When a cough develops, individuals using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy often face a decision about continuing treatment. This choice depends on the cough’s nature and accompanying symptoms. Understanding how CPAP interacts with a cough helps users make informed decisions for their respiratory health and sleep.
General Guidelines for CPAP Use with a Cough
For most mild coughs, such as those associated with a common cold or allergies, continuing CPAP therapy is acceptable and can offer benefits. The heated humidifier component of a CPAP machine can soothe irritated airways by adding moisture to the pressurized air delivered. This added humidity helps prevent dryness in nasal passages and the throat that can cause or worsen a cough. The consistent airflow from the CPAP machine may also help alleviate congestion and make breathing more comfortable during a cold. Personal comfort should guide the decision to continue use, along with careful monitoring of symptoms.
When to Temporarily Stop CPAP Use
There are specific situations where temporarily stopping CPAP therapy is advisable. This includes instances of severe coughs, particularly those that are highly productive with thick mucus, or persistent coughing fits that frequently dislodge the CPAP mask. A mask that is repeatedly dislodged can compromise therapy effectiveness and lead to fragmented sleep.
CPAP cessation may also be considered when experiencing symptoms of infections like the flu, bronchitis, or pneumonia. In cases of severe congestion, using CPAP can become uncomfortable and may make breathing more difficult. If dealing with a highly contagious illness, frequent mask removal due to coughing could aerosolize pathogens, increasing the risk of spreading infection.
If CPAP equipment is not meticulously cleaned, it can become a reservoir for bacteria and viruses, which can then be transferred into the lungs, leading to or worsening respiratory infections. Other reasons to pause CPAP use include ear pain, nosebleeds, nausea, or if the CPAP therapy itself seems to be exacerbating the cough.
Adapting CPAP Use During Illness
For those who continue CPAP therapy while experiencing a cough, several adjustments can enhance comfort and safety. Increasing the humidification setting on the CPAP machine is beneficial, as it adds more moisture and warmth to the air, directly addressing dryness and irritation in the airways. Using heated tubing in conjunction with the humidifier can further maintain the air’s warmth and moisture content, preventing condensation and ensuring consistent comfort.
Nasal congestion can affect the mask’s seal, leading to air leaks and reduced therapy effectiveness. Mouth leaks, in particular, can result in a dry mouth and throat irritation, contributing to a cough. If nasal breathing is significantly impaired, switching to a full face mask temporarily may provide a better seal and allow for comfortable breathing through the mouth, ensuring continued therapy.
Rigorous cleaning protocols are paramount during illness. Daily cleaning of the mask, tubing, and humidifier chamber helps prevent the buildup of germs and reduces the risk of re-infection. Most components can be cleaned effectively with mild soap and warm water, and distilled water should always be used in the humidifier to prevent mineral buildup and bacterial growth.
Consulting Your Healthcare Provider
Seeking professional medical advice is important if a cough persists or worsens while using CPAP therapy. Specific red flags that warrant a doctor’s visit include a cough that lasts longer than a few weeks. Other concerning symptoms that should prompt medical evaluation include fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, the production of discolored or thick mucus, wheezing, or night sweats. If there is a suspicion that the cough is directly related to CPAP use and does not improve with adjustments, or if there are signs of a CPAP-related infection, a healthcare provider can offer an evaluation. They can assess the underlying cause of the cough, recommend appropriate treatment, or adjust CPAP settings as needed to ensure safe and effective therapy.