stuffy nose - can't use C-Pap

[Elizabeth]

I got my CPAP machine in July and I used it for a month with no problems at all, but in August I started getting a stuffy nose at night and it made it very hard to keep using the CPAP. I bought some affrin, and that works, but I don't want to use that every night. Is there a better way to unstuff the nostrils at night?

I have the nose mask (not the full face mask) and the humidifier. I wish I knew the exact equipment I had, and I could check but my husband is still sleeping. I'll post it later today.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

[Barb (Seattle)]

I have been there (using a full face mask as I never found a solution that worked for me) Some have said to use a saline rinse...Flonase is an option. It worked GGGGGGREAT for a few weeks, then I had a severe reaction to it and felt like ice was being placed up my nose You might have better luck with it than I did. I bought a bottle of saline spray that has a nozzle that goes way up in the nasal passages...it got a little better, but not enough for me to use the nasal mask. Hopefully, you can find something that works for you!

[Sleepless on LI]

At the risk of rainout, maybe you need to turn up the heated humidifier a bit more? Don't go drastically higher, just one-half a notch a night until you find a comfort zone. If you do experience rainout, try the Aussie heated hose that everyone raves about. You can find it at http://www.sleepzone.com.au. Supposedly eliminates rainout entirely. I don't use my hh often, but did when I had a cold. It does help congestion.

Also, besides, as Barb mentioned, Flonase, there is also Nasonex that works great for allergies, which may be your problem. Also, make sure the filters on the back of the machine aren't dirty as then you're breathing in all sorts of allergens, etc. that can cause stuffiness.

One last thought. Believe it or not, maybe a nasal pillow interface, such as the Swift, Aura or Breeze, may help since the air is sort of injected into the nasal passages as opposed to your having to breathe it in with a nasal mask. Some of the members here found it helped even when they thought they wouldn't be able to use one due to congestion. Ask Yawn/Amy. She got help using her Swift. So have others, too.

Good luck.

[Elizabeth]

I read about "rainout" and I'm already getting that. Maybe my humidifier is up too high already or something.

The nasal pillow looks like somthing that fits into the nostrils, maybe making it easier to breath through the nose?

It seems like such a wierd problem: my nostrils seem to swell on the inside. It isn't way up into my nose, its just right inside my nose - not even into the sinuses at all.

I'll keep researching, thanks for the leads. If anyone has more info, send it this way

[Jere]

I have the same problem. As I posted here before, saline rinse is the best defense and then a nasal steroid (like flonase or nasonex) and - if it allergy related- Asteline, which is a spray antihistimine. This has worked for me.

Also, I use the nasal pillows for exactly the reason Lori suggests - the air pressure actually keeps those swollen nasal passages open (much better that breathe right strips).

[ozij]

I found the my nose became stuffier - similar to what Elizabeth describes - when my humidifier was too high, and on the verge of rainout (in the mask). There's a fine line for me between too high and too low - it may be like that for you too.

Things got somewhat better with the Heated Hose.

O.

[Sleepless on LI]

I found the my nose became stuffier - similar to what Elizabeth describes - when my humidifier was too high, and on the verge of rainout (in the mask). There's a fine line for me between too high and too low - it may be like that for you too.

Things got somewhat better with the Heated Hose.

O.

I would equate that to going into a steam room at a gym and having trouble breathing. It can be overwhelming if there's too much steam. One of the reasons I don't like the hh at all, except if I have a cold. It really helped last week. But as soon as the cold left, so did the hh. I just am not a big fan, although I've read how it's helped so many others with their congestion so offered it to you as a suggestion.

[LeeAnne in Niagara]

I have a chronic stuffy nose also. I use a full face mask, nasonex, and breath-right strips. The strips are the things you see football players wear to help keep their sinus' open. It works great, but it is a bit hard on the skin when you peel it off in the morning. It makes a huge difference in my stuffiness!

LeeAnne

[snork1]

I also vote for the saline flush to clear out the sinuses.
And that does NOT mean a dainty little spritz from one of those cute little saline spray bottles, but indeed a good FLUSH out nightly.

It works for me anyway.

[Elizabeth]

Wow, I'm glad to see I'm not the only one with this problem ( how many times has that phrase been said, ha ha ) Thanks to all of you for all the options. Last night I did try and turn down the humidifyer, but my C-Pap is kinda hard to program. I'll have to get the book out to make sure.

I'll work on all of this, and hopefully find a solution that works for me.

[tomjax]

It always amazes me the things we attribute to PAP use.
Some conditions may be indeed caused by PAP, others are coincidental.

This is one of those areas that is in the twilight zone of uncertainty.

I have often wondered if it is prudent to deliver saturated moisture to the lungs when it may interfere with the natural cooling mechanism of the body.

Intuitively, it would seem that the increased presure would decrease congestion rather than causing or exacerbating it.

I certainly do not have the answers to this question because there so many linear variables to make an informed and documented answer.

This is yet another area of my ignorance. Doubt if anyone can give a better and more definitive answer.

Oh, sweet mysteries of life----------
Long day of replacing my power source fan on my computer and repairing my Kamado smoker. I managed to make a 4 hour deal out of a 20 minute one, so what do I know?

[felineperson3]

tomjax wrote:

Long day of replacing my power source fan on my computer and repairing my Kamado smoker. I managed to make a 4 hour deal out of a 20 minute one, so what do I know?

I'm having to laugh with you--not at you--as so many of my 20 minute projects seem to go like this anymore.
As you say, "Oh, sweet mysteries of life---------- "

[Elizabeth]

Tomjax, you sound like you have a substantial background in science, is this true?

I'm a firm believer in the idea that there are NO 20 minute projects.

[JimH]

Ok here is a dumb question, but can you use a nasal pillow with Remstar Plus or does it require an entirely different machine?

[Swordz]

For those of you with stuffy noses and are "mouth breathers" i'd go see an ENT. You obviously have something impeding nasal breathing. Whether its allergies or a physical problem (septum, turbinates) taht's what your ENT is to decide. Just make you find a GOOD ENT.