I have been sick for a month.  I have used my CPAP as much as I could.  I am getting better, but a week ago, my Hubby said, maybe you should not use the machine.  I could not remember what was discussed when I got it, so I called the DME.  They said that they did not know, but it sounded like it could be a good idea NOT to.  They recommended that I call my Regular Dr and ask.  So I did.  The nurse left me a message last night and said that it would be FINE to use the machine, that it even might help my cold go away faster.  (Well, I doubt that, since I have had it a month!)  

Now I am more confused than ever!!!

mamamama,

The answer depends on what type of mask you have.  I would say if you have pillows or a nasal mask, I'd say no... but if you have a full face mask, I'd say yes because in that case you would be getting proper therapy through your mouth.  Please take this for what it's worth; I'm not in the medical field, but this is just my own (sometimes flawed) deductive reasoning.  Somebody else please tell me if I'm correct.

Thanks,


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<>< Sleepy Scott <><
Job 7:13-15

I have used cpap every night since I got it five and a half years ago...and every nap....I can't imagine anything that would make me sleep without it.
  I have discussed with my doctor my need for cpap every night.  I use rhinocort nightly, but also have Astelin for times I have extra congestion due to colds, etc.  I also have combivent inhaler, and keep tussinex prescription on hand at all times in case of a cough (cpap's biggest challenge).  At the earliest signs of a respiratory infection...I go to my doctor and he gives me an injection of decadron and antibiotics, and I start oral meds.  Within four hours of lgetting the shot, I generally am breathing well.
  I use my nasal pillows, don't own a full face mask..tried them, gave them away...but by actually turning up the humidification, the cpap will do a lot toward clearing the nasal passages.  And yes, you will get over any illness better if you have good quality sleep.
  So I would say, get a plan in advance for dealing with sinus infections....discuss it with your doctor and have what you need to get through a weekend on hand at all times.

Okie, thanks for ALL the information.  WOW!  You have a plan, and I am impressed.  I do have a question, though.   My regular Dr sent me to a Neurologist because we were concerned that I had either MS or Fibromyalgia.  He sent me for the Sleep Study, and prescribed the CPAP, but he told me unless I had Neurological issues, I did not have to come back to see him.  To be honest, I do not think that he conferred with my regular Dr.  I go to a practice that has 3 or 4 drs and MANY, 12-15 PA's.  I normally see a PA.  Most times, if I am sick, it is not the same one.  I am wondering if you use a specialist or if you use a regular Dr for your cold issues?

Well, you may need to educate whoever you see as to your needs and why.  Tell them you can't sleep without cpap.  I am fortunate, I live in a small rural community, where everyone is on a firtst name basis, and the doctor remembers most of your ongoing problems without looking at the chart  Heck, he will even ask about the grown sons by name, LOL

mamamama wrote:

I have been sick for a month.  I have used my CPAP as much as I could.  I am getting better, but a week ago, my Hubby said, maybe you should not use the machine.  I could not remember what was discussed when I got it, so I called the DME.  They said that they did not know, but it sounded like it could be a good idea NOT to.  They recommended that I call my Regular Dr and ask.  So I did.  The nurse left me a message last night and said that it would be FINE to use the machine, that it even might help my cold go away faster.  (Well, I doubt that, since I have had it a month!)  

Now I am more confused than ever!!!

Based on my own experience I would not use cpap while having a bad cold. There is a danger that your ear canals can get blocked up with 'gunge' as a result of the air pressure. Left untreated this can cause infection.

It certainly won't make your cold go away faster, no matter what the nurse says.

Daniel.


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The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)