How to Use CPAP Therapy When You Have Nasal Congestion

We all dread being congested or “stuffed up”, especially when we’re trying to sleep. If you suffer from sleep apnea and you’re feeling congested, whether it be from a cold or from allergies, getting a good night’s sleep feels nearly impossible. That’s why we’re here with some tips on how you can get quality sleep while still getting proper CPAP treatment.

Use a Humidifier 

We’ve all heard of using humidifiers, but have you ever actually tried one? For CPAP users, there are a couple of options to try. You could either get a typical room humidifier to help raise the humidity in the room, or you can get a humidifier attachment for your CPAP machine to add humidity directly to the tubing that’s helping you breathe. Be sure to ask your doctor which would be best, or give both a shot if the air is extra dry!

Get Heated Tubing

Heated CPAP hoses have heating coils to help prevent rainouts by keeping the air warm as it travels through the hoses. This helps not only with congestion, but also with any dryness or throat soreness that occurs due to CPAP therapy. 

Try a Full-Face Mask

While nasal masks seem to be more popular due to the smaller design, full-face masks are often more effective, especially if there are troubles or concerns. A full-face mask covers the mouth and nose making it more comfortable to use in dryer climates. When both passages are covered, rather than just the nasal passages, patients have a more comfortable experience. Many people even just use a full-face mask when they are congested or have allergies and use a nasal mask when they’re feeling 100%.

Keep Your CPAP Equipment Clean

Keeping your CPAP equipment clean and fresh will not only help you breathe better, but if the congestion is due to a cold, it will help that cold go away faster by getting rid of germs and bacteria that could build up in the tubing and on the mask. 

Next time you’re feeling a little congested and getting ready for bed and to put your CPAP on, remember these tips! For more information or if you have questions, contact an expert at Trace Medical to help. Here’s to getting better sleep, not only tonight, but every night.