UM II Mask and Congestion

[swezey]

Question for anyone using a UM II nasal mask - how often do you replace the mask? Not the whole thing, but just the rubber (or whatever it is) around the frame. I've had mine about 5 months and wash it religiously but I'm wondering if its wearing out or loses it elasticity or anything like that and what, if any, kinds of problems that might cause.

On another subject which may or may not be related, lately I've been falling asleep quickly (as usual) but then waking up with a lot of nasal congestion - almost to the point I can't breathe at all through my nose. Since I don't have a FF mask, this is of course a major problem. If I take off my mask, my nose clears up and I can breath normally in a matter of minutes - 10 at most. Anyone experienced this? Could it be related to an "old" mask? Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!

[KSMike]

I'm pretty new to PAP, but since no one has answered I'll at least acknowledge you . It seems like many recommend seal replacement every 6 months. I suspect this can vary a lot, so you may be about due. On the congestion, are you using humidification? Have you made any changes to your system? If your seal is failing, perhaps that's related?

[swezey]

I'm pretty new to PAP, but since no one has answered I'll at least acknowledge you . It seems like many recommend seal replacement every 6 months. I suspect this can vary a lot, so you may be about due. On the congestion, are you using humidification? Have you made any changes to your system? If your seal is failing, perhaps that's related?

I'm using humidification on 1 - no change there. My leak rate doesn't seem to be changing but I haven't checked it in a few weeks since my old laptop crashed. Guess I should get my SW reinstalled so I can check. I'm coming in on 6 months so guess I'll order a replacement and see what that does. What about the air filters? Can they cause any problems? I gotta think breathing filtered air can't be any worse than breathing regular room air - even if the filter is a month or two old (actually can't remember the last time I changed it... ). Think there might be something down that line of thinking?

[alnhwrd]

I have the UMII. I have been using the same seal for over a year and my leak rate has been perfect the last three nights. And while I wash my face every night I don't wash the mask every day. As long as you are not having a lot of leak trouble you can keep using the same cushion, although the people that sell the cushions would like you to believe that you need to change them much more frequently. And certainly if it makes you feel better, go for it, but I think you can get by with a lot less.

Congestion can be caused by too much or not enough humidification, so experiment and see if you can find a setting that helps. I notice that if my bedroom is even a little warm I start having some trouble in this regard, so I crack a window some nights which seems to help. Lots of people use some form of nasal rinse to good effect. I keep a bottle of saline spray for occasional use. Avoid stuff like Afrin for long term use as it can cause a rebound effect that will leave you worse off than you started. Hope this helps!

[swezey]

I have the UMII. I have been using the same seal for over a year and my leak rate has been perfect the last three nights. And while I wash my face every night I don't wash the mask every day. As long as you are not having a lot of leak trouble you can keep using the same cushion, although the people that sell the cushions would like you to believe that you need to change them much more frequently. And certainly if it makes you feel better, go for it, but I think you can get by with a lot less.

Congestion can be caused by too much or not enough humidification, so experiment and see if you can find a setting that helps. I notice that if my bedroom is even a little warm I start having some trouble in this regard, so I crack a window some nights which seems to help. Lots of people use some form of nasal rinse to good effect. I keep a bottle of saline spray for occasional use. Avoid stuff like Afrin for long term use as it can cause a rebound effect that will leave you worse off than you started. Hope this helps!

Thanks for the suggestions - I never thought about room conditions! Adding some warm humidity always sounded to me like a good idea but anything over 1 and I'm drowning! Didn't seem to get the congestion last night but woke up this morning with a headache (uh oh!) and totally bloated like never before and I've been "musical" all day! Seems things are going to hell in a hand basket pretty quick! I have to get my Encore Pro reinstalled so I can see what is going on. I'm trying to remember what the new mask felt like and if mine "feels" different but I just can't remember 5 months ago (gee big surprise there huh??) Guess I'll just order a new one and plop it on and see what happens. I did take to the UMII really well - I ordered that one based on all the good reviews I've read about it so I have no complaints with it - just trying to figure out why things seem to be going downhill quickly. I know they say not to use the nasal spray any longer than you need to or you can end up worse than before but what does the saline do? Not sure I'm familiar with that (except for going in your eye if you wear contacts...)

[ww]

I have the UMII. I have been using the same seal for over a year and my leak rate has been perfect the last three nights. And while I wash my face every night I don't wash the mask every day. As long as you are not having a lot of leak trouble you can keep using the same cushion, although the people that sell the cushions would like you to believe that you need to change them much more frequently. And certainly if it makes you feel better, go for it, but I think you can get by with a lot less.

Congestion can be caused by too much or not enough humidification, so experiment and see if you can find a setting that helps. I notice that if my bedroom is even a little warm I start having some trouble in this regard, so I crack a window some nights which seems to help. Lots of people use some form of nasal rinse to good effect. I keep a bottle of saline spray for occasional use. Avoid stuff like Afrin for long term use as it can cause a rebound effect that will leave you worse off than you started. Hope this helps!

Thanks for the suggestions - I never thought about room conditions! Adding some warm humidity always sounded to me like a good idea but anything over 1 and I'm drowning! Didn't seem to get the congestion last night but woke up this morning with a headache (uh oh!) and totally bloated like never before and I've been "musical" all day! Seems things are going to hell in a hand basket pretty quick! I have to get my Encore Pro reinstalled so I can see what is going on. I'm trying to remember what the new mask felt like and if mine "feels" different but I just can't remember 5 months ago (gee big surprise there huh??) Guess I'll just order a new one and plop it on and see what happens. I did take to the UMII really well - I ordered that one based on all the good reviews I've read about it so I have no complaints with it - just trying to figure out why things seem to be going downhill quickly. I know they say not to use the nasal spray any longer than you need to or you can end up worse than before but what does the saline do? Not sure I'm familiar with that (except for going in your eye if you wear contacts...)

I had to turn the humidity off when I was congested. You still get a small amount with just water and no heat.

[bdp522]

You can try using a nettie pot or other nasal rinse before bed. This will flush out the sinuses and may help keep them open all night.
http://www.neilmed.com/usa/products.php

You can try soaking the mask(or just the cushion) in a mix of 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water for 10 minutes after washing. This will cut any oils or soap residues left on the mask. Sometimes this will improve the seal. Be sure to rinse well after soaking.

Brenda

[kebsa]

I was going to suggest the saline nasal sprays too! I have had chronically blocked sinus' for years despite trying a variety of medications and nasal sprays- i had eventually been told that the only real option was to have a surgical procedure call an antrum washout (they use a sharp impliment to poke a hole in the bone wall between the nose and sinuses and then wash out the contents) after seeing it performed a few times i decided it was a bit drastic and have put up with nasal congestion for years.
fast forward to more recent times, i get dx as having complex sleep apnea and find that full face masks dont seal well for me and I am a chronic mouth breather!! I tried the steroid sprays with limited effect but also they can't be used continuosly (shouldn't be anyway) so i thought in desperation i would try the saline sprays and that certainly helped as long as i used it a few times in the night so i thought the next step may be the nasal washout kits that use a saline based solution- i have not look back. Apart from being able to use a nasal mask (with a chin strap to "retrain" the habit of mouthbreathing) we are in the midst of hay fever season and i have clear sinuses for the 1st time in years! no more money needed on antihistamines (i can save it to save up for replacememt of my cpap mask when its due!). the saline washout kits are easy to use and while it is not theh greatest feeling to squirt fluid up the Schnozz, there are far worse things and it feels soooo goood to be able to breathe freely and smell the roses!

[swezey]

All great suggestions - thanks! I never thought of turning the humidity DOWN when congested - always thought I needed more humidity when stuffed up. The nettie pot looks interesting as well - may have to order one and see how it goes. As I've gotten older, my sinuses have gotten worse and worse - maybe its years of clogged up junk in there! Last night was the worst yet - kept waking up every hour or so just like before therapy so something is DEFINITELY going on! Will have to get it figured out quick - I was actually falling asleep driving home from work tonight! Haven't had that in a long time. I'll let everyone know what happens - thanks again for the help and concern!