Sinusitis - Lingering Stuffy Voice - CPAP's role?

Hi all - I rarely get sick but this year, I'm in my third week of sinusitis. I'm finishing a round of antibiotics the doc tossed at me (no idea if I actually needed them) and using Flonase. I've also taken Sudafed for a couple of days as well and except for last night, have used a sinus wash to help flush everything out.

I switched to the Wisp nasal mask and when I wake up in the morning, my nose has been really clear and open which is great. However, my voice still sounds like my head is completely clogged up. Any role CPAP or the humidity settings are playing in this? I also take acting classes periodically and this voice isn't going to get me any leading roles. It also doesn't sound good at work as everyone thinks I'm still sick/contagious

I don't want to go changing settings with no basis but just curious. I'm only about 6 weeks into therapy so not sure what's normal.

BrooklynCPAPer wrote:Hi all - I rarely get sick but this year, I'm in my third week of sinusitis. I'm finishing a round of antibiotics the doc tossed at me (no idea if I actually needed them) and using Flonase. I've also taken Sudafed for a couple of days as well and except for last night, have used a sinus wash to help flush everything out.

I switched to the Wisp nasal mask and when I wake up in the morning, my nose has been really clear and open which is great. However, my voice still sounds like my head is completely clogged up. Any role CPAP or the humidity settings are playing in this? I also take acting classes periodically and this voice isn't going to get me any leading roles. It also doesn't sound good at work as everyone thinks I'm still sick/contagious

I don't want to go changing settings with no basis but just curious. I'm only about 6 weeks into therapy so not sure what's normal.

You didn't say what your HH settings are, but if you're using a high humidity setting, you might try turning it down or if a low setting, you might try a little bit higher. But, since you're using a nasal mask, it could be you're leaking your therapy air out your mouth at night and that could be a contributor. Ever wake up with a dry mouth or sore throat?
And, "high" humidifier settings can actually cause more nasal congestion and contribute to mouth-breathing/leaking.


Den

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Wulfman... wrote:
You didn't say what your HH settings are, but if you're using a high humidity setting, you might try turning it down or if a low setting, you might try a little bit higher. But, since you're using a nasal mask, it could be you're leaking your therapy air out your mouth at night and that could be a contributor. Ever wake up with a dry mouth or sore throat?
And, "high" humidifier settings can actually cause more nasal congestion and contribute to mouth-breathing/leaking.
Den

Thanks for the response - I'm using the ClimateLine Air on its automatic setting both for humidity and temperature so I really don't know what the machine is using for its settings. I would imagine it varies night to night?

What about mouth leaking/breathing?


Den

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Wulfman... wrote:What about mouth leaking/breathing?


Den

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You beat me - I was just thinking "I didn't answer his second question" - I occasionally mouth breathe and wake up with somewhat of a dry mouth/throat but that's not consistent either. Some nights I do it and notice it in the morning and other nights I don't. With the amount of time this has been going on, I suspect I've had both types of nights.

I like the nasal mask but I'm not opposed to a FFM if it might help.