I’ve been using my cpap religiously for a number of years. I do not use a water tank but I do have a heated hose. I sleep with a full face mask.
For the past year or so, I’ve noticed that every morning when I wake up, for about 30-45 minutes I cough and hack. The cough is productive with occasional small knots of mucous clearing. I also have a runny nose during the same time.
I’ve traveled and always use my cpap not matter where I go. At first I thought it might be allergies but it seems the common element is alway the. machine.
So I’m wondering if during the night, the air pressure can cause normal mucous production to be forced down into the lungs, cause this production cough every day. The cough is quite deep and forceful so I’m sure it’s coming from my lungs.
I guess my question is as I stated, could the machine be causing this. My machine is monitored electronically by the VA on a regular basis and they say that my sleep pattern is normal.
Using the water chamber and humidity can help with nasal congestion. Sometimes when our airway/nose is dry it will produce more mucus and increase the congestion. Using the humidity may help with this if this is the issue.
Some people also use nasal saline to alleviate nasal congestion, and use mouth wash for dry mouth. If you have mucus that has color to it or seems thick I would call your family doctor to just make sure that there isn’t anything more serious going on.