In some cases, using a CPAP with a stuffy nose may make it even more difficult to breathe.
The CPAP mask can also become contaminated with bacteria, increasing the risk of a secondary infection.
Taking a break from CPAP therapy when you have a cold is generally safe.
Paul Bradbury / Getty Images
This article provides tips for using a CPAP when sick with a cold.
However, the CPAP cannot work effectively if you have a respiratory illness that impedes your breathing.
Upper respiratory infections such as the common cold or influenza may make it more difficult to use CPAP.
Similar to what occurs with allergies, the nose may become congested, stuffed up, and runny.
A stuffy nose may make it hard to breathe with the machine if you use a nasal mask.
The discharge of mucus can also contaminate the CPAP mask, especially if you usenasal pillows.
The flow of air may also cause irritation if you have a sore throat and provoke coughing spells.
Each time you cough, opening the mouth may make the incoming pressure all the more uncomfortable.
There will be no major side effects of abruptly stopping therapy.
You may find that you have a residual benefit from the treatment, even several days into the break.
Any residue would then be swallowed as you sleep.
Ear Infections
People often worry that frequent ear infections may be worsened by CPAP use.
However, air pressure from CPAP does not travel from the throat to the inner ear via theEustachian tube.
There may be some pressure changes, but these are usually so minor that you may barely notice.
Mucus will not be forced along these tubes and worsen the symptoms of ear infection.
The heated and humidified air may add comfort and relief.
This pressurized air may also move mucus along the nasal passage and decrease congestion.
There are also medications that can ease symptoms while using CPAP, including decongestants and cold and flu remedies.
Saline Spray or Rinse
An over-the-countersaline sprayis inexpensive and effective.
It can be used as often as you need it and will moisten the lining of the nose.
It may also be helpful to rinse the nasal sinuses during a cold with aneti pot.
Cold and Flu Medications
Consider the use of medications that target cold and flu symptoms.
In particular,antihistamineslike Benadryl (diphenhydramine) may provide relief and improve sleep.
In addition, Mucinex (guaifenesin) may thin the mucus and help to clear it out.
This reduces irritation and inflammation along the airway.
Research suggests that a heated humidifier also reduces the risk and duration of infections.
To minimize the risk of condensation and bacterial build-up in CPAP tubing, use heated tubing.
This may be more likely if you have adeviated nasal septumblocking one side of your nose.
In such cases, consider the use of a full-face mask.
A full-face mask allows breathing to occur via either the nose or mouth.
In some cases, the full-face mask can be used temporarily.
As nasal breathing improves, it is possible to switch back to a nasal or nasal pillow mask.
Positional Therapy
to make it improve breathing during sleep, consider sleeping on your side or stomach.
It may also be helpful to raise your head at night.
This can be accomplished with the use of a sleeping wedge pillow or by stacking several pillows up.
Raising your head may also provide relief even without the continued use of CPAP.
Pressure Changes or Auto-CPAP
When the nose is more obstructed, additional CPAP pressure may be required.
This airflow may open things up.
Consider reaching out to your healthcare provider to have the pressure adjusted, if needed.
Auto-CPAP therapy, in which a range of pressures can be delivered, may also be a helpful option.
With that said, unsanitized CPAP equipment can cause infections unrelated to a cold or flu.
As always, verify to clean your CPAP routinely to protect yourself from infection.
2015;8(2):2674-8.
