy of your prescription. Most DMEs will not come even close to matching their prices and your insurance doesn't cover 'extra' masks.

[Apnea Infant]

I have had the most god awful flu for 10 days=the achy body, running nose of the spluttering kind. I have had to resort to anti histamines during my waking hours to operate otherwise I would be a dripping mess.

However, come night time, the nasal pillows clears any congestion, keeps me dry and gives restful sleep.........purrrrrr.

[AshSF]

My P10 Nasal pillows clear up all congestion. When I have a really bad one, I up the pressure by 1cm h2o. Works like a charm.

[OpalRose]

I have a cold and it’s hard to breathe through my nose.  Are there any suggestions

Hi Phyllis,
As others have stated, any congestion is quickly alleviated when using nasal pillows.  I know some folk think they need to use a full face mask when they have a cold, but it really isn’t necessary.

The nasal pillow mask will blast through a congested nose.  

Don’t forget the basics.  Use a safe natural nasal spray night and day and also do an occasional nasal rinse.  A very good nasal spray found on Amazon (XLear) works wonders.  

Good luck..hope you feel better.

[PaulaO2]

Nasal rinse right before bed and after you get up. Increase the humidification, too.

I've never had a problem with using nasal pillows when I have a cold or stuffed allergies. I had more problems when I was using a Full Face Mask, actually. It just didn't clear the airways as well.

As soon as you get up, the passages will refill with nasal crap. Use the nasal rinse. Also consider a humidifier at your desk or wherever. They now make these very small ones that use a regular water bottle (vs their own tank thing).