Desperate Ready to Throw in the Towel 2

[jj62]

I cleaned the unit really well last night before bed. Put no water in the tank and turned the
humidifier off. Woke up at about 4 am, my nose felt like it was on fire and red like I had been
on a drinking binge. But I wasn't to stuffy, at about 8 am, while reading the paper my nose
started to run and my sinus plugged. BUT NOT NEARS AS BAD AS WHEN I USED THE HUMIDIFIER...

Joe

[DreamOn]

Hi Joe. Welcome to the forum!

I'm not familiar with your machine myself, but do you know what level your humidifier was set to before you turned it OFF? Is there a dial on the humidifier to adjust the level of humidification? Perhaps you just needed to turn the humidifier DOWN a bit from where it was originally, rather than completely off.

If your nasal passages feel too dry with the humidifier off, just try it at a very low setting. Some of us use Simply Saline or Ocean saline nasal mist or something like Ayr Saline Nasal Gel inside our nostrils to moisturize the tissues too. You may want to try something like that if it feels too dry.

Finding the right humidifier level can take some trial and error. And it may take at least a few days for your nasal passages to adjust to changes too. I had a terrible runny nose/sneezing problem for about a week a month or so after starting CPAP but it went away spontaneously. I suspect it was my sinuses because I also had a slight headache. But you've had this for far too long already. If you continue to have difficulties after a week or so of trying the humidifier off and on a low setting, then perhaps you should have the doctor look at it.

[bwell]

Bacteria and organisms love warm, wet environments... I would also suggest that you take apart the entire system and thoroughly clean EVERYTHING that you can in a 10 part water, 1 part vinegar solution. Replace all the filters with brand new ones. Get the system squeaky clean...
Joe

This is a tad bit off subject but in general, is the above formula one to use only for a machine "spring cleaning" or is it acceptable also for daily cleaning? I've been using distilled water in my humidifier, and rinsing out the reservoir and breathing tubes each morning with at least hot water (most days with mild, soapy water) shaking, swinging etc to elimate most of the water and then leaving it to air dry. I've dissembled my mask only weekly and applied the same treatment. (as suggested by the manuals).

I've been looking at the cleaning solutions but am not too enthused about adding more chemicals to this process. I would love to hear an expert's view...

: )
bwell

[jj62]

Hi Joe. Welcome to the forum!

I'm not familiar with your machine myself, but do you know what level your humidifier was set to before you turned it OFF? Is there a dial on the humidifier to adjust the level of humidification? Perhaps you just needed to turn the humidifier DOWN a bit from where it was originally, rather than completely off.

If your nasal passages feel too dry with the humidifier off, just try it at a very low setting. Some of us use Simply Saline or Ocean saline nasal mist or something like Ayr Saline Nasal Gel inside our nostrils to moisturize the tissues too. You may want to try something like that if it feels too dry.

Finding the right humidifier level can take some trial and error. And it may take at least a few days for your nasal passages to adjust to changes too. I had a terrible runny nose/sneezing problem for about a week a month or so after starting CPAP but it went away spontaneously. I suspect it was my sinuses because I also had a slight headache. But you've had this for far too long already. If you continue to have difficulties after a week or so of trying the humidifier off and on a low setting, then perhaps you should have the doctor look at it.

I am going to try all these things you mention. Doctors appointment May 28.

Thanks for Your Help....
Joe

[DreamOn]

I am going to try all these things you mention. Doctors appointment May 28.

Very good, Joe! I hope that you'll let us all know when you discover what humidifier setting works best for you, or if it's determined that there's another problem. That information may help someone else here, as many of us have had similar difficulties.

[wil]

This is a tad bit off subject but in general, is the above formula one to use only for a machine "spring cleaning" or is it acceptable also for daily cleaning?

I'm no expert, but...

If you don't mind the smell of vinegar, there's nothing wrong with doing it every day. This is really a weekly cleaning regimen. The smell of the vinegar goes away pretty quickly, but the first night after cleaning you can definitely pick it up. You might see a little wear and tear on your consumables (mask, hose, etc.), but that's about it.

Daily I just clean my mask cushions and pillows with warm soapy water. Take the mask apart and clean it once a week, along with the hose, humidifier tank, and filters...

[cflame1]

not sure about the M series... but with the tanks, you could just put water in and not turn the humidifer on.

Plus, have you changed your filters any time recently?

[18mcr181]

That is the way I run my humidifer with no heat.

[patdart]

That is the way I run my humidifer with no heat.

Me,too. It works just fine for me. But, I do live in Louisiana where it's pretty humid even in the house with AC. It took me a while to figure out what "passover" was in this lingo!

[Ms.Sandi]

Go ahead, throw in the towel. Then try sleeping on your side or abdomen.
There's a good chance you won't gasp or snort and wake up. On your side
or abdomen your tongue can't fall back and block your airway.
Give it a try if you haven't already.

[jj62]

I am going to try all these things you mention. Doctors appointment May 28.

Very good, Joe! I hope that you'll let us all know when you discover what humidifier setting works best for you, or if it's determined that there's another problem. That information may help someone else here, as many of us have had similar difficulties.

Dream On,

I tried all the things you suggested and they do seem to help. But I am still a little
stuffy and nose is running. Maybe in time my sinus will get use to it and clear up.
For now I think I won't use the cpap for a few days and if I clear up at least I'll
know it's not allergies.

Thanks for everyones help here and I'll keep yo posted.

Joe

[DreamOn]

Joe, good to know that my suggestions did help a little.

Since the changes have helped somewhat, rather than not using your CPAP machine for a few days, perhaps you can consider setting the humidifier on the lowest possible setting (or off, if that doesn't dry out your nasal passages too much), and give it a week or so to see if things get substantially better. Since the nasal problems have been of such long duration, I do think it could take a while for your nose to get used to the new settings and clear up. You'll be seeing the doctor soon, in about 2 weeks, so you can discuss with him/her then whether you need to stop using your machine for a few days. I just hate to see someone not use their machine, even for a few days.

Regardless of what you decide to do, I would be interested to know how you resolve the problem. I only had that happen to me for a short time myself and have had no problems at all with runny nose/sneezing/congestion since, but maybe your solution will help someone else here.

I do have one other thought. I use several different nasal pillows masks (AEIOMed Headrest and Opus 360). I don't have any problems with either, but I do notice that the Opus 360 definitely has a more "direct" feel to the incoming air than the Headrest nasal pillows. Perhaps you could try a different nasal pillow mask to see if that makes any difference for you. Or a nasal mask, such as the Activa LT.

[jj62]

This is day 3 since I stopped using the cpap. Day 1, I still had watery eye, runny nose and
felt lousy. Day 2, a little better sneezed quite abit and felt kind a out of sorts.
Day 3, today feel much better and clear as a bell.

I do want the cpap machine to work for me. Because I know it's
better for my health and I actually have more engery and feel
like I am sleeping better when I do use it.

I have read on other's post that they are changing their
mask and hoses every 30-60 days. Cause they fell they get
contaminated in that time period . Do you feel it is
really necessary for those frequent changes?. That could
get quite expensive too.

[wil]

My insurance pays for new hoses every three months, new masks every six months. I really don't think they need to be changed that often if they're cleaned properly. The masks are made of surgical plastic and silicon, which means it can be boiled for short periods (several minutes) without damage. They need to be replaced because they wear out, not because they can't be made sanitary.

If you were using xPap successfully for a time before you started having problems, you really want to look for what changed. It could be something as simple as allergies, a dirty machine or something much more complicated. Either way, I think it's a good thing you're going to see your doctor. Perhaps they can shed some light on things...

[Guest]

My insurance pays for new hoses every three months, new masks every six months. I really don't think they need to be changed that often if they're cleaned properly. The masks are made of surgical plastic and silicon, which means it can be boiled for short periods (several minutes) without damage. They need to be replaced because they wear out, not because they can't be made sanitary.

If you were using xPap successfully for a time before you started having problems, you really want to look for what changed. It could be something as simple as allergies, a dirty machine or something much more complicated. Either way, I think it's a good thing you're going to see your doctor. Perhaps they can shed some light on things...

I'll check with insurance and see if they will replace them. The on-line prices seem like they are
a lot cheaper then what the insurance would pay for them. Have you had any experience?.

Is there more to cleaning them then just the mask, hose, filter and water tank.
Maybe I am not getting to the the parts and missing something.

When I had my first cpap machine a large white one with humidifier. The only problem
I had was the full face mask. After about 4-5hrs, it irritated me I would pull it off.
I don't recall the brand.

And when I first got this REMstar I didn't have a problem. Then started in the like allergy
sysptoms so I went off it it for about a year. Then started feeling fatigued, tired, no engery
and started taking a lot of 2 hour afternoon naps and to bed early. So I gave it another try and
for about 2-3 weeks it was fine and I was feeling better. But then the whole thing started over
again. So I searched the net for a cpap forum.

Maybe it is something as simple as a cleaning problem. And with all your help
I am sure will get figured out.

Thanks Again

Joe