Should I Use CPAP When I Am Sick?

Getting sick when you rely on a CPAP machine can be challenging. Whether you’re dealing with a cold, flu, or seasonal allergies, the thought of using your CPAP while feeling congested or having a sore throat might seem a bit of a challenge.

I was recently sick and kept waking up coughing into my mask! But is it safe to continue your CPAP therapy? I think so.

Let’s break down when it’s okay to keep using your CPAP and when you might be considering throwing it across the room!

Why You Shouldn’t Skip CPAP Therapy

Even when you’re feeling under the weather, it’s crucial to keep your CPAP therapy going. Why? Because untreated sleep apnea can worsen your symptoms and make it harder to recover. When you’re congested or coughing, stopping CPAP use can lead to:

• Interrupted Sleep: Your apnea events may increase, disrupting your sleep and slowing your recovery.
• Worsened Breathing: Not using CPAP can lead to more airway obstructions, causing more strain on your respiratory system.
• Daytime Fatigue: The lack of restorative sleep can increase daytime drowsiness, making it harder to manage other symptoms like headaches or congestion.

How to Use CPAP While Sick

If you’re feeling well enough to use your CPAP, here are a few tips to make it more comfortable:

1. Adjust Humidity Settings

When you’re sick, nasal congestion can make breathing through your CPAP difficult. One way to relieve this is by adjusting your humidifier settings. Increasing the humidity level can help soothe dry, irritated airways and ease congestion. This might not always be possible and depends on the machine.

However, be cautious—too much humidity can worsen nasal congestion for some people. It’s best to experiment with small changes in the settings and see what works best for you.

2. Use a Full-Face Mask

If you’re struggling to breathe through your nose due to congestion, switching to a full-face mask might be more comfortable. Full-face masks allow you to breathe through both your nose and mouth, making it easier to maintain your CPAP therapy when your nasal passages are blocked.

3. Keep Your Equipment Clean

Being sick means you’re likely dealing with more bacteria and viruses, so keeping your CPAP machine, mask, and tubing clean is more important than ever.

Make sure to wash your equipment daily using mild soap and water to reduce the risk of spreading germs and worsening your illness.

For a deep clean, consider using a CPAP cleaner like the SoClean or Lumin. While these products aren’t necessary, they offer convenience and peace of mind by sanitizing your equipment more effectively.

4. Nasal Saline Rinse

Using a nasal saline rinse, like a neti pot or saline spray, before bedtime can help clear your nasal passages.

This will reduce congestion and make it easier to use your CPAP. Make sure to do this at least 30 minutes before using your machine to ensure your nasal passages are clear.

5. Use Heated Tubing

Heated CPAP tubing can prevent excess moisture build-up, which often leads to a condition known as “rainout” (water droplets forming in the tubing).

Heated tubing keeps the temperature steady, reducing condensation and keeping airflow consistent.

When to Skip CPAP (Temporarily)

There are a few situations when it might be best to take a break from CPAP therapy or consult your healthcare provider:

• Severe Sinus Infection: If you have a severe sinus infection or are dealing with facial pain, using CPAP may not be comfortable. Talk to your doctor about whether it’s safe to continue therapy.
• Chest Infection or Severe Cough: CPAP can sometimes aggravate a severe cough or chest infection. If you’re having trouble breathing, it’s best to check with your doctor.
• Severe Nausea or Vomiting: Using CPAP with severe nausea or vomiting can increase the risk of aspiration. In this case, avoid using your CPAP until you feel better.

Final Thoughts

Continuing CPAP therapy, while you’re sick, can help you recover faster by ensuring you’re still getting good quality sleep.

By making a few adjustments, like using a full-face mask or increasing humidity, you can keep your therapy on track without adding more discomfort.

But always listen to your body and consult with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure whether to use your CPAP during an illness.

If you’re reading this and you’re sick, I hope you get well soon. 🙂