This article will give you information on the side effects of CPAP machines as well as how to use your CPAP machine when you have a cold.

What are the Side Effects of Using CPAP?

There are typical side effects of using CPAP that are: Aerophagia, Pain and rashes, Claustrophobia, Infections, Dry nose and congestion, and Dry eyes/mouth. It is not noticed that using CPAP can lower your body temperature. However, it can be a complementary effect to one of its main side effects.

Aerophagia

Aerophagia is swallowing too much air. Aerophagia causes abdominal discomfort, flatulence, and belching due to gas buildup. Aerophagia occurs when CPAP users ingest compressed air. Some CPAP users can lessen aerophagia by switching to an APAP machine. APAP regulates air pressure9 based on the sleeper’s breathing and snoring.

Pain and rashes

CPAP masks might be uncomfortable for certain patients. On the cheeks or nose, improperly fitting masks can cause burns, allergies, and pressure ulcers. According to CPAP users, masks interfere with hairstyles and leave facial imprints.  Dry skin before to CPAP raises the likelihood of dermatitis. Masks made of silicone can cause allergic dermatitis. The symptoms of allergic dermatitis are itching and redness. Extreme allergic dermatitis can create blisters.

Claustrophobia

CPAP can cause claustrophobia13. Many CPAP users feel constrained by nose-covering masks. More than half of CPAP users with OSA report claustrophobic tendencies before starting treatment. CPAP users who experience claustrophobia may prefer nasal pillows over a nasal mask or full-face mask. Wear the mask for brief periods while reading. This can boost mask and CPAP pressure tolerance, making it more pleasant at night.

Infections

CPAP users may get upper respiratory or sinus infections. During sleep, mouth, throat, and lung bacteria and viruses can enter the CPAP mask or hose. Mold and dust can infiltrate a mask. Uncleaned CPAP machines can harbor germs and allergies, causing disease.

Dry nose and congestion

CPAP might cause congestion and a runny nose. The pressurized air in CPAP therapy might cause a dry nose. Dry air causes nosebleeds and crusting. CPAP causes dry noses in cold or dry areas.

Dry eyes/mouth

Leaky CPAP masks can cause dry mouth and eyes. CPAP users who can’t close their jaws or breathe through their mouths may feel dry mouth.

Mask leaks can also result from improper fit or sealing. Unsealed masks may allow pressured air to enter the eyes. Leaking CPAP masks can cause dry eyes, which can be annoying.

Can Using Your CPAP Cause a Cold?

In general, most individuals will suffer from two to four colds each year, regardless of whether or not they use a CPAP. According to the findings of several specialists, a lack of quality sleep can dampen the immune system’s response to diseases. In point of fact, a lack of sleep has been linked in numerous studies to an increased likelihood of contracting common ailments such as colds.

It should not be surprising that several people who suffer from sleep apnea (who already have trouble sleeping) may have a weakened immune system. Because of this, they are more likely to contract illnesses such as the flu and colds. In addition, using CPAP can make it more difficult to sleep and aggravate minor cold symptoms.

In general, it is quite important to obtain enough sleep. This speeds up recovery from colds and helps keep fights from breaking out. It’s possible that you’re not getting enough sleep to keep your immune system in top fighting shape, which is causing your CPAP therapy not to work as well as it should. This could cause your CPAP therapy not to work as well as it should.

In light of this, while there is no conclusive proof that using CPAP equipment can cause a cold, there is a possibility that it can bring on a full-blown cold that will require a significant amount of time to recover from. In this regard, it is not proven CPAP can cause lower body temperature caused by cold.

When You Have a Cold, Should You Discard Your CPAP Machine?

If you have a self-limiting respiratory condition that impacts your breathing, your CPAP machine will not work properly. Why? The CPAP machine is meant to deliver a pressured stream of air to you. This prevents airway blockage in healthy lungs.

If you have an upper respiratory infection (such as influenza or the common cold), you may find it more difficult to use your CPAP machine. This is because, like with allergies, your nose may be stuffy, runny, and stuffed up. A circumstance like this could cause breathing issues with your machine, especially if you utilize a nasal mask.

Furthermore, mucus secretion from nasal pillows can contaminate your CPAP mask. Recent research indicates that you will face a secondary infection risk in such a situation, especially if you allow germs to spread and breed on a contaminated mask.

Furthermore, if you have coughing episodes or a sore throat, the airflow may irritate you. Coughing and opening your mouth add to the discomfort of the entering pressure.

Can Using a CPAP Make Your Cold Worse?

Of course, having cold symptoms can make it difficult to utilize your CPAP. When you have the flu or a cold, the symptoms can make using your CPAP machine more difficult.

For example, if you have a congested, runny nose, you may find breathing difficult. This is especially true if you are using a nasal mask. This may cause you to breathe through your mouth, reducing the efficacy of sleep apnea therapy. Furthermore, having a sore throat generally results in nightly coughing. This can make it difficult to sleep.

Cold and flu symptoms, in general, will frequently interfere with your CPAP therapy, stopping you from getting deep restorative sleep. When you’re having trouble utilizing your CPAP, this can surely make matters worse.

How to Use a CPAP Machine When You Have a Cold

There are various things you may do to make using CPAP equipment easier while sick. Consider the following suggestions:

Alter Your Sleep Position:

Keep in mind that sleeping on your back can exacerbate congestion. Sleep with your head elevated or on your side. Use pillows developed specifically for side sleepers who wear CPAP masks. Remember that sleeping on the side allows gravity to open the airway automatically. This means that the CPAP machine will not have to work as hard to open the airway, resulting in a lower AHI. As a result, sleeping on your side can be beneficial while trying to utilize a CPAP while suffering from a cold.

Make Use Of A Heated Humidifier:

Heated humidifiers are helpful for rehydrating the nasal passages and mucus membranes. This also alleviates the discomfort caused by a clogged upper respiratory system.

Use a decongestant and a nasal spray.

There are numerous over-the-counter nasal sprays available to relieve congestion caused by the flu or a typical cold. You can also use a saline nasal rinse before utilizing your CPAP machine to clear the nasal airways.