Suffering the aches, pains, and congestion of a head cold is extremely uncomfortable. When you need to sleep with a CPAP machine every night, it can be even more of a nightmare. Knowing the best tips for treating sleep apnea with a head cold mightoffer solutions for an unfortunate circumstance.
Turn On a Heated Humidifier
Using a standard humidifier will significantly help your head cold symptoms because it adds moisture to your nasal cavity, relieving the unpleasantness of a respiratory virus. Although, opting for a specialized, heated CPAP humidifier adds additional comfort and improves your sleep apnea complications, especially if you clean the components consistently to avoid further illness.
Try a Nasal Spray
If it feels like you cannot breathe, it may be time to explore some over-the-counter remedies. The first one you should try is a nasal spray. A couple of spritzes of saline spray in each nostril should alleviate some congestion, letting you use your CPAP machine without discomfort. Other over-the-counter options are available if you need something stronger, but you should consult your doctor or pharmacist to make sure it doesn’t conflict with your current medications.
Use a Full-Face Mask
Congestion can render your nose inoperable, so adopting a full-face CPAP mask, which lets you breathe through your mouth while sleeping, is a terrific alternative. While the air pressure passing through the nose mask may be sufficient to open your nasal airways, a full-face CPAP mask could be a better option for stabilizing your breathing.
Consider a Different Machine
A standard CPAP machine offers a single flow of therapeutic pressure. In contrast, an Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) machine employs sophisticated algorithms to deliver continuous pressure automatically. You won’t need to make any adjustments to the pressure of your machine because an APAP does it for you. Therefore, you can sleep comfortably while the APAP regularly adjusts to your breathing capabilities.
Become a Side Sleeper
Your sleeping position is a vital component of CPAP therapy, but it’s even more crucial when you’re under the weather. Ideally, all CPAP users should sleep on their side for the best results, especially if they are feeling stuffy. However, if you are adamant about sleeping on your back, use additional pillows to elevate your head, allowing the mucus to flow rather than block you up.
It’s annoying enough to deal with a head cold or sleep apnea on its own. Don’t let them work in unison to keep you up all night. Implementing these tips for treating sleep apnea with a head cold will help you get a good night’s rest.
