Question:
Started on CPAP the same days as bad cold started, does it get better after the cold?

Also the cpap is set for 25 by home health. I wear full dentures and the machine ramps up to 25, and my lips are fluttering in the breeze, making more noise than my snoring. I have a nose mask. It is a little better if I wear my dentures to bed, but this is also uncomfortable.    — Peter L. (posted on March 13, 2003)

March 13, 2003
Your setting is a lot higher than mine (13), but I don't understand why you would be having problems with your lips fluttering! Sounds like maybe you are opening yout mouth a bit while you sleep. It took me several days to get used to sleeping with the CPAP - now I feel naked and afraid to fall asleep without it...Barb
   — Barbara C.

March 13, 2003
I also wear an upper denture and do find that the mask fits differently than it did before I got it. I do take the denture out at night. The fact that you have a cold will also make it a bit more difficult. However, a setting of 25 is pretty high. Did they try you on a bi-pap machine. That is usually used when the setting has to be so high. On CPAP, the pressure is constant coming in at you. On bi-pap, the machine doesn't keep up continuous pressure, but lowers it when you breath out, so it's a bit easier to use with a higher pressure. If you haven't already bought the machine (or your insurance hasn't), you might want to ask about a bi-pap.
   — garw

March 13, 2003
Hi, Peter, I am also on CPAP (8), I have found that when I get a cold, if I take a decongestant at night it really helps. Of course, you have to ask your doctor about this! I've been on CPAP with 1cm oxygen while I sleep for 11 years now, am having my surgery on March 24, and look forward to not having to use my machines anymore. My brother-in-law had his surgery almost 3 years ago and he told me that he only uses his machine once in awhile. Good luck! Sue-Ellen
   — Sue-Ellen J.

March 13, 2003
Hi Peter, I too know what you mean about your lips fluttering. My CPAP is set to ramp up to 17cm's, I was told that if I was any worse that they would have had to do a tracheotomy on me. I have tried several things to stop the flapping, it causes my mouth to be so dry when I wake up that I almost have to have a pry-bar to open it. I have to keep a water bottle next to the bed and take a sip of water to get my mouth open, LOL. The only thing that I have found thats works for the Flapping is to put a piece of paper-tape over my mouth to keep it shut. My wife said she was going to put some Super-Glue on the tape for me one night so she would never have to worry about me opening my mouth again, this would also help me loose weight, I think, LOL. Good luck.
   — Grady E.

March 13, 2003
The fluttering might be helped by a chin strap. But, if it's just because of the cold and your nose is stuffed, I guess time will help! If I'm very stuffy with a cold, my doc recommends going without the machine for a couple of nights. I've had a couple of sinus infections because I tried to keep the mask on when I just couldn't breath properly.
   — JoSyrNY

March 13, 2003
I have been using a CPAP since 1997, now at 9 months post op I just had it turned down.. YAY! My pulmonologist gave me a prescription for ATROVENT for when I get a stuffy nose that isn't helped by any over the counter product. It's a super powered nasal decongestant.. you might ask your provider about it if your symptoms don't improve. If I can't breathe through my nose I can't use my CPAP, thusly I don't sleep well. Best of luck with it! ~Peace
   — Joscelin