Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy treats sleep apnea by delivering a steady stream of air to keep airways open during sleep. Many CPAP users wonder if it is safe to continue this therapy when experiencing the symptoms of a common cold. While a cold can make CPAP use uncomfortable, strategies exist to manage symptoms and maintain treatment efficacy.
General Guidance on CPAP Use During a Cold
For most mild cold symptoms, continuing CPAP therapy is recommended. This maintains consistent airway patency, crucial for individuals with sleep apnea. Untreated sleep apnea, even for a few nights, can lead to fragmented sleep, increased daytime fatigue, and a resurgence of symptoms. Some find the pressurized air helps clear minor nasal congestion, making breathing easier and promoting better sleep.
Cold symptoms like a stuffy or runny nose can make CPAP mask use challenging. Nasal congestion can lead to mouth breathing, reducing nasal mask effectiveness and causing air leaks. Despite these difficulties, the benefits of continuous positive airway pressure usually outweigh temporary discomfort for those with mild to moderate cold symptoms.
Managing Discomfort and Maintaining Efficacy
When using CPAP during a cold, several strategies help manage discomfort and ensure effective therapy. A heated humidifier adds moisture to the air, soothing irritated nasal passages and thinning mucus. This alleviates dryness and makes pressurized air more tolerable.
Saline nasal sprays or rinses reduce congestion and moisturize the nasal lining, making breathing easier with the mask. These are inexpensive and can be used as needed. For severe nasal congestion, temporarily switching to a full-face mask, which covers both nose and mouth, prevents air leaks from mouth breathing and ensures continuous therapy. Elevating the head slightly with extra pillows can also promote sinus drainage and ease congestion.
Importance of Device Hygiene
Maintaining proper CPAP equipment hygiene is important, especially when sick, to prevent germ spread and potential re-infection. Viruses and bacteria can accumulate on the mask, tubing, and humidifier water chamber. Regular cleaning helps prevent prolonging illness or introducing new infections.
During a cold, clean the CPAP mask cushion daily with mild soap and warm water. The tubing and humidifier water chamber should also be cleaned daily or more frequently. Empty the water chamber, wash with warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and allow to air dry completely. This diligent routine removes contaminants and ensures a healthier therapy experience.
When to Seek Medical Advice or Pause Treatment
While continuing CPAP therapy with a mild cold is often feasible, situations exist where medical advice should be sought or temporary cessation considered. If cold symptoms worsen, or new, more severe symptoms develop like a high fever (above 100.4°F or 38°C), severe ear pain, persistent sinus pressure, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, contact a healthcare provider. These symptoms could indicate a more serious infection or complications.
If discomfort makes CPAP mask tolerance impossible, a temporary pause in treatment might be necessary. Symptoms like significant ear pressure, nosebleeds, severe coughing, or excessive runny nose can make CPAP use highly uncomfortable.
Although short breaks from CPAP therapy are generally safe, any decision to pause treatment should be discussed with a healthcare professional. They can provide guidance based on your specific health condition and symptom severity.