nasal congestion question

I am a CPAP user for over a year and I have recently awakened almost nightly with stuffed nose. I wear a full face mask that fits under the nose and seems to have a good fit. I have tried using nasal decongestant sprays; they help relieve the symptoms but was advised these can be addictive and should be used short term. The other week I came across nasal massage and nasal breathing exercises that can relieve congestion naturally. Has anyone heard of this? MY ENT said there is a surgery that would unstuffed the nose but I hesitate greatly to undergo surgery .

Yes, if you use some sprays for more than a few days, you can have rebound congestion. More here, from a trusted site:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/d ... icamentosa

What kind of surgery does your ENT recommend?

Have you tried playing around with your humidity settings? For some people, more humidity helps; for others, less.

sleepingbetter0209 wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 07, 2024 9:48 am

I have tried using nasal decongestant sprays;

Which types?

Seconding Miss Em's question, which kind of surgery? Some surgeries can be positive life changers.

ENT/Allergist wanted me to be evaluated for Turbinate reduction surgery. After further consideration, I am not thrilled with the overall success rate of this procedure and I am electing to try conservative approaches like steaming/vaporizaiton; massage and breathing exercises. I tried breathe rite strips- but don't work great with my nose shape.

My humidity setting is at 4 out of 8. I tried changing to 6 but did not make a difference. Any thoughts on humidity level relating to more congestion?

sleepingbetter0209 wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 08, 2024 4:51 pm

My humidity setting is at 4 out of 8. I tried changing to 6 but did not make a difference. Any thoughts on humidity level relating to more congestion?

Does a hot steamy shower help or make things worse?

I haven't tried hot steamy shower but I use steam from boiled water on stove. That helps a lot. The surgery that ENT/Allergist recommended was called Turbinate Reduction Surgery. Anyone familiar with it and it's risks/vs benefits?

Are you taking anything for allergies?
My congestion improved vastly after being diagnosed with allergic rhinitis,
and taking a nightly OTC antihistamine.
It first came with a decongestant, but I realized I only need the antihistamine.
My doctor recommended it after I complained about frequent cases of bronchitis or pneumonia.
It changed my life.

sleepingbetter0209 wrote: ↑

Sat Mar 09, 2024 8:17 pm

Turbinate Reduction Surgery

Gramps had the surgery about 25 years ago and says it one of the best things he ever did for himself.

It's not a cure, but it makes using CPAP so much easier and greatly improves breathing and health throughout the day.