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Sneezing complications in using CPAP machine

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 9:36 am
by Jack
Male, 73, have experienced sneezing bouts and running nose recently. Began use of [url=viewtopic.php?t=1702]CPAP[/url] about April 2004. About December 2004, began experiencing severe bouts of sneezing, runny nose along with that and ultimately stuffiness. The ticklish sensation continues even when the sneezing is not up front. My [url=https://www.cpap.com/cpap-compare-chart/CPAP]CPAP machine[/url] does not have a [url=https://www.cpap.com/productSearch.php?query=humidifier]humidifier[/url]. Does this scenario ring a bell with anyone else? What have you done? I'm suspecting non-allergenic rhinitis caused by change in air pressure but then just about everyone with a mask would have the problem. Any suggestions?

Re: Sneezing complications in using CPAP machine

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 10:22 am
by gailzee
Jack

I sneeze as well, i use the swift nasal pillow, so when a sneeze sneaks up, I darn near suffocate, choke, and then wind up waking myself up even more.

But strangely, but gladly, the sneezing has been reduced, but now that spring and allergy season is starting, let's see what happens.

It is hard to sneeze with a chin strap, my teeth feel like they're taking the brunt of it.

Do you have a htd humidifier? What setting? I was experiencing bloody noses, and had to up my pressure setting, by only a 1/2 point, has made all the difference.

?
Jack wrote:Male, 73, have experienced sneezing bouts and running nose recently. Began use of CPAP about April 2004. About December 2004, began experiencing severe bouts of sneezing, runny nose along with that and ultimately stuffiness. The ticklish sensation continues even when the sneezing is not up front. My CPAP machine does not have a humidifier. Does this scenario ring a bell with anyone else? What have you done? I'm suspecting non-allergenic rhinitis caused by change in air pressure but then just about everyone with a mask would have the problem. Any suggestions?

Sneezing complications in using CPAP Machine

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 10:56 am
by Jack
Thank you for response.
Guess I have to clarify though. My sneezing and runny nose problems occur afterwards in the day and even days after using [url=viewtopic.php?t=1702]CPAP[/url]. I stopped using [url=viewtopic.php?t=1702]CPAP[/url] because of them for periods of one or two or three days and the symptoms tended to disappear.
I searched through internet under sleep apnea and found little on point. But under sneezing I found an MSNBC November 4, 2003 article that described my symptoms almost exactly and attributed them to non-allergic rhinitis, i.e. hay fever without the hay.
The synptoms are not minor. They fall somewhere between disabling and deal with it. The article specifically notes that allergic reactions involve non-nose itching in the eyes mouth etc. Not so with these symptoms.
During the night I do not generally have problems and tend to sleep much better than before [url=viewtopic.php?t=1702]CPAP[/url].
One of the causes cited in the article for non-allergenic rhinitis , one of the triggers is "air pressure variations" - which is almost a definition of [url=viewtopic.php?t=1702]CPAP[/url].
But if this is common and it is then I should have had the symptoms sooner and a very large number of apneacs should have these symptoms. Something doesn't add up Searching for answers. Will appreciate any information. Thanks in advance.

Re: Sneezing complications in using CPAP Machine

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 6:39 pm
by gailzee
Jack:
Are you using an autopap, or a straight cpap? Maybe the pressure you're receiving and the machine on str. cpap, maybe too high and causing you the rhinitis symptoms?

Which cpap machine are you on (brand/style #, etc.) maybe then we can get more specific on advice...

Also, do u have a htd humidifier? If you do, is it set too high, causing more moisture, flaring your stuffiness up? Or if you do, and it's not set high enuf could give you problems as well?
There are a few variables and maybe with some more info we can give a guess on how to help...

There's enuf people on here, that someone usually wisely comes up with the right solution and worth trying?

Let us know...ok?
Gz
Jack wrote:Thank you for response.
Guess I have to clarify though. My sneezing and runny nose problems occur afterwards in the day and even days after using CPAP. I stopped using CPAP because of them for periods of one or two or three days and the symptoms tended to disappear.
I searched through internet under sleep apnea and found little on point. But under sneezing I found an MSNBC November 4, 2003 article that described my symptoms almost exactly and attributed them to non-allergic rhinitis, i.e. hay fever without the hay.
The synptoms are not minor. They fall somewhere between disabling and deal with it. The article specifically notes that allergic reactions involve non-nose itching in the eyes mouth etc. Not so with these symptoms.
During the night I do not generally have problems and tend to sleep much better than before CPAP.
One of the causes cited in the article for non-allergenic rhinitis , one of the triggers is "air pressure variations" - which is almost a definition of CPAP.
But if this is common and it is then I should have had the symptoms sooner and a very large number of apneacs should have these symptoms. Something doesn't add up Searching for answers. Will appreciate any information. Thanks in advance.

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 6:49 pm
by chrisp
Hi there,

"The ticklish sensation continues even when the sneezing is not up front"

When the sneezing is not up front it must be in the back. Then its called a FART


Cheers,

Chris

Snnezing complications in using CPAP machine

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 8:39 pm
by Jack
Thanks for encouragement.

As to machine, it is RemRest C1001, setting is 11cm with ramp of 15 min. Shows date of 7/7/04 so that should be my beginning date not April 2004. There is no [url=https://www.cpap.com/productSearch.php?query=humidifier]humidifier[/url]. that is one reason I'm asking for advice.

As to autopap or straightpap I wouldn't know one from the other unless there was a sign on it.

To answer Chris, the "upfront" was a lame attempt to describe the body's state when every fiber in the body is saying "sneeze" but you can't. Picture yourself with your head tilted back about to sneeze with the tickling sensation in control. And try living on edge that way for a few hours at a time. In between, blow the nose 2 or 3 times every 60 seconds or so.

When I go off the machine for long enough, no sweat, I'm normal. And almost no problem actually sleeping. It's when I get up - rested - that the trouble begins. Wondering if a [url=https://www.cpap.com/productSearch.php?query=humidifier]humidifier[/url] would help.

The machine has been a big help. Up until the rhinitis type symptoms put in an appearance, I was thrilled to death with a machine I put off investigating for 10 years. I have 2 brothers, older and younger, who were on it for 12 and 13 years and swear by it.

I'm thinking now though that I may have to look at those dental devices or whatever. I know I don't want to go under the knife unless it's absolutely necessary. As I said, I would welcome any suggestions. And thank cpaptalk for the forum.
Jack

Re: Snnezing complications in using CPAP machine

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 9:11 pm
by gailzee
a heated humidifier would help you very much.You can adjust the amt.of humidification, some people like it at at higher #. WHen I had the study they did Not use a humidifier and I had a lot of nasal problems you are describing. I can't guarantee that the htd humif. would work and help, but you may want to browse the humidifiers on cpap.com and call and discuss with them. I do not think you need a scrip for the humidifier.

Sounds like you have a straight cpap, so maybe you're getting too high a pressure.

The auto would be set with a range and would only give you the amt. of pressure you NEED, not what it's just calling to ramp up to.

If you call cpap.com they can walk you thru the differences and benefits.

I had a very bad time with a straight cpap. These are all my opinions and observations only.

Check it out.............it may help w/humidifier...down the road maybe an auto? Or talk to sleep dr. and see if you can have your pressure changed, tell him/her of your continuing nasal problems.

What kind of mask (nasal) product are you using?

Once you get thru the quagmire of what type of masks/machines/humidifiers to use to help, then hope you can feel better.

Let us know how you're doing ok?
Gz
Jack wrote:Thanks for encouragement.

As to machine, it is RemRest C1001, setting is 11cm with ramp of 15 min. Shows date of 7/7/04 so that should be my beginning date not April 2004. There is no humidifier. that is one reason I'm asking for advice.

As to autopap or straightpap I wouldn't know one from the other unless there was a sign on it.

To answer Chris, the "upfront" was a lame attempt to describe the body's state when every fiber in the body is saying "sneeze" but you can't. Picture yourself with your head tilted back about to sneeze with the tickling sensation in control. And try living on edge that way for a few hours at a time. In between, blow the nose 2 or 3 times every 60 seconds or so.

When I go off the machine for long enough, no sweat, I'm normal. And almost no problem actually sleeping. It's when I get up - rested - that the trouble begins. Wondering if a humidifier would help.

The machine has been a big help. Up until the rhinitis type symptoms put in an appearance, I was thrilled to death with a machine I put off investigating for 10 years. I have 2 brothers, older and younger, who were on it for 12 and 13 years and swear by it.

I'm thinking now though that I may have to look at those dental devices or whatever. I know I don't want to go under the knife unless it's absolutely necessary. As I said, I would welcome any suggestions. And thank cpaptalk for the forum.
Jack

half sneezes and runny shnoz

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 9:32 pm
by onlyme
Jack,
I have a similar sneezing and runny nose problem but not as severe as yours. Those half (almost) sneezes are curious. I know exactly what you mean.

Have you tried using a saline nasal spray during the day? I find some relief
with the Ayr spray and always have to keep a handkerchief in the pocket for the runny nose.

Hope you're using a heated humidifier at night. BTW the saline before bed helps, too.

Don't give up!

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 9:42 pm
by unclebob
Hi Jack,

Up here in Canada eh, we would diagnose part of your symptions - stuffy runny nose, sneezing etc as a common cold. But seeing as how you got these symptons in December maybe you're just allergic to those Xmas presents you got from overseas.

Real dumb question here, but what did the doctor say?

Don't mean to be frivolous but if your health has generally been OK and this is some kind of a sudden onset kind of thing that is persisting. maybe you should have it checked out by a professional.

Also you said when you stay off the CPAP long enough you feel normal. Kind of reminds me of an old story - if it hurts when you do something maybe you should stop doing it. Take two asprins and call me in the morning theory.

Hope you get to feel better but keep in mind your sneezing may have nothing to do with CPAP. Even if both your brothers are doctors you should get a third professional opinion.

All the best.

Bob F

Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 6:29 pm
by butterfly
WOW !!! You described MY symptoms, and I've only been on CPAP for a couple weeks! (Nasal Aire II) I have just recently decided it probably has something to do with the CPAP. I WAS sick, but that went away, and I don't feel sick, just cant stop sneezing !!! It's worst in the morning. But it is set off by very little aggravation ... i.e., today, some of the mechanics from the warehouse where I work came through the office and I smelled either oil or fuel or something and it drove my nose CRAZY. No one else even seemed to notice, except one person who smelled it, bt it didnt' bother her was the one who identified the smell and source that I was complaing about.

So I can't help, but just wanted to say the comments here have been very helpful to ME !!!

Pat

sneezing

Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 11:50 pm
by tk
Jack,
I started cpap treatment last Dec. Didn't matter if I used the nose pillow mask or others, also did the c-flex machine and etc. Had no problem at night with sneezing or runny nose, but during the day all of sudden my nose would suddenly start dripping and/or I'd have a sneezing fit. Seemed to sneeze all the time. My doc gave me a sample bottle of Flonase, said two sprays a night. I did that for about a week, every night, then did it occasionally at night and during day. Nose and sneezing disappeared. Hate meds so I haven't been using it, so far there has been no return of the problem. I also use a heated humidifier. Hope you can clear it up this easy.
tk

Posted: Sat Mar 19, 2005 10:55 am
by patlgirl
Geeze!! I finally read posts back far enough to find my exact symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, and congestion. This occurs only during the daytime. I have had enough of constantly feeling like I have a cold. I am going to see my Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor. This started at the exact same time I started using my CPap. I can breathe fine at night with my heated humidifer but as soon as I get up out of bed and remove the nasal mask the sneezing and runny nose begin. Then congestion sets in and all these symptoms alternate all day long.

Now I don't feel like I am alone with these weird symptoms, you others have the same problem. We are keeping the kleenex manufaturers in business.LOL

This posting forum is very helpful. Thanks.
Pat Y

Posted: Sat Mar 19, 2005 1:07 pm
by Mikesus
Put me in the Flonase camp... I was doing it PRIOR to xPAP tho. I also take Claritin during the day, and 50mg of Benedryl at night. No problems with runny nose...

CPAP and sneezing

Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 2:30 pm
by jaguiar
Jack,
I know I'm chiming in late, but I've had the same experience. I've found several forms of relief. First of all, my allergist prescribed Astelin spray, 2 puffs per nostril, twice a day. Then, I have to change my filter regularly -- no more than 4 weeks apart. Last, using a full face mask rather than the nasal pillow type of headgear also seems to lessen the severity. Hope this helps.
Janet

Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 4:10 pm
by Guest
Six years ago when I was diagnosed with OSA and started CPAP, I began to experience sneezing and rhinorrhea which were so persistent and severe that I had to stop using the machine. The symptoms were clearly the result of the CPAP therapy itself, and definitely not allergic in nature.

For the last five years, my apnea has been well controlled with an oral appliance. We recently decided to do a re-test of CPAP, and these symptom did not reappear. There were just two changes: 1) use of a heated humidifier, and 2) use of a steroid nasal spray (Nasonex). One or both of these made all the difference.

The symptoms I had experienced can almost be described as disabling, and they should never be ridiculed. In a way, I am thankful for them, as they led me to the oral appliance. But if the CPAP is otherwise working for you, you might want to look into humidification or nasal anti-inflammatory treatment. Good luck.