Hi,

I just started my cpap treatment two weeks ago and ever since I have had a runny nose, sore throat and every other cold symptom except the aches and pains and fever that can accompany a cold. I have a new machine, humidifier and mask. I am very careful about keeping it clean. Have talked to my RT and he thinks it is a fluke. I have tried stoping use of the cpap and viola my cold symptoms disappear. I do have the humidifier turned all the way up and no rainout in my hose. Has anyone else had this happen to them before? Thx so much.

Hi wynterthyme - welcome to Apnea Board!

Getting used to CPAP can be rough at first. Stick with it. A number of people have had issues like those you're describing when they first start CPAP treatment.

I would recommend that you stay with it - in some cases, this is just your body getting used to the higher pressures of CPAP when you sleep - this can cause temporary symptoms as your body adjusts - it can take up to 6 weeks for your body to fully adjust.

One thing you may wish to try is to reduce the humidity, or even stop using the humidifier if you can stand it. Too much humidity can also be causing these symptoms. I had some issues like what you describe at first, because I was using my humidifier (even at a low setting). I stopped using it altogether and the symptoms disappeared, and now I don't use it at all.

Of course, if your symptoms increase, or don't go away, you should consult with your doctor.

Let us know how it goes, okay?