Cold and cpap

[CB91710]

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.

This.

I occasionally get irritation in my nostrils and need to go to a nasal mask.
The problem is, the pressure of the mask on the upper part of my nose tends to aggravate congestion... or at least it makes it FEEL like I am more congested, making it consciously difficult to breathe and making it hard to get to sleep.
Nasal pillows really help to clear that.

Also, a Neti Pot is your best friend, whether congested or not.  It makes a big difference.  Personally, I prefer the "tip over" pot rather than the squirt bottle, as it seems to rinse my upper sinuses better, while the bottle just clears my nose.

I do have a full face mask that my intention was to use when "too congested" for the pillows, but I've actually used it infrequently for other reasons.