Stuffy head and nose

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
Chelle25
Posts: 57
Joined: Sat Jul 19, 2014 4:28 pm
Location: Cleveland, ohio

Stuffy head and nose

Post by Chelle25 » Sat Jul 19, 2014 4:33 pm

I am 4 weeks in using my cpap. My doc has it set on auto so it gives me what I need throughout the night. I can't seem to get past this stuffy nose and head feeling. Almost like I have brain fog. Just not myself since using it. I feel like I can't think straight because my head is so clogged up. Forgot to mention the never ending watery eyes.

I am less tired during the day now and do not feel like I am dying anymore but these side effects are very bothersome.



Any suggestions will be appreciated.

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bwexler
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Re: Stuffy head and nose

Post by bwexler » Sat Jul 19, 2014 4:44 pm

We need a bit more information before we can help.
First, if you could go to your user control panel and fill in your equipment in text format so we know what machine and mask you are using and what software if any, would helo us help you.
Next provide use some information about efficacy of your treatment, such as AHI and leaks to start.

Are your eyes bothering you because the mask is leaking and blowing air into your eyes.
Do you have and use a humidifier with your machine? How is it set?

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Chelle25
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Location: Cleveland, ohio

Re: Stuffy head and nose

Post by Chelle25 » Sat Jul 19, 2014 5:01 pm

Thanks. Yes I do use the humidifier it has settings from 1-5 and I set it at 2. I do get leaks from time to time when I move in the night. It seems like if I don't have the straps tightened down enough but only happened a few times.

The mask does blow air at the top of the nose and I am wondering if this might be the culprit of my watery eyes.

As for AHI I am kind of new to this can you tell me what that is?

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Mask
Machine: Philips Respironics, system one REMstar Auto A-FlEX 560
Humidifier: Philips Respironics system one heated humidifier
Mask: Mirage Quattro (full face)
Software: Philips Respironics sleepmapper

Chelle25
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Joined: Sat Jul 19, 2014 4:28 pm
Location: Cleveland, ohio

Re: Stuffy head and nose

Post by Chelle25 » Sat Jul 19, 2014 5:14 pm

Figured out what AHI was on my report it was 6.5 I have mild sleep,apnea from what I was told.

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Machine: Philips Respironics, system one REMstar Auto A-FlEX 560
Humidifier: Philips Respironics system one heated humidifier
Mask: Mirage Quattro (full face)
Software: Philips Respironics sleepmapper

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Pugsy
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Re: Stuffy head and nose

Post by Pugsy » Sat Jul 19, 2014 5:19 pm

Look on the bottom of the blower unit for a 3 digit model number and report what you find. Might have DS or REF in front of the 3 digits.
Let's figure out exactly which machine model you are using.
A setting of 2 on a System One machine isn't going to deliver very much humidity. You may need to use a higher setting to help with the the nasal congestion.

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Chelle25
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Joined: Sat Jul 19, 2014 4:28 pm
Location: Cleveland, ohio

Re: Stuffy head and nose

Post by Chelle25 » Sat Jul 19, 2014 5:25 pm

The REF # 560 p. Yeah I have tried turning the humidifier up to 3 and 4 but the same lousy stuffy head and nose.

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Machine: Philips Respironics, system one REMstar Auto A-FlEX 560
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Software: Philips Respironics sleepmapper

library lady
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Re: Stuffy head and nose

Post by library lady » Sat Jul 19, 2014 5:30 pm

For the leaks by the eyes, I had them too when I first started, and it is indeed annoying! Have you tried mask liners? I knew nothing about liners when I started, but once I started using them, they were a game changer for me. Googling "cpap mask liners" will get a few hits, or "cpap comfort pads". Some are available at local DMEs, others online, some at both places. A Gecko nasal pad could help if the leaking is only around the eyes, but I've not used them so can't vouch for them otherwise.

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Chelle25
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Location: Cleveland, ohio

Re: Stuffy head and nose

Post by Chelle25 » Sat Jul 19, 2014 5:33 pm

Knew nothing about the liners. Will definatly have to get some and try them out. Thanks for the tip.

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Machine: Philips Respironics, system one REMstar Auto A-FlEX 560
Humidifier: Philips Respironics system one heated humidifier
Mask: Mirage Quattro (full face)
Software: Philips Respironics sleepmapper

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bwexler
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Re: Stuffy head and nose

Post by bwexler » Sat Jul 19, 2014 8:29 pm

Chelle25
You could learn a lot about what is happening with your therapy if you download SleepyHead softwre (free), and learn to use it.
There is a tutorial at the top of the forum.

It would still help if you could fill in the details of your equipment so we can advise you specicaly about what you are using.

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Chelle25
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Joined: Sat Jul 19, 2014 4:28 pm
Location: Cleveland, ohio

Re: Stuffy head and nose

Post by Chelle25 » Sun Jul 20, 2014 8:06 am

bwexler wrote:Chelle25
You could learn a lot about what is happening with your therapy if you download SleepyHead softwre (free), and learn to use it.
There is a tutorial at the top of the forum.

It would still help if you could fill in the details of your equipment so we can advise you specicaly about what you are using.
I'll have to check out the sleepyhead software when I get a chance. And yes I put my information on my equipment into my signature. You can see it there.

I am thinking the eye problem may be due to my mask. Not a leak but right above the nose there are holes that allow air to come out constantly and I think this may be irritating my eyes.

I have already been using saline nasal washes and also flonase nasal spray for the nasal congestion and it is not really working for me. My head feels so clogged I feel like I am not really thinking clearly. This is what is really bothering me. I need to have a clear head for work.

Anyone with anymore tips...... I'm listening.

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Machine: Philips Respironics, system one REMstar Auto A-FlEX 560
Humidifier: Philips Respironics system one heated humidifier
Mask: Mirage Quattro (full face)
Software: Philips Respironics sleepmapper

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Julie
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Re: Stuffy head and nose

Post by Julie » Sun Jul 20, 2014 8:28 am

I (and others I know of) have to turn the humidifier way down or off to NOT get congested... try it.

Chelle25
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Joined: Sat Jul 19, 2014 4:28 pm
Location: Cleveland, ohio

Re: Stuffy head and nose

Post by Chelle25 » Sun Jul 20, 2014 8:33 am

Thanks Julie! I will try this tonight. I was wondering if this might help but was afraid to try it as I have allergies and seem to get sinus infections easily, but yeah I am willing to try anything at this point.

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Machine: Philips Respironics, system one REMstar Auto A-FlEX 560
Humidifier: Philips Respironics system one heated humidifier
Mask: Mirage Quattro (full face)
Software: Philips Respironics sleepmapper

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englandsf
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Re: Stuffy head and nose

Post by englandsf » Sun Jul 20, 2014 1:11 pm

Have you tried Alkolol in your rinses? What device are you using for rinsing? When and how often?

I use one NeilMed or other saline packets and one tablespoon of Alkolol in 8 ozs distilled water at room temp, half up each nostril. Now down to twice a day - morning and early evening (at least 2 hours before sleep). Flonase every morning after rinse.

Just waiting for a Waterpik with Sinus adapter to replace my Sinugator (which will become my travel irrigation tool). But the basic Neilmed squeeze bottle is pretty good and blows neti pots away for ease and effectiveness.

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Chelle25
Posts: 57
Joined: Sat Jul 19, 2014 4:28 pm
Location: Cleveland, ohio

Re: Stuffy head and nose

Post by Chelle25 » Sun Jul 20, 2014 2:04 pm

Currently I am using arm and hammer simply saline. The flonase the doc told me to do 2 squirts before putting the cpap on. In the am I am using the saline a few times to get out the congestion.

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Machine: Philips Respironics, system one REMstar Auto A-FlEX 560
Humidifier: Philips Respironics system one heated humidifier
Mask: Mirage Quattro (full face)
Software: Philips Respironics sleepmapper

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Bill44133
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Re: Stuffy head and nose

Post by Bill44133 » Sun Jul 20, 2014 8:27 pm

Hello fellow Clevelander and welcome to the form.. I understand the stuffy head and nose very well. Now that we are headed into Ragweed season
it gets worse for me. I started my therapy last year in April. Last year starting around the end of July till about September I went from one sinus infection to
the next. It was horrible.. I found a product that the sponsor of the website sells:
https://www.cpap.com/cpap-filters/bacte ... covers.php
It saved me to say the least. I change the filters monthly, but now that Ragwood season is here i will change them weekly.
The other thing that really helps is to take a benadryl. I can take them and because they are so neutral they don't interfere with any of my
other medicine that I take. I used to keep my humidifier at 1 but since finding the filters I am able to keep my humidifier at 3 most of the time. It seems to balance out.

I wish you well

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