Nasal passages closing

[SarahB]

I'm interested to see whether you find an answer to this as I have exactly the same problem with the nose unpredictably closing, eg. when I lie down, when I turn over, sometimes partially blocked, sometimes fully blocked, sometimes fully open. I was thinking of asking the doctor to see what the cause is and if anything can be done. Those nasal strips can sometimes help a bit - have you tried them?

I also prefer the nasal mask but there are times when I really struggle to get any air. However, the mask is massively more comfortable, there are fewer leaks and the AHI is lower. Also I get a very dry mouth with the full face mask (I don't know why I wasn't given the humidifier) so I really want to stick with the nasal mask.

[CarCulmer]

Have the same issue - fighting it all the time. Luckily one nostril will remain open when the other one closes up! But the congestion can give me a headache. Don't know what the answer is - I use all kinds of products which help temporarily and some days are better than others. Since I'm not sick, I assume it's some sort of allergy that stuffs me up. I know that red wine will do this

You should have a Full Face Mask for such occasions, if your nose is blocked you'll be opening your mouth and hence receiving little or no therapy. Again, you'll probably need to increase your pressures with a FFM.

Tried two full face masks and the fit was so awful I couldn't stand them - took both back after one night

[Hannibal 2]

You may want to try some eucalyptus oil on a cotton bud next to machine's air intake, works for me when I'm a bit congested.

[musculus]

inferior turbinate reduction is a good option if other solutions failed

[SnoringInOregon]

Ive tried upping the humidifier, nasal sprays as well.

I'm not sure what you mean by "nasal sprays". Flonase or Nasacort?

Have you tried simple saline nasal mist? I find that it helps unclog my nostrils when I get up to piddle.

E.g. Costco sells this stuff: https://www.armandhammer.com/personal-c ... ion-1-6-oz

It's pressurized, but a non-pressurized product such as Ocean Saline should also work.

My ENT doctor told me to use saline spray during the day to keep my nasal passages moist. That seems to help. You can use all you want, since it's nothing but water and salt. No steroids or other chemicals.

Also I find that using Neilmed Sinus Rinse every few days seems to help: http://shop.neilmed.com/Products/Sinus- ... egular-Kit

[ChicagoGranny]

Also I find that using Neilmed Sinus Rinse every few days seems to help

That's good.

This,

You can use all you want, since it's nothing but water and salt.

, I wouldn't be so sure about ------->

"The authors of the study proposed that the likely reason for this finding is that frequent irrigation depletes nasal mucous, which contains several important defense mechanisms, including antibodies, lactoferrin, and lysozyme. ... It’s also been shown that if the salt concentration is a bit saltier than your nasal membranes’ concentration, the cilia that help to move the mucous blanket down into your throat become paralyzed. http://doctorstevenpark.com/long-term-n ... or-harmful "

No steroids or other chemicals.

All of the saline nasal sprays contain DHMO and NaCl. Most of them also contain some combination of Disodium Phosphate, Phenylcarbinol, Monosodium Phosphate and Benzalkonium Chloride.

Check the ingredient label on the brand you use.

[SnoringInOregon]

All of the saline nasal sprays contain DHMO and NaCl. Most of them also contain some combination of Disodium Phosphate, Phenylcarbinol, Monosodium Phosphate and Benzalkonium Chloride.

I used "chemicals" in the Wiktionary sense of "Of or relating to a material or processes not commonly found in nature or in a particular product". So DHMO and NaCl aren't "chemicals" by that definition; they're the intended product. The others ingredients you mention are stabilizers and preservatives, which are of course chemicals. So good point.

Also interesting were the comments by Dr Park. He's talking about "irrigation" which means stuff like the Neti-Pot or Neilmed Sinus rinse. Ordinary saline sprays probably don't deliver enough moisture to do what he's concerned about. I'm too lazy to irrigate every day, and perhaps that's a good thing. Thankfully I rarely get sinus infections.

Edit: wanted to add, I saw some startling comments in the most recent enclosed instructions for NeilMed Sinus Rinse. I don't recall reading anything like this when I first started using the product (probably 10 years ago). This seems excessive: "Many doctors recommend rinsing 3-4 times daily or for special circumstances, even rinsing up to 6 times a day is safe. Please follow your physician's advice."

Check the ingredient label on the brand you use.

Arm and Hammer ingredients: water, sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate to ajust pH

Ocean saline ingredients: purified water, sodium chloride, sodium phosphate / sodium hydroxide, phenylcarbinol, benzalkonium chloride.

Initially I was surprised by how few ingredients the Arm and Hammer product has. But it's easily explained because the can is pressurized. So there is no backflow. So they don't need preservatives.

[ChicagoGranny]

SnoringInOregon

You passed with flying colors. You are bright enough to not be a chemophobe.