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Kalnel2
Joined: 31 Jul 2009
Posts: 35
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 Tips for use during cold/flu/allergies
I've been fight off a cold this week, and I hit on a trick for using my nasal pillows when my nose is stopped up.
About 10 minutes before I go to bed, I take a hit on a Vicks Inhaler in each nostril. The Vicks clears out the sinuses and opens things up fairly quickly -- especially if you're still up walking around.
As soon as my nose clears, I put on the mask and crank the humidity level up a notch higher than I usually keep it. The pressure and humidity seem to keep everything "open" all night, although I get a little more dripping in the tube than usual.
(The Vicks Inhaler is an over-the-counter cold med that looks like a Chapstick tube. It contains some kind of mentholated stuff that clears your sinuses when you take a whiff of it.)
Anyone else have any home remedies for CPAP users?
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| Mon Oct 05, 2009 6:14 pm |
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Leastbay
Joined: 17 Sep 2009
Posts: 7
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I have been having the same problem for a few days. I used afrin for about 2 days and last night I had a bloody nose before I went to bed. I might try the humidifier tonight. Also a hot shower seems to clear me up some before bed.
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| Mon Oct 05, 2009 6:18 pm |
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maf79
Joined: 24 Jun 2009
Posts: 194
Location: Central OH
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I've had the same problem, I haven't used my cpap for over a week and I think I've relapsed to where it's horrible to put it on like in the beginning. ugh.
_________________
Previous Mask: F&P Zest (did not like)
Current Mask: Resmed Swift LT for her (nasal pillow)
CPAP: F&P Sleep Series 234
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| Mon Oct 05, 2009 7:55 pm |
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spanz
Joined: 19 May 2009
Posts: 35
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Vicks huh? I will give it a try!
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| Mon Oct 05, 2009 8:43 pm |
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maf79
Joined: 24 Jun 2009
Posts: 194
Location: Central OH
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My other problem is coughing constantly. That with the mask combo doesn't work well together.
_________________
Previous Mask: F&P Zest (did not like)
Current Mask: Resmed Swift LT for her (nasal pillow)
CPAP: F&P Sleep Series 234
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| Tue Oct 06, 2009 3:57 pm |
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Webbie73
Joined: 28 Apr 2009
Posts: 114
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I too, am fighting a cold. I did use my CPAP machine last night but had horrible results. All my numbers were sky high yet my leak rate was .02. So I am wondering what that is all about.
As for the Vick's inhaler..I love that thing. Opens up the nasal passages so you machine can get the air though. Once the machine reaches the correct pressure it keeps the nasal passages open. If not I just open my mouth which I hate to do..I have a hybrid mask and can open my mouth.
I hope your cold goes away soon.
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| Tue Oct 06, 2009 4:53 pm |
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maf79
Joined: 24 Jun 2009
Posts: 194
Location: Central OH
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I've been taking nyquil, but it hasn't been working for more than a couple hours. I talked to my pharmacist and she suggested benadryl. Except now I'm not sure if she means in combo with the nyquil??? I was assuming she did, but not sure.
_________________
Previous Mask: F&P Zest (did not like)
Current Mask: Resmed Swift LT for her (nasal pillow)
CPAP: F&P Sleep Series 234
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| Tue Oct 06, 2009 5:37 pm |
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SleepyToo
Joined: 17 Sep 2009
Posts: 64
Location: North of Philadelphia
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maf79 wrote:I talked to my pharmacist and she suggested benadryl. Except now I'm not sure if she means in combo with the nyquil??? I was assuming she did, but not sure.
I trained as a pharmacist but am not licensed to practice in the US. However, I can tell you that you do need to check back with your pharmacist, because Nyquil and Benadryl contain the same active ingredient. If you are to take both together, be very careful that you don't give yourself an overdose. Maybe it was one during the day and one at night?
_________________ SleepyToo
Philadelphia Area
Newly diagnosed, Respironics M Series Pro w\ humidifier
Zest nasal mask, also have Full Life ff mask, and FlexiFit 407
(Also have a FlexiFit 405 that damaged the bridge of my nose)
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| Tue Oct 06, 2009 6:28 pm |
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George/PA
Joined: 14 Feb 2007
Posts: 63
Location: Pennsylvania
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When I experience congestion in my head, I put an open jar of Vicks Vapo Rub next to the intake of my machine.
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| Tue Oct 06, 2009 6:59 pm |
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Okie
Moderator
Joined: 16 Jun 2005
Posts: 1062
Location: Oklahoma
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I have never missed one night on my cpap in 9 years...would be terrified to even think of dozing off without it.
My favorite cough medication is tussionex extended release suspension. It is prescription only, but I try to never run out. One dose lasts twelve hours. So I can take it about one hour before bedtime, and get a full 8 hours of sleep.
I hate cough medicine that wears off during the nite, requiring a second dose, and sitting up until it takes effect.
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| Wed Oct 07, 2009 6:42 pm |
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desertyeti
Joined: 07 Oct 2009
Posts: 5
Location: Lost in the Arizona desert.
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Having problems with a stuffy nose as well, except I'm going to bed with my nose clear and waking up in the middle of the night with it plugged. Only had the machine for 2 nights. I'll have to try the Vick's.
Would just cranking up the humidifier a bit help as well?
_________________
Resmed S8 AutosetII w/ H4i humidifier & ResMed Mirage Micro nasal mask
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| Thu Oct 08, 2009 1:38 am |
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maf79
Joined: 24 Jun 2009
Posts: 194
Location: Central OH
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I was doing a sinus rinse right before bed. That helped a lot. I am able to sleep taking 2 benadryl (cold and sinus) and a dose of nyquil. Still coughing a little, but slept from 9p-5a without waking up TOO much.
_________________
Previous Mask: F&P Zest (did not like)
Current Mask: Resmed Swift LT for her (nasal pillow)
CPAP: F&P Sleep Series 234
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| Thu Oct 08, 2009 9:23 am |
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