Congestion

[troy20772]

Does any one have any ideas on how to deal with congestion I was all congested last night & it took more effort to breath with my nasal mask on. I've thought about trying a different type of mask where I can sleep with my mouth open to help breath better I've used anasal mask for 2 years now. I always sleep with my mouth closed naturely. I'm a little tired because it
Thanks any ideas

[alnhwrd]

Too much humidity can cause congestion, so you could try lowering it. Also, some people use nasal rinses or saline sprays to help with this problem.

[elader]

My problem: always congested when I lay down. use a rinse every night, doesn't help.
My solution: Full Face Mask - absolutely wonderful.

maybe you should keep one for backup?

[RipVW]

I had the same problem, learned here to try turning the humidifier heat off. Worked for me, no more congestion! Worth a try!

[troy20772]

thank you all for your ideas have great day

[DreamStalker]

If congestion is due to allergies or sinus infection, nasal saline rinses (rhino rinse) often helps to relieve these types of congestion if not instantly -- at least it helps with a shorter recovery period. Google or search forum for nasal saline rinse.

[El Pap]

If congestion is due to allergies or sinus infection, nasal saline rinses (rhino rinse) often helps to relieve these types of congestion if not instantly -- at least it helps with a shorter recovery period. Google or search forum for nasal saline rinse.

Be careful with nasal saline rinses if you are prone to ear problems. Maybe I did it wrong, but soon after using a netipot I developed an ear infection, followed by fluid behind the ear drum (otitis media), a clogged ear feeling, and temporary hearing loss. It took weeks to go away.

My current method of treating congestion is nasal steroids (Nasonex), and regulating the humidifier level. Having the humidity too high OR too low gives me congestion.

[Raj]

Different things work best for different people. In my case, turning down humidity from a moderate level gives me a multi-day nasal allergy attack.

[araminta]

If congestion is due to allergies or sinus infection, nasal saline rinses (rhino rinse) often helps to relieve these types of congestion if not instantly -- at least it helps with a shorter recovery period. Google or search forum for nasal saline rinse.

Be careful with nasal saline rinses if you are prone to ear problems. Maybe I did it wrong, but soon after using a netipot I developed an ear infection, followed by fluid behind the ear drum (otitis media), a clogged ear feeling, and temporary hearing loss. It took weeks to go away.

My current method of treating congestion is nasal steroids (Nasonex), and regulating the humidifier level. Having the humidity too high OR too low gives me congestion.

I would be curious to hear what a dr. would say about this. That 2 events happen one after the other doesn't necessarily indicate that the first caused the second. In actuality, my dr. recommended gargling with salt water to help stop a cold at the outset. So I'm guessing the logic is that salt water helps prevent infection.

but I ain't a scientist.

[DreamStalker]

If congestion is due to allergies or sinus infection, nasal saline rinses (rhino rinse) often helps to relieve these types of congestion if not instantly -- at least it helps with a shorter recovery period. Google or search forum for nasal saline rinse.

Be careful with nasal saline rinses if you are prone to ear problems. Maybe I did it wrong, but soon after using a netipot I developed an ear infection, followed by fluid behind the ear drum (otitis media), a clogged ear feeling, and temporary hearing loss. It took weeks to go away.

My current method of treating congestion is nasal steroids (Nasonex), and regulating the humidifier level. Having the humidity too high OR too low gives me congestion.

You probably had the ear infection before the nasal rinse occured ... the rinse can indeed make an ear infection worse.

Be more careful with nasal steroids if you use more than just rare occasions.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/14/health/14spra.html

http://www.hayfeverexpert.co.uk/Rebound ... stion.html

[El Pap]

Be more careful with nasal steroids if you use more than just rare occasions.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/14/health/14spra.html

http://www.hayfeverexpert.co.uk/Rebound ... stion.html

You are confusing over-the-counter decongestant sprays like Afrin (the medicine discussed in the links you posted), with prescription nasal corticosteroids like Nasonex.

Nasal decongestant sprays are potent vasoconstrictors that shrink mucus membranes in the nose resulting in immediate relief. I NEVER use these, because some of the drug is absorbed systemically, where it has the same vasoconstricting effect on the prostate. Result: I can breathe but I can't pee. There is also the concern you mention about rebound congestion.

Nasal steroid sprays like Nasonex are a different animal. They are a much slower acting anti-inflammatory that takes a few days of use before becoming fully effective. It is not associated with rebound congestion. I use the drug daily during allergy seasons, and as-needed at other times.