Does Covid worsen sleep apnea?

[Unkikonki]

Hello everyone. 3 weeks ago I caught Covid for the first time. Suddenly, I couldn't sleep at all as I'd choke before even being able to fall asleep despite using the exact same CPAP setup that was doing wonders for me before Covid (CPAP + chinstrap + soft cervical collar)

I decided to switch my nasal mask for a nasal pillow that I had never been able to use successfully. The nasal pillow helped fortunately, I could finally get some sleep.

It's been 3 weeks since the symptoms started and my apnea is still significantly affected. Even my sense of smell is still diminished. I still also feel tired, not sure if because of the lingering effects of Covid, or because the quality of my sleep has dropped, or both.I still cannot sleep with my nasal mask, the same mask that I'd used for an entire year prior.

At first I thought it could be some sticky mucus at the back of my throat creating an obstruction but then I realized it was something else. Could Covid cause inflammation of some tissue in the nasopharynx such as the Adenoids? If so, how long does it normally take to go back to normal? I feel there is something there that wasn't before.

[Deborah K.]

Mainly you feel lousy because you are still sick.  It's good that you are continuing your therapy during the covid.  It's also good that you are using a nasal pillows mask.  I think they are the best.  They leak the least of all the mask types, and I like that they supply the air directly into the nose instead of blowing onto mostly the face.

Covid can and does cause numerous symptoms throughout all of the respiratory system.  Most of those symptoms will pass when the covid is gone, but some can linger, especially the loss of smell.  There is no way to tell how long the illness or remaining symptoms will last.  It's a very individual thing.

I'm praying that you get well soon!  

[kwhenrykerr]

My experience with COVID and CPAP is I added more pressure and turned my oxygen up to 5 Liters. My wife was sent home from the hospital as we had oxygen at home. We took SPO2 readings and looked after each other.

Get Well

[Tampa Jim]

As noted by others, you're sick and things won't be the same.
We've had COVID once, July 2022. Omicron nailed us good.
No vaccines for the strain, at the time, my wife got infected.
Sick all month. Nothing was functional, we just slogged thru it.
Just take care of yourself. Be patient, rest and hydrate a lot.