Unable to clear throat while on APAP

[NorthernGuy]

I have a cold virus right now and lots of mucous. I have been having trouble with sticky mucous building up high in the back of my throat, which I can't clear.

Eventually, I wake up coughing and gagging - nearly vomiting sometimes. I am unable to clear the mucous while the machine is on. I have tried repeated swallowing, attempted throat clearing, coughing etc. - Nothing helps.

Once, I shut the machine off and/or pull the hose from the mask, one or two swallows and the problem clears quickly.

The pressure is preventing whatever friction or motion in the throat that is needed to clear the mucous. Anyone else experience this or know the remedy?

Does this mean I need more or less humidity? Or something else?

I have the Dreamstation with integrated humidifier set to 4 out of 5 (normally use 3). I get cold air and not much water (maybe 1/5 of it) is gone in the morning. Not sure if it is working correctly. (It 'function checks' OK and warms a little when I put it in preheat, so I guess that is correct).

[OpalRose]

Are you using a heated hose? If yes, raise the hose temp., but lower the humidity. Just my thoughts, but too much humidity doesn't help.
Other than that, try Mucinex, that will help clear that mucous.

[PaulaO2]

Could be you just don't know how to do it yet. But while sick with cold, turning up the humidifier is always a good idea.

Sit up with the mask on and the machine on. Practice clearing your throat, even if there is nothing there. Cough, ahem, all that sort of stuff. There is no reason you should not be able to hack that stuff up.

[NorthernGuy]

I'll keep trying. If I release the pressure, I can clear it right away, but that is a pain. This is my first experience with this problem, not doubt due to the cold virus. Sitting up didn't help. It is like the pressure makes that part of the throat inaccessible to clearing under pressure.

No heated hose. I just asked a question about this in another thread. I'll try to order one online. My DME usually only works through insurance and makes it hard to use cash for any additional stuff.

I have the humidity set on 4 out of 5. I don't notice any significant change in the water that is missing in the morning (only ever about 1/5 of a tank per night). I am trying to see if it is working properly, but it is hard to tell (it heats a small amount, but I can't tell if it is the right amount - and the settings don't seem to noticeably change the output). That is another issue to work out.

[PaytonA]

I have no problem clearing my throat or coughing with my mask on and the machine running. My pressure is up around 19-20.

Best Regards,

PaytonA

[Sleeprider]

No heated hose. I just asked a question about this in another thread. I'll try to order one online. My DME usually only works through insurance and makes it hard to use cash for any additional stuff.

If you're shopping on your own dime, get the best price + shipping. The Climateline does not require a prescription. Check online suppliers, Amazon, Ebay etc.