stuffy always?

[5aces]

Get thee to an ENT to rule out nasal polyps...

[DreamStalker]

I think there's some factors you haven't taken into consideration, Dreamstalker. Dependent on the settings for your machine, especially exhalation relief settings, in the moment you shift from exhalation to inhalation, there's a subtle but definite acceleration in the air entering your nose, or at least that's my nightly experience. After that moment, everything normalizes, but I do feel that slight puff as long as I'm awake enough to notice it. And I do think the pressure has a tendency to speed up my breathing, particularly in that same moment. Of course, the nasal pillow themselves could be interpreted as foreign bodies.

Acceleration is a change in rate of velocity. I agree that there are changes in rate of air flow velocity ... pretty much the exact same acceleration rates as when not using CPAP. So CPAP does not increase air flow velocity or air flow acceleration rates any more than normal breathing without CPAP.

AFLEX in particular does tend to cause breath stacking for some ... the solution is to just not think about breathing or trying not to match your breath with the machine. Think about something else like a fine looking nude babe (well maybe not a nude woman since that will likely speed up your breathing ... try thinking about what you have to do the next day, yes, that should work) instead of your breathing and you will find that the machine tempo will adjust to your breathing ... just like it does when you are asleep.

[Raj]

Dreamstalker, I agree with your definition of acceleration but not your conclusion. The machine has to respond to the change in pressure demand between exhalation and inhalation to maintain your pressure setting (not even dealing with any bump from exhalation relief). Just feel the difference by putting your hand in front of the exhaust port as you breathe. It is the nature of motor hysteresis to produce a slight delay in response before increasing pressure to match the demand and when it kicks in, you get that slight puff I was talking about, greatly exaggerated with exhalation relief. Another factor to consider may be that the pressure itself might produce an allergic reaction in some people as their bodies respond to stretched tissues. Whatever the cause, an allergic reaction to xPAP seems very common and I suffered through a year of it before finding a solution.

Your advice about trying to ignore breathing entirely while trying to sleep is right on the money.

[southamk]

One side of my nasal passages always seems to be clogged. I was having such a time with this that I felt like I couldn't breathe and would panic when first putting on my nasal pillow system when laying down. I too, also started trying to use things like Ocean Nasal Irrigation system, Afrin, etc., and this would give me temporary relief, but the Afrin made the end result even worse. Finally, my doctor (upon my prodding) prescribed a nasal spray called Fluticasone Propionate, 1 squirt in each nostril per day, and over time, this has helped shrink the swelling of my nasal membranes allowing me to breathe easier through my nose when laying down. I also have 3 different masks. Nasal pillow Swift Lt for her when I am clear, Respironics Profile Light nasal mask when I am partially clear, and Respironics ComfortGel Full Face Mask for those days when I am so stuffed up I have to breathe out of my mouth. Hope this information helps.

[elader]

One side of my nasal passages always seems to be clogged. I was having such a time with this that I felt like I couldn't breathe and would panic when first putting on my nasal pillow system when laying down. I too, also started trying to use things like Ocean Nasal Irrigation system, Afrin, etc., and this would give me temporary relief, but the Afrin made the end result even worse. Finally, my doctor (upon my prodding) prescribed a nasal spray called Fluticasone Propionate, 1 squirt in each nostril per day, and over time, this has helped shrink the swelling of my nasal membranes allowing me to breathe easier through my nose when laying down. I also have 3 different masks. Nasal pillow Swift Lt for her when I am clear, Respironics Profile Light nasal mask when I am partially clear, and Respironics ComfortGel Full Face Mask for those days when I am so stuffed up I have to breathe out of my mouth. Hope this information helps.

Fluticasone is the generic of Flonase. It is a very effective topical steroid. I use it during springtime allergies. I tried it for two months to help this but it doesn't seem to do anything helpful.

[Jason S.]

I'm happy if I have one nostril clear at bedtime. The problem with Afrin et al, is they are very quickly addicting, not psychologically addicting but physically addicting, i.e. you can't get clear without using them. I use pseudophedrine (sinus headache pills) which is also terrible but motrin alone doesn't help my sinus headache. I try not to use it too much. To get clear before bedtime, I use Ayr saline spray. I like it because its a pump and its gets up there. It doesn't unclog a stuffed-up nostril, but improves the flow in one thats open.

I would have the septolasty if it would eliminate my need for CPAP, but it won't. I won't have it just to improve the efficacy of CPAP. The surgery usually has a painful and long recovery, with the possibility of "open nose syndrome" complications afterwards. Just not worth it for me at this time. Mybe in ten years they'll be able to do it with lasers.

[BeanMeScot]

I got a prescription for generic Flonase that I have been using lately. I didn't need it much until the trees started flowering so I am sure it is allergy related. I have also used the OTC Nasalcrom which stops my allergy symptoms in their tracks. I don't have a big allergy problem but I do get itchy eyes and throat sometimes and my nose is slightly congested.

[SharkBait]

I am absolutely amazed that Afrin can stay in business. Who uses that stuff? There's a natural progression...

0. x = 0
1. Use Afrin - Wow, great! I can breathe
2. x = x + 1
3. Rebound, I'm worse than when I started by a factor of x
4. If x < 10, then go back to step 1
5. Nasal passages are now bleeding
6. Afrin can't be used due to #5, and now I can't breathe worse than ever in my life
7. Afrin gets thrown across the room amidst howling, "Stella!" type screams of "AFRIN!!! DAMN YOU AFRIN!!!"
8. God eventually grants you the ability to breathe thru your nose again and you keep your end of the pact by never using Afrin again

So if a sane person only buys one bottle of Afrin in their lifetime, and then spreads the word to other potential Afrin "victims" then who is left to provide revenues for that product???

[BeanMeScot]

I've used Afrin before when I was sick and it works miracles on allowing you to breath. I never used it more than once a day and never more than a couple of days. I try to stay away from it period. It has been years since I last used it but if I get a bad cold, I will go for it. A normal cold/allergies, Sudafed is enough.

[nate fry]

Defineitly, you probably have enlarged turbinates. I have been flushing with saline lately. It is amazing. It really burned at first but now it doesn't and I seem to breath better. It is amazing how how stuff you can blow out of your nose. Think of all the dust, pollen and other allegens we breath every day. they have these new saline bottle that are pressureized , they work great.I bet a lot of people have minor infections and don't even know it.

[unhappycamper]

Defineitly, you probably have enlarged turbinates. I have been flushing with saline lately. It is amazing. It really burned at first but now it doesn't and I seem to breath better. It is amazing how how stuff you can blow out of your nose. Think of all the dust, pollen and other allegens we breath every day. they have these new saline bottle that are pressureized , they work great.I bet a lot of people have minor infections and don't even know it.

Can you just boil water instead of using distilled water for the saline mix? It's a pain storing distilled water around the house.

[TheDreamer]

Can you just boil water instead of using distilled water for the saline mix? It's a pain storing distilled water around the house.

My dad uses cooled boiled water (which sounds to me more work than using distilled water).

But, since I have distilled water in the house already for my humidifier....I just nuke for 15 seconds (without the nozzle in it and shake well....otherwise, there's it getting hotter at the bottom of the tube than anywhere else....making the first squeeze burn...)

The Dreamer.

[yorkiemum01]

NOT touching Nate's post

OK..on a more serious note, I personally had been 'stuffy' as long as I can remember, and a mouth breather.
Woke in the morning for years..even decades, sneezing, coughing, blowing my nose for hours into the morning.
(I've been on a bunch of allergy meds, but nothing helped, so quit trying).

ONLY since starting CPAP therapy have I found I CAN breathe clearly through my nasal passages. In that respect,
its been extremely helpful.

[The Texan]

I use Ayr saline spray. I like it because its a pump and its gets up there. It doesn't unclog a stuffed-up nostril, but improves the flow in one that's open.

I spoke to the Pharmacist today about being stuffed up and his recommendation was Ayr saline spray. Tonight will be my 1st night trying it.

[JoyD.]

Elader,

Ask your doctor about Flonase Spray (prescription needed).

I've been using it "as needed" for a few years. It has been most helpful to me. You can use up to two squirts a day in each nostril. Lately, I've been using it just before bed, after the netipot (just when I need it).

Good luck!
Joy

EDIT: Didn't read enough of the posts to see that others have mentioned it, and you've already tried Flonase! Sorry it isn't working for you.