Allergies are killing me

barb · Post by **barb** » Mon Jan 17, 2005 10:22 pm

Hi,

I have had my cpap machine for several years but, until recently it was stored in my closet. My husband threatened to sleep in the guest room because my snoring had become too loud for him to sleep. So, I got the machine off the shelf, washed it well and hooked it up. This was about two weeks ago and I must say I feel worse now than before. Even though my husband is sleeping better my allergies are terrible. My eyes are itchy, I feel like I have to sneeze all the time, I have a slight headace and I seem even more tired than before.

I have tried it with the humidifier and without. Any ideas out there?

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Mon Jan 17, 2005 10:28 pm

Barb,

Do you think several years in the closet may have spawned some mold in your machine? That would be my guess. I'm not sure how you would go about cleaning that. I don"t know if this would work but try sealing the machine in a plastic bag and putting it in the freezer for a couple days. Anybody know if this would work?

Janelle · Post by **Janelle** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 3:34 am

Muck has brought up something I wouldn't think about. Another thing might be to thoroughly wash or change the filter on the machine. Take some benedryl at night before going to bed and that will help with the itching unless you have a prescription antihistmine.

Something else. What kind of machine do you have? Straight CPAP, Bi-Pap, AutoPap? If you have a straight CPAP or Bi-Level, it could be that your pressure requirements have changed since it's been quite a while since they were first set. Could be why you are awakening with a headache. Might need to schedule another Sleep Study or rent an Autopap to see what pressures you are getting.