Flonase (fluticasone)

[PST]

I have always used a full-face mask because my nose is periodically clogged and when it is, I have to breathe through my mouth. My nostrils work most of the time, but I can't rely on them all night long. The other day, my doctor prescribed fluticasone (Flonase) for a few days because my ear drum was bulging inward and I couldn't equalize the pressure. Evidently my Eustachian tube was blocked. That stuff really works. I've been breathing clear since the first squirt. Moreover, Dr. Google says that there are no ill effects from prolonged use. Can that be true? It's not expensive and it's not difficult to use.

Which brings me to my question. Does anyone have experience switching to a nasal mask or nasal pillows after going on fluticasone or something like it? How did that work out? I've been reasonably satisfied with a full-face mask for the last ten years, but I wouldn't mind something less intrusive.

[rcobourn]

I've never used a FFM, but I have struggled with congestion to the point of using Afrin (diluted with saline spray). A combination of Flonase in the evening and plain saline spray has made that unnecessary most nights. I also take an allergy pill (fexofenadine 180mg), which also helps. Both are available in generics.

[Nick Danger]

I used Flonase for a while before my septoplasty and it was very helpful. Since the septoplasty, I no longer need the flonase and take 10 mg loratidine a day to manage allergies.

[Gator5000e]

How difficult was it recovering from the septoplasty? I have a severely deviated septum and was wondering if it was worth going through the procedure.

[Okie bipap]

Recovery is quite simple. They will put in splints after they correct the deviation. The splints usually come out one week after surgery. If you are currently using a CPAP, check with the surgeon about using the machine during your recovery.

[Gator5000e]

Thanks.

[DrDeke]

It is true that Flonase/fluticasone, unlike many over-the-counter nasal sprays, is both intended for and safe for long-term use.

In my experience, using fluticasone did make it easier to breathe through my nasal pillow mask on most nights. I ended up switching to (and continue to prefer) a full face mask anyway, due to a number of reasons including mouth breathing and unusually stuffy nights (like when I have a cold).

[rcobourn]

It is true that Flonase/fluticasone, unlike many over-the-counter nasal sprays, is both intended for and safe for long-term use.

In my experience, using fluticasone did make it easier to breathe through my nasal pillow mask on most nights. I ended up switching to (and continue to prefer) a full face mask anyway, due to a number of reasons including mouth breathing and unusually stuffy nights (like when I have a cold).

I'm constantly just on the edge of going this route. Have you tried fexofenadine? Also, taking the Flonase at just the right time in the evening helps. I really hope to avoid the FFM.

[DrDeke]

I'm constantly just on the edge of going this route. Have you tried fexofenadine? Also, taking the Flonase at just the right time in the evening helps. I really hope to avoid the FFM.

I have tried fexofenadine, but I found that cetirizine (Claritin) was more effective for me. I have not tried the newer levocetirizine; I am not sure whether that is supposed to work better than cetirizine or just have fewer side effects (I don't perceive any side effects from cetirizine in myself).

In general though, I like my full face mask so much that I have quit trying other allergy approaches to CPAP, and only take enough allergy medications as needed for general daytime comfort (which ended up being just the cetirizine and no nasal sprays).

[Cubbiebear]

That stuff really works. I've been breathing clear since the first squirt. Dr. Google says that there are no ill effects from prolonged use. Can that be true? It's not expensive and it's not difficult to use.

My son used Flonase years ago for his seasonal allergies. After a few months he started having daily nosebleeds so he had to stop it. Other than that he had no issues.

[zoocrewphoto]

I wan to thank you for your post. I do not have ear related issues with cpap, but you mentioned flonase and blocked Eustachian tubes. I have ear problems all my life, though more random as an adult. I had bad vertigo in 2011. Smaller episodes of vertigo since with triggers that never bothered me before. A year an a half ago, I went on a 2 week trip that involved driving through the mountains twice. I had ear problems for 3 weeks afterward. I went to an ear specialist who couldn't find anything wrong and simply told me to keep using the meclizine when I felt the need.

I am gearing up for a much longer road trip, Washington to Florida and back. I have been wondering what I could do to try to avoid having ear problems as I will be going through several altitude changes, and I just don't seem to adapt. I have been prescribed for allergies, though I haven't used it much. I saw your post, and went to google. I realized that my issues have probably been due to blocked Eustachian tubes. If using a nasal spray with help keep my ears happy and clear, that would be awesome. I will check the date on my current bottle and get a spare before the trip. And I will mention it to my primary doctor. I didn't have one back when I had the last big ear problem, so we haven't discussed my ears much.

[rcobourn]

I wan to thank you for your post. I do not have ear related issues with cpap, but you mentioned flonase and blocked Eustachian tubes. I have ear problems all my life, though more random as an adult. I had bad vertigo in 2011. Smaller episodes of vertigo since with triggers that never bothered me before. A year an a half ago, I went on a 2 week trip that involved driving through the mountains twice. I had ear problems for 3 weeks afterward. I went to an ear specialist who couldn't find anything wrong and simply told me to keep using the meclizine when I felt the need.

I am gearing up for a much longer road trip, Washington to Florida and back. I have been wondering what I could do to try to avoid having ear problems as I will be going through several altitude changes, and I just don't seem to adapt. I have been prescribed for allergies, though I haven't used it much. I saw your post, and went to google. I realized that my issues have probably been due to blocked Eustachian tubes. If using a nasal spray with help keep my ears happy and clear, that would be awesome. I will check the date on my current bottle and get a spare before the trip. And I will mention it to my primary doctor. I didn't have one back when I had the last big ear problem, so we haven't discussed my ears much.

Flonase is available now as an over the counter generic, so just drop by your pharmacy and grab some. Costco has the best price I've seen, if you live near one.

[Stom]

My son used Flonase years ago for his seasonal allergies. After a few months he started having daily nosebleeds so he had to stop it. Other than that he had no issues.

Happened to me, too. Sleep doc put me on Flonase and Astelin at the same time, so I'm not sure which caused the spontaneous nose bleeds (or if it was the combination of both).

[zoocrewphoto]

Flonase is available now as an over the counter generic, so just drop by your pharmacy and grab some. Costco has the best price I've seen, if you live near one.

Thanks. I just looked on Amazon. I can get 5 bottles for $28. I'm planning an order with them soon for my other generic meds. My current bottle is still good. I've been having random issues where my ears mess with me. I tend to get nauseous and my balance will be just a little "off" sometimes. I had actual vertigo again about a week ago, where the room was spinning. When I had the really bad vertigo in 2011, the doctor said that my ears were telling me false information, and since my eyes and ears were giving me conflicting information, that is what was making me feel sick. The spinning was from my eyes trying to move to keep up with the false motion. I suspect my ears have been a little "off" my whole life, but most of the time, my brain just ignores it, kind of like a smell that you get used to. But the only thing the ear doctor recommended was motion sickness medication. I was asking for how to prevent the ears from getting bad in the first place. I will start using this on a daily basis and see if my ears improve.

[klm49]

Flonase is available now as an over the counter generic, so just drop by your pharmacy and grab some. Costco has the best price I've seen, if you live near one.

Thanks. I just looked on Amazon. I can get 5 bottles for $28. I'm planning an order with them soon for my other generic meds. My current bottle is still good. I've been having random issues where my ears mess with me. I tend to get nauseous and my balance will be just a little "off" sometimes. I had actual vertigo again about a week ago, where the room was spinning. When I had the really bad vertigo in 2011, the doctor said that my ears were telling me false information, and since my eyes and ears were giving me conflicting information, that is what was making me feel sick. The spinning was from my eyes trying to move to keep up with the false motion. I suspect my ears have been a little "off" my whole life, but most of the time, my brain just ignores it, kind of like a smell that you get used to. But the only thing the ear doctor recommended was motion sickness medication. I was asking for how to prevent the ears from getting bad in the first place. I will start using this on a daily basis and see if my ears improve.

If you have insurance that pays for meds. you might try getting a Prescription from your Dr. I used to get it for $3 a bottle that way.