I  have only had the machine since 12/16.

The first night went OK.  The pressure at first was way too high.

Second night I had to take it off about 2 am because I couldn't breath from having a cold.

3rd night was a mess!  I couldn't breath at all through my nose.

Also, how long does it take to get use to it?  I really didn't sleep all that much while having it on.

Looking for suggestions!

Dave

Dear Dave,

I haven't had a really bad cold since starting CPAP therapy three years ago, but did have a bad year with many sinus infections leading up to sinus surgery a year ago - so I can speak from allied experience.

Do whatever you can to keep your nasal passages open.  As a CPAP user, this needs to be a priority.  You can safely use Afrin or a similar spray for a few days without experiencing a rebound effect.  You can use over-the-counter decongestants (such as Sudafed), if you can take them safely (many people have contraindications for them).  You can use over-the-counter antihistamines (Claritin or equivalent); they're generally OK to take for a long time.  If these don't work, contact your doctor for a prescription or prescriptions.  

If you can't get your nasal passages clear, you'll probably need a full face mask (covering both nose and mouth) for when you have a cold.  Unfortunately, insurance companies limit how often you can get a new mask, so you might have to wait several months for one - or pay for it yourself.  There are just a few days left this year for Flexible Spending Accounts.

Another issue with full face masks is they're sometimes harder to fit and make leak-free.  I haven't bothered to acquire one; I just use my antihistamine spray twice a day religiously.

Hope you feel better,
Ridge Runner

dave,
Have you tried increasing the humidifyer setting on yoiur machine? Sometimes the moister air helps keep me "unstuffed". Increase the level slowly or you may feel like you're sleeping in a rainstorm. Try to find the happy medium between breathing and keeping "raindown" to a minimum. A cpap tube wrap available on the web can help reduce moisture. Also, you can ask your dr for a prescription for Flonase nasal spray. Pricey if you don't have insurance but I've used it on an occasional basis with good success.
Hope this helps,

Mike