my first night i had to use a full face because i couldn't get enough air through my nose , the next day i purchased some affrin and then i was able to use the nose gel mask and actually feel i get better therapy from it . im a bit worried about the continual use of affrin though possibly . is there a more subtle treatment

Have you tried lowering the humidifier setting or turning it off altogether? That seems to cause congestion in a lot of people and if you don't need it to be on high, or need it at all, then turn it down or stop using it. You can use something called a Neti-pot (nasal rinse) though if the humidifier is not the problem - a pharmacist could show it to you I imagine.

I use Flonase, which is a prescription steroidal decongestant nasal spray. Flonase is available as a generic and there are other types of steroidal decongestant nasal sprays. It is used daily and is good for chronic nasal congestion.

Afrin is NASTY stuff! You never want to use it for more than just a couple of days when you have an intense cold or something. It actually makes your congestion WORSE when you stop using it (it's called "rebound congestion") and it has other nasty side effects as well. I'd stop using it right away if I were you - search these boards for the word "Afrin" and you'll see what I mean. Afrin is realllly bad news.

Nasal Cortisone (Flonase, Nasacort, etc) is far more effective than Afrin, for short duration relief. I use it when I get heavy congestion. However, if one uses it for too long, rebound congestion is definitely a possibility,so judicious use is indicated.

rebound congestion with nasonex, nasacort and the like? That is new to me, which doesn't mean much.

Lets add spray antihistamine to the list. Can be used together with the steroidal sprays

I have been addicted to Afrin several times in my life and it is nasty stuff and hard to get away from. If you stay on it, you have to use more and more to get your nose to clear. It can cause heart rate changes and may actually keep you from getting a good night's sleep. Here are a couple of alternatives I have used successfully to break the habit:

Vicks inhaler, you know those things that look like chapstick and cost 1.89.

Vicks makes a steam inhaler. You put hot water in it and add a vicks tiny pad, put your face over it and inhale. (Your not suppose to put it in the microwave, but I did, it's like $8, I thought I could risk it)

Also, vicks has a new product called vicks shower tablets. You put them in your shower and the hot water makes a steamy vapor and opens your sinuses.

The steam inhaler is probably my favorite. Good luck!

Autopapdude; Flonase doesn't cause rebound and it takes a few days to start working, so it is used daily, for a longish to very long period of time; sometimes seasonally and sometimes year-round.

With a few exceptions I have been using it daily for about twelve years, and my doctor doesn't have a problem with that. I have went off of it for a week or two at a time and didn't experience rebound, but my low-level chronic congestion came back. It is possible that I am dependent on it, but when I have came off of it my congestion was not any worse than I remember it being before I started taking it. I have had nasal congestion for as long as I can remember, which is much longer than I have been using Flonase.

Well, Flonase has always worked well for me, and takes about two days to work, so we are on the same page.

thank you i will try flownase .

flonase, nasacort, nasonex - it might depend on which your insurance will pay for.

There is also an over the counter - cromylon sodium or something like that that didn't seem to do anything for me

The anithistamine that can be added to the steroidal nasal sprays is called Astelin /Astepro

Please see an Ears Nose Throat specialist if you have not. I think everyone should go after my unreal experience. I had my nose bone touching my orbital bone (that's how crooked). No one noticed, no one cared and I used afrin just to try and get by. 3 months trying cpap and kicking it off in my sleep, IF I FELL Asleep, my mother goes maybe you have a deviated septum (straight nose on outside here). I said, hmm? how do I check that.

Anway long story short I can breathe through my nose and SELDOM EVER use flonase. The dock said it was really bad.

Hope that helps

Good point - spray isn't going to do anything if it is the bone (or cartilage?) that is the problem

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wiki/index.php/Sinus_congestion#Avoid

I've noticed a trend among new users of CPAP that they tend to have nasal congestion for a few days after starting cpap. Most believe that this an airway reaction due to the use of pressure. It tends to last 2 to 3 days then gos away. If after 3 days you still suffer from nasal congestion then start at the bottom and work up. Start with saline nose spray. I agree with the previous post about Afrin. I would not use it. Too many unintended side affects.