CPAP machines treat sleep apnea by delivering pressurized air to keep the upper airway open during sleep. When experiencing cold symptoms, CPAP users often wonder if they should continue therapy. Generally, it is recommended to continue using the machine, but temporary modifications are needed for comfort and congestion management. Discontinuing treatment causes sleep apnea symptoms to return, interrupting the restorative sleep needed to recover from illness. Simple adjustments ensure treatment remains effective and comfortable while sick.
Adjusting CPAP Settings and Equipment for Cold Symptoms
Nasal congestion from a cold makes breathing through the nose challenging, impacting comfort, especially with a nasal mask or pillows. Increasing the level of heated humidification is an effective modification. Heated humidifiers add moisture to the pressurized air, soothing irritated nasal passages and thinning mucus for easier clearance.
Most machines offer humidity settings, and increasing this setting temporarily reduces the feeling of dryness caused by constant airflow. If your machine has heated tubing, increasing the temperature prevents condensation, known as “rainout.” Optimizing both humidity and tube temperature delivers a consistently warm and moist air stream.
For users with severe nasal blockage who use a nasal mask, temporarily switching to a full-face mask is advisable. This mask covers both the nose and mouth, ensuring therapeutic pressure is delivered even if you mouth-breathe due to congestion. This maintains therapy effectiveness when nasal breathing is difficult. Using external aids like a saline nasal rinse or spray about 30 minutes before bed can also help clear nasal passages.
Essential Hygiene Practices When Using CPAP While Sick
When battling a cold, maintaining a rigorous cleaning schedule for your CPAP equipment is important to prevent introducing pathogens back into your airway or machine. Viruses and bacteria accumulate on the mask, tubing, and water reservoir, increasing the risk of prolonged illness or secondary infection. Therefore, the standard cleaning routine should be intensified to a daily practice while symptomatic.
This heightened hygiene involves washing the mask, tubing, and humidifier water chamber every morning with mild, unscented soap and warm water. The water reservoir should be thoroughly cleaned and allowed to air dry completely after rinsing to prevent mold or bacteria growth. It is wise to replace the machine’s filter more frequently than recommended, especially if you have been coughing or sneezing. After cold symptoms have fully resolved, a final, comprehensive disinfection of all components ensures the system is free of lingering germs.
Recognizing When to Temporarily Stop CPAP Therapy
While continuing CPAP is recommended, certain severe symptoms may necessitate a temporary pause in treatment after consulting a healthcare provider. Severe nausea or active vomiting introduces a risk of aspiration if the mask is worn. Severe ear pain or significant sinus pressure is another concern, as this may suggest an ear infection or barotrauma, where pressurized air could worsen discomfort.
Severe, uncontrollable coughing fits prevent maintaining a consistent mask seal, making therapy ineffective and uncomfortable. A persistent inability to keep the mask in place or frequent leaks due to extreme discomfort may signal that a short break is necessary. If symptoms progress beyond a typical cold, such as developing a high fever, severe chest congestion, or difficulty breathing, contact your physician immediately for guidance.