any advice on having the flu and using cpap?

[Ulrika]

I have ended up with a runny / blocked nose and sore throat today, there is a flu going around and I wondered if there is any advice on using cpap while sick... I am a mouth breather so I am hoping that the full mask will be ok. I am not sure what to expect tonight, or will it just be the same but feeling yuck.. ??

[zonk]

While using cpap you don,t want getting any sinus infection and the only thing I can suggest beside doctors is to rest, drink plenty of fluids, chicken soup (Jewish penicillin) and do the sinus washes: FLO or Neilmed

[Ulrika]

I have only had about an hours sleep and it's not going well... first night I am struggling with cpap - mind you just sitting up is uncomfortable with my headache, runny nose and achy muscles... I don't have any nasal sprays so apart from inhaling a bit of steam, it's time to try get a bit more sleep

[JudgeMental]

You'll be just fine using your CPAP while suffering the bug. In fact the air pressure will help to keep your nasal passages open better.

I would clean your hose, mask and humidifirer water chamber daily (suggest a rinse of small amount of peroxide and water) so that you don;t keep re-infecting yourself.

[zimlich]

You're going to be miserable with the flu, CPAP or not. I hope you feel better soon.

[Dreamcatcher]

Put a tissue with some olbas oil near your intake, will help you too breath better

[PaulaO2]

And yes, clean the mask and hose daily.

[Sleepster]

I have ended up with a runny / blocked nose and sore throat today, there is a flu going around and I wondered if there is any advice on using cpap while sick...

The CPAP machine will give you your own private source of humidified air. When I had a sinus infection recently, a result of tree pollen allergies, I was congested and had a cough. Went to the doctor and got some antibiotics and steroids, but I also cranked up the humidifier setting. Keeping those mucous membranes moist helps speed up your recovery.

[PaulaO2]

Same here. I had a really bad case of bronchitis (although the doc said it was probably pneumonia by the time it was done with me). I realized I felt much better first thing in the morning and figured it was the humidifier. I got an itty bitty one to sit on my desk next to me and it really helped, too.

[Ulrika]

I just read:

It is best not use PAP when you have a cold or sinus infection to avoid problems of blocked ear canals and headaches. Sometimes the congestion remains in the ears and sinuses after the acute symptoms of the cold are gone.

It's been about a week now and my flu seems to be over but my ears are blocked ... wondering if I should try not using CPAP in future with a flu and do I stop now until my ears unblock?? *sigh* I hate not using my mask