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Can CPAP give you a cold?
In general, most adults get 2-4 common cold infections a year, whether or not they use CPAP. Bad sleep is thought to undermine the body’s immune response to infection. Studies have related this to increased vulnerability to colds and other common diseases. Sleep apnea victims who sleep worse, in general, may have compromised immune systems, leaving them more vulnerable to coughs and colds.
Besides, CPAP can exacerbate mild cold symptoms, making it more difficult to sleep. Bottom line, having quality rest is critical for avoiding, combating, and recovering from the cold.
If your CPAP treatment doesn’t perform as well as it should, you don’t get the sleep you need to keep the immune system in top shape. So, while there is no clear evidence that CPAP can induce a cold, it can intensify the onset of a full-blown cold, and problems of flu symptoms can make it difficult to heal.
Yes, cold and flu symptoms interfere with CPAP
If you have a cold or a fever, your effects will make it more difficult to use your CPAP machine. A runny, congested nose will make it difficult to breathe, particularly if you’re wearing a nasal mask. It can also make you breathe through your mouth, which may compromise the efficacy of your sleep apnea treatment.
A sore throat will lead to coughing in night, which is not ideal for sleeping. In any case, the effects of cold and flu will interfere with your CPAP treatment and hinder you from having deep, restorative sleep. And, if you’re having a bad time with CPAP, it will make things harder.
What to do when CPAP worsens your sore throat
Viral illnesses, such as those with a cold or the flu, are the most frequent causes of sore throats. The conditioned air from your CPAP machine will aggravate your already inflamed sore throat and lead to coughing spells that can preclude you from having deep restful sleep.
Some can find it so bad that you continue to leave your mask off, which is likely to disrupt your sleep apnea therapy. So, what will you do to prevent your throat from getting worse and resume your CPAP treatment and get the rest you need to recover from?
Here are some things to try:
- Change Position – Attempting to sleep on your side as sleeping on your back may exacerbate the buildup of excess mucus in your throat.
- Drink water – Keeping extra hydrated will help you get rid of excessive mucus in your respiratory tract.
- Honey – Taking 2 – 3 tablespoons of honey at bedtime is a basic natural treatment that will assist with the cough.
- Cough suppressants – these medications operate by suppressing the cough reflex. They comprise cough syrup or lozenges of the throat. There are several off-the-shelf alternatives, including organic herbal ingredients and more conventional dextromethorphan-based preparations such as Robitussin DM.
- If you’re after something better, consult with your doctor for a prescription for a hydrocodone-based medicine to control the cough.
- Expectorants – These cold meds release mucus and make it easier to cough up. Guaifenesin, the most popular active ingredient, can be used in medicines such as Mucinex and Robitussin Chest Congestion.
Be careful to mix cold or flu meds along with other medications, such as sleeping tablets. They can combine and cause undesirable side effects.
Using a CPAP with a stuffy nose
A stuffy nose is also another irritating cold symptom that can destroy your sleep, particularly if you are unable to use your CPAP machine.
Your nose will get stuffy if your nasal lining is sore when you fight a cold or a flu infection. It may also be caused by an allergy.
Here are a few things to try:
- Adjust your sleeping posture – Trying to prop your head up with an additional pillow will help drain the nasal cavity. Sleeping on your side rather than your back can even help to clear your nose.
- Salt spray – Found as drops or sprays, these saltwater remedies can help release mucus, reduce swelling, and make breathing easier. Effects can be short-lived.
- Nasal Strips – Composed of lightweight bands of sticky adhesives, nasal strips, such as Breathe Right, raise the side of the nose to clear nasal passages. The lifting movement will help to ease inflamed passages and make it easier to breathe.
- Decongestants – Available as a tablet, powder, or nasal spray, these medications decrease the inflammation of blood vessels in your nose, which helps expand airways. They can be used early enough to take place at bedtime. If used too long or too much, there could be a chance of rebound congestion.
Get good sleep with CPAP cleaner
Consult with the Best CPAP Cleaner Store today if your CPAP machine is causing severe sore throat or is malfunctioning. At Best Cpap Cleaner, we give you a detailed comparison of all cpap cleaning products in the market today and help you choose the best one for your condition. We keep you updated with important information about your cpap machines and accessories.
Visit us at Coral Springs, Florida, or call us today at (855) 275-8951 to learn how your Soclean 2 works.
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