Tips for Using CPAP When You’re Sick

September 12, 2025

CPAP Tips for When You're Sick

Getting sick is an unfortunate inevitability for most, especially during the cold winter months. If you’re a CPAP user, you dread getting sick and struggling to use your CPAP effectively.

Fortunately, we have solutions for the common problems you may encounter if you get sick so you won’t have to give up using your CPAP.

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CPAP Tips for Allergies

CPAP Tips for When You're Sick

Getting sick is an unfortunate inevitability for most, especially during the cold winter months. If you’re a CPAP user, you dread getting sick and struggling to use your CPAP effectively.

Fortunately, we have solutions for the common problems you may encounter if you get sick so you won’t have to give up using your CPAP.

Tip #1

Use a full face mask while congested.

While congested, most individuals will use their mouth to breathe at night. The time you spend congested can mean ineffective CPAP therapy if you use a nasal or nasal pillow mask.

Want the most out of your CPAP therapy while sick? Swap to a full-face mask. ResMed’s AirFit F30 is a great alternative for those who don’t normally use a full face mask. It features:

Minimal design: Fits under your nose and over your mouth, leaving the bridge of your nose untouched
Universal headgear size: Contours to every unique face for an accurate, first-time fit
Quick release elbow: Allows users to plug/unplug from therapy easily

Save $20 when you buy the AirFit F30 today! Just enter coupon code F30SAVE at checkout.

Man with a CPAP mask on and a diagram of nasal congestion.

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Couple in bed looking at iPad and smiling with man wearing AirFit P10 CPAP mask

Tip #2

Use a CPAP that aids in your recovery.

Your pressure needs may change when you’re congested, so an auto-titrating CPAP provides optimal support while you are recovering.

Our most popular auto CPAP is ResMed’s AirSense 11, which automatically adjusts the pressure as you sleep to make your therapy more comfortable. The AirSense 11 also features:

SmartStart: Starts automatically at a low pressure as soon as you put on your mask
AutoRamp: Starts your therapy at a low pressure, and then ramps it up once you’re asleep
EPR (expiratory pressure relief): The pressure is reduced as you exhale to make breathing easy

Upgrade to the AirSense 11 today for just $399 down and 0% APR!

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Tip #3

Kill unwanted bacteria with a CPAP cleaner.

Airborne germs can stick to your CPAP equipment and make your sickness last even longer. Disinfect your supplies with a CPAP sanitizer to keep your CPAP germ-free.

The Lumin is a great sanitizing option that acts as a preventative measure and helps ensure that you don’t get any sicker. It features:

Simple and Quick: Lumin kills 99% of bacteria in a one-touch 5 minute cycle
UV Technology: specialized UV-C light source targets harmful bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungus
Complete compatibility: No adapter needed

Save $70 when you buy the Lumin CPAP Cleaner today! Just enter coupon code LUMIN70 at checkout.

Woman sitting on bed and dropping CPAP mask into Lumin CPAP Cleaner

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Tip #4

Use a humidifier to break up congestion.

We’ve mentioned congestion several times, as it is the biggest hurdle for CPAP users sleeping comfortably while sick. Congestion is caused by phlegm and swollen membranes in your nose, and using a machine with a heated humidifier to help you restore the moisture levels in your nasal passages. The AirCurve 11 features:

Pressure Support: Keeps a consistent difference between inhalation and exhalation pressures
Auto EPAP: Dynamically adjusts pressures, ensuring only necessary pressure is delivered for optimal therapy
Cycle Sensitivity & TiControls: Adjustable settings synchronize therapy to individual breathing patterns

Upgrade to the AirCurve 11 today for just $399 down and 0% APR!

Person sleeping with CPAP machine for sleep apnea treatment.

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Tip #5

Change your sleeping position.

Nasal congestion is uncomfortable for back sleepers, which makes it even more difficult to utilize a CPAP machine. Sleep in an elevated position by simply putting a few pillows under your neck to decrease the amount of mucus buildup. If this doesn’t help, you could also try sleeping on your side.

If none of the above solutions help to make CPAP comfortable this season, our CPAP Experts can help you understand what options would help best for your situation.

For a free consultation with a CPAP expert, give us a call at: (866) 564-2252.