posted
I've recently had to start using a CPAP for sleep again. I went two years without because I stopped being able to sleep through the night without taking it off in my sleep. After adjusting the pressures 2 weeks ago, I was able to use it again. Unfortunately, I've been coughing a lot lately as fallout from this respiratory funk that's been going around lately. The CPAP seems to make things worse. I've woken up coughing uncontrollably in the middle of the night 2 or 3 times since I started using it. I have a humidifier for it (since Idaho is a very dry area), but increasing and decreasing the humidity for it does nothing to help. I've heard that adding a small ammount of vodka to a humidifier will help a lot with respiratory issues. I just don't know how much to use. Has anyone else had to deal with this kind of issue before or is there something else I can do that will help, or...well, yeah. Advice?
Posts: 3003 | Registered: Oct 2004
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When I had a similar situation, I stopped using the humidifier altogether and I feel much better. The water reservoir I had at the time was impossible to clean. I wondered if an invisible fungus or mold grew in it.
I wouldn't put anything besides distilled water in your reservoir without checking with your doctor first. Especially not alcohol. It burns just thinking about it.
Posts: 1379 | Registered: Feb 2002
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You should clean and disinfect your humidifier regularly, as with all your equipment (hoses, masks), as in once a week.
I haven't heard of putting alcohol in it, and personally, I wouldn't try it. When I was particularly stuffed up, I tried eucalyptus oil, a drop or two, or alternately, I rubbed a small amount of Tiger Balm underneath my nose and that helped keep everything open.
You didn't mention whether you had a pass-over humidifier or a heated humidifier, nor did you indicate the type of water. Tap water isn't good (chlorine and the like in the water can be nasty). I would only ever use distilled, like Dead Horse says.
Posts: 8355 | Registered: Apr 2003
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I would advise against vodka in the humidifier. Alcohol is absorbed directly from the respiratory mucosa into the bloodstream.
Posts: 10397 | Registered: Jun 2005
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