Going through my first cold on CPAP

[JustMac]

Any tips from more experienced CPAPers? I use the nasal pillows, and I'm finding it a little more difficult to breathe with my nose stuffed up some. I've tried using menthol on my chest to open up the airways, as well as sleeping at about a 120 degree angle to avoid buildup.

[Sleeprider]

I try to focus on relaxing into the pressure and letting it open my sinuses. I have never tried menthol or other tricks. A decongestant or saline nasal mist (avoid Afrin) and getting the humidity right can sure help. I have never missed a night or been unable to use CPAP due to a cold or sinus infection, and have never used a full face mask.

[Gideon]

Most of the time I used a nasal mask and running at higher pressures (18 cmH2O) would just open things up.
When that didn't work I'd use an old FFM. I feel that every CPAPer should have a backup FFM for use when other methods do not work.

Fred

[sonicboom]

I found the P10s actually kept my nostrils open. I breathed better with the P10s then without them. I would use Mucinex just before bed.

[Galactus]

When it's just the normal cold the P10 opens me up. If I am super congested I'll take a Halls, suck on it. Put on the P10. Then breathe in through my nose, and out through my mouth for a few minutes while my climate line heats up, and opens my sinuses. After a few minutes I'll usually spit out the Halls and be pretty clear to fall asleep. I find the CPAP actually helps clear my sinuses than anything else ever did. I've also used some Vicks vapor rub on my chest to help on some really awful nights.

[Sleeprider]

Of course it is your fault that as I went to bed last night, I was congested, had a nagging cough and temperature of 100.

I used Robitussin Multi-Symptom cold relief and asprin. Got up at 1:30 to refresh; ended up with a record 10:47 of CPAP time and a AHI of 0.0 for only the second time in 9 years.

The nasal congestion was not a problem, but the cough made for disrupted sleep, weird dreams and an interesting flow line.

[JustMac]

Thanks for the comments. The second night was a lot better, after turning up the humidity.

[Galactus]

Of course it is your fault that as I went to bed last night, I was congested, had a nagging cough and temperature of 100.

I used Robitussin Multi-Symptom cold relief and asprin. Got up at 1:30 to refresh; ended up with a record 10:47 of CPAP time and a AHI of 0.0 for only the second time in 9 years.

The nasal congestion was not a problem, but the cough made for disrupted sleep, weird dreams and an interesting flow line.

The power of suggestion will get you every time. Might I suggest you feel better

[Weavdon]

I too am dealing with my first illness on CPAP. Have bronchitis and starting week three of coughing. Finished steroid and zpak but he cough lingers on. Doc said it would for a month.
On my worst nights when I cough every breath and felt I was dying I didn't use the cpap and sat upright. It's miserable. I am afraid of getting sick all over again using the mask and tubing. Is there anything special to do to disinfect other than washing it like normal?

[Sleeprider]

It's almost impossible for you to make yourself sick through the use of your own cpap tubing and mask. Good ordinary hygiene is adequate. As an illness progresses, the body develops antibodies that can give you increased immunity. Any low-level of contamination from your CPAP equipment will not reinfect you as your body clears that infection. Hospitals and clinics that reuse respiratory equipment use a highly diluted solution of Control III to disinfect between users. I have used Star-San, a food-grade acid sanitizer that I use in brewing beer. Either one will offer very high disinfection rates and a residual effect, and are odor-free and safe when properly diluted.