With summer in the rearview mirror, we brace for the cooler months ahead. Cold and flu season are hard on everyone.. But for CPAP users, in particular, it can be a special challenge. In addition to a very specific sleep routine, you have to manage coughing and congestion.
It may be tempting to forgo treatment until you begin to feel better, but halting treatment may make your recovery even longer. This is because your body needs adequate rest to recover. Thankfully, you have come to the right place to help get you or a loved one through this cold!
Invest in a Heated Humidifier
Even if you don’t have a cold, many users like having a heated humidifier because of the overall comfort it provides. CPAP air without a humidifier can dry out the nasal passages. Needless to say, this is not desirable when you already have nasal congestion.
Sleep on Your Side
This doesn’t have to be forever, but it can provide temporary relief until you are feeling back to normal. When you lay on your back, mucus can accumulate in the nose and throat. It might feel weird to lay on your side, but you will likely get better sleep by doing so.
Use a Full Face Mask
If you are having trouble breathing out of your nose, it doesn’t make sense to use the nose mask. We would suggest purchasing a full face mask so you can breathe through your mouth. Unfortunately, this won’t be the last cold you have, so you will be able to use the full face mask in the future, even if it isn’t your first choice on a normal night.
Keep it Clean
You should already be routinely cleaning your machine, but it is even more important to thoroughly clean the CPAP when you have a cold. If you forget to do so, you may re-infect yourself with bacteria over and over again. This includes cleaning your mask and tubing once a day. You should also keep your CPAP off of the floor to help avoid it from absorbing household dust and debris.
We hope these tips encourage you to continue therapy throughout your sickness. This can be a challenging time for CPAP users, but by successfully taking care of your machine and yourself, you can feel better soon! For all your CPAP comfort supplies, see CPAPCentral.com.