need help with CPAP

How can I use my CPAP when my nose is plugged up? I am struggling at night and have a horrible cold. I have to wear it, my surgery is scheduled for the end of the month and they will follow up for compliance to make sure I have been using it.

Have you tried taking benedryl or some other nasal decongestant? I just got my machine and had not even thought about what I'll do in case I get a cold....hmmmm....let me know if nasal decongestant works for you.

Are you using a heated humidifier? That should really help.....

What does the heated humidifier do? Is it connected to the cpap machine?

Hi Lisa. I am curious as to how this ended up with you. Did they let you still have the surgery? Pat.

Yes I had my surgery 8-29. I have trouble using my machine now though. The pressure seems to blow the mask off my face all night long. I think my pressure needs to be adjusted down, but I think they told me it's as low as it can go.

Two things I do when I am stuffy that usually work for wearing my cpap. 1. Saline Nasal Drops - available at the drug store... nasty yes, but they do help a lot. 2. Vick's vapo rub - they now make a small lipstick like container of this. You hold it to your nostrils and inhale. For me it is pretty strong stuff but boy it helps cut through the junk. Usually once I get clear and put my mask on the mask does it's thing and am good for the rest of the night.

Hi There...Here is my $0.02...... My CPAP machine ALWAYS makes me sick.. It is just a side effect with me. But when I am too stuffed up and I can't tolerate it, I do not wear it. I go to my PCP and they usually write a note to my Apnea MD to excuse me for using it for a couple of days, becuase I was sick. Now, I currently use O2 with my machine, because I have had too many sinus infections, Strep throat, and URI(colds) using the machine with room air. I sleep with my window open year round, and the toxins and grems from the room air, was being directly introduced into my lungs thus making me sick. Now the O2 is making every night a lot better to sleep with the machine. I have to wear it for 4 hours a night for 30 days too, I had one clearance, but did not make the compliance clearance for surgery, so I was postponed until I get a compliance clearance, and some other things done. So just talk to your PCP and Apnea MD, they should be able to do something for you. I hope this helps.... Nissah 360/281/???/180 Ima comin soon....Still Pre-op for a surgery date