3 Months and Counting

Grump · Post by **Grump** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 2:05 pm

As of last night I have completed three months on CPAP therapy. Although I have been 100% compliant since the beginning, the first week was a little rough as I started with a Comfortgel mask and developed a nasty little sore across the bridge of my nose.
I switched to the OptiLife and haven't used the Comfortgel since. I do have to do something about the leaks (avg 39.5) but have been reluctant because of the lines that stay on my face for a good part of the day if I tighten the mask. Since my average AHI has been between .5 to .6, I've let the leaks slide, as I figure the therapy must be working in spite of the leaks.
I do have one question - I have developed symptons of a cold coming on ie., sneezing, runny nose since going on CPAP. Has anyone dealt with this kind of issue? I didn't have sinus problems before. I've tried with humidity and without, (I prefer without) but no success yet. I assume it will eventually go away...

RipVW · Post by **RipVW** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 3:42 pm

Congratulations on your 3 month benchmark, Grump! Sounds like you're making great progress! In my ongoing quest to "perfect" my CPAP therapy, I found myself trying for more and more humidification to combat my dry mouth (even though I use a FFM most of the time). I began to develop cold like symptons, primarily congestion, stuffy nose. Then, I took Den's advice to try cool air, passive humification (no heat). I did purchase an Oasis Passover Humidifier from cpap.com to get more moisture via my cool, no heat humifidication. For me, Den's suggestion worked! Sinuses are clear, no more cold like symptoms!

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 5:37 pm

If you get Padacheeks for your mask you can tighten those straps up to stop the leaks, and no strap marks in the morning. Go to http://www.padacheek.com or just PM PADACHEEK, she is a forum member.
You might also look into the little wing covers she makes for the opti.

As for the cold symptoms...could be allergies. The right humidification is what ever works for you.

Brenda

Grump · Post by **Grump** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 10:13 pm

RipVW and Brenda,

Thanks for the guidance. I'm pretty certain it's not allergies as I haven't had allergies in the past - I'm fairly confident it's CPAP related. I will try the passive humidification and will defintely look into padacheeks.

Thanks again,
Art

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 4:07 am

I do have one question - I have developed symptons of a cold coming on ie., sneezing, runny nose since going on CPAP. Has anyone dealt with this kind of issue? I didn't have sinus problems before. I've tried with humidity and without, (I prefer without) but no success yet. I assume it will eventually go away...

I has some in the beginning - and it went away....

O.