Hello Veteran CPAP-BiPAPers!

This morning I woke to a really strange noise... it was the sound of me breathing with my mouth open... yuck... and let's not even talk about the dry mouth, sinus drainage, etc..

I think I have a cold coming on...  So that's my question... What do you all do when you have a cold? Do you still use your machines? Any tips or suggestions?

Thanks!

Donna

Donna, a cold was one of the things I dreaded as a nasal pillows user.  Although I don't get them too often, I feared several sleepless nights once my nose and sinuses were filled with all that lovely mucous that head colds subject you to.  In addition to head colds, just being "plugged up" from spring, summer or fall pollen, etc., left me concerned.

The good news (at least for me) is that after almost two years on my CPAP, I have never been unable to use it.  During periods of congestion I blow as thoroughly as possible right before attaching the device.  What I found is that the force of the air (set at 14 with C-Flex), seems to be enough to keep my airway open.  Once in awhile I will have to "clean out" during the night, but I put it back on immediately and all is well for the rest of the night.

Mind you, this is from someone with a deviated septum, so I don't have the best unobstructed airway to begin with.  Try not to "panic," and keep telling yourself how much better you'll feel in the morning if you keep using your CPAP despite the cold.

Good Luck.