Chest Infection

[silvercarper]

I am just getting over my second bout of flu in 6 months and this time its left me with a chest infection.
Im coughing, what seems like most of the night, and trying to keep a mask on at the same time is no fun.
I have tried different humidfier settings but that is not helping.
I might have to stop using CPAP for a while but I dont want to do that as I will loose the benefits and just add to the problems.
Im on antibiotics which have not kicked in yet .
Any ideas how I can get a good nights kip.

[hsrunning]

Percy Veer

I too had flue with a chest infection and was put on anti-biotics, they will take a while to start working, and I'm afraid all you can do is alleviate the symptoms. For the throat and chest I found the best thing to soothe them was to squeeze half a lemon and put it in a mug along with 10 (yes 10) tea spoons of honey and fill up with boiling water. If you also take parecetomol it's a lot cheaper than buying something like Lemsip, and tasted better.

My bout lasted several days and the mask was quite a mess (make sure you clean it every day) I also wipe over my mask with alcohol wipes, but check they do not affect the plastic,silicon,rubber first. I found the best way to get off to sleep was to see my old friend " Jack Daniels" but not too much if on tablets.
Hope you are feeling better soon, keep on it WILL get better.

hsrunning

[Simes2112]

I suffer from asthma and since starting CPAP (on a machine with no humidifier) I started to notice that I was needing to use my Ventolin reliever inhaler more than previously - a lot more, several times a day compared with a few times per week before.

I made an appointment to see my Consultant again and we agreed that a humidifier would be a sensible thing to try. He hadn't come across anyone previously experiencing exacerbated asthma symptoms due to "dry" CPAP but conceded that my request for a humidifier was logical. I got the humidifier yesterday and used it for the first time last night and I *think* it helped.

Why do I only *think*. Well because I got a really minor cold about 3 weeks ago - the cold symptoms subsided with a few days as normal, but left behind a chest infection and an associated chesty cough which tickles like hell. I've drunk more bottles of Benylin that is probably good for me - which has helped me get the gunk up.

But the tickly cough has disturbed my sleep every night for 3 weeks now. Some nights I have managed only 2 hours sleep. I have persevered with the CPAP machine except for one night where I lost my temper and removed it.

Last night was the worst. I went to bed about 11pm and at 4:30am this morning - after over 5 hours of literally constant coughing, I remembered what has been helping me during the daytimes to keep the cough at bay.

Hot drinks! So I came downstairs and made a cup of coffee (I know that might seem an odd choice but anyway ...) and drank it. It immediately eased the tickly feeling and I went back to bed at 5:00am. I put the mask back on and slept until about 10:30am.

And this morning, for the first time in 3 weeks I have not had a 30-45 minute coughing fit after taking the mask off. Much, much better.

I don't know if this is helpful - I hope so.

[silvercarper]

I have removed the humidfier 2 nights ago and I have had no night time problems since.
It seems that adding extra moisture to my chest, when I was already choked up with mucus, was making things worse.
What annoys me is that I was not advised to do this when I asked the hospital for help.
I do feel, unless you have a really good clinic, we are on our own to sort problems out.

[Tigers Fan]

Upgrade

Move to Southampton and you will know for certain that we are on our own!!

[silvercarper]

I,m still having to buy my own masks as the hospital does not supply full face ones.

[gargler]

Move to Southampton and you will know for certain that we are on our own!!

Sorry TF but I must disagree with you. I come under Southampton Gen Hosp for treatment and have nothing but praise for them. I was seen early this year for my sleep apnea and they have provided everything requested.
I needed a different mask from a FF one and I got a nasal pillows one as I am mouth breather. I also received a humidifier when I asked for one.

Maybe your appointments fall on their bad days.

Steve

[silvercarper]

I dont believe this post.

"I got a nasal pillows one as I am mouth breather"

Surely nasal pillows are the last thing you want if you are a mouthbreather,

[gargler]

I dont believe this post.

"I got a nasal pillows one as I am mouth breather"

Surely nasal pillows are the last thing you want if you are a mouthbreather,

It's called a Mirage Liberty made by ResMed. It is a Full Face mask that combines nasal pillows and a mouth cushion, creating a mask that is both unobtrusive and easy to use without compromising seal, stability and comfort.

Ask the Sleep Nurse politely and she may surprise you. Nearly Xmas!!!

[silvercarper]

What sleep nurse !!!!!!!!
My hospital only supply one mask which is a basic nasal mask.
So if you are a mouth breather like I am tough.
I had to buy my own mask just to trial CPAP and I have had to buy 2 masks since

[gargler]

What sleep nurse !!!!!!!!
My hospital only supply one mask which is a basic nasal mask.
So if you are a mouth breather like I am tough.
I had to buy my own mask just to trial CPAP and I have had to buy 2 masks since

The NHS really is a 'Postcode' lottery.

[Pitbull]

That is really quite interesting as I am being treated by Portsmouth QA Hospital and to date the service has been excellent.

Admittedly I have only had the machine for a month, diagnosed on 1st Dec and I have my follow up tomorrow 4th Jan. I was offered a choice of mask and followed their advice, He told me if I didn't get on with the choice (a mirage liberty) I could try another mask when I go back.