any recommendations to help clear nasal passages.....

[andrewjs18]

I believe I have sinusitis and/or some sort of head cold and my nose is so congested at night since I got this cold a few days ago that I can't even wear my mask (nasal mask only). What are some suggestions to help clear my nasal passages and keep them clear while wearing the mask? I'm currently on medication to hopefully get rid of this nasty cold, but in the mean time I want to be able to sleep with my mask on so I can at least TRY to get some decent sleep.

Here's my cpap machine:
https://www.cpap.com/cpap-machine/respi ... chine.html

[LSAT]

Go to the pharmacy and get a nasal rinse...I use Neilsmed... Use this before bed along with a medicated nasal spray.
Then get a Full Face mask to use in these situations.

[andrewjs18]

I actually do use a saline nasal spray before putting on my mask. I'll have to check out the nasal rinse.

[jmcd]

I've not had a cold since I've been using CPAP but occasionally have that stuffed-up feeling. I've found using a little bit of Vick's Vapor Rub (I put it on a piece of foil near the air intake on my CPAP) helps. Also, Clear from PurSleep is good.

[M.D.Hosehead]

Dr. Steven Park has a blog at:

http://doctorstevenpark.com/

He has a number of interesting comments and suggestions.

The upper right corner of his home page has a link to download a free 40-page pdf, "Unstuffing Your Stuffy Nose".

True, he's flogging a book he wrote, but not in an obnoxious way.

[Muse-Inc]

Afrin -- 3 days only or you get dreadful rebound congestion...much worse than the original & takes months to heal!!!

Or, try this for 5 days of use:
Night 1: both nostrils 1 spray
Night 2: only 1 nostril gets 1 spray
Night 3: same nostril gets 1 spray
Night 4: other nostril gets 1 spray
Night 5: same nostril gets 1 spray

Yes, the instructions say 2 sprays but it works so well, like magic, it becomes nearly addictive 'cause we get so desperate to breathe. I use Ocean to irrigate every night, take generic claritin, and wear the Hybrid mask so I can mouth breathe if my nose blocks up completely. I spray Nasonex in the morning if I'm still congested. If the congestion just won't clear, I use the Grossan nasal irrigator.

[Wulfman]

I believe I have sinusitis and/or some sort of head cold and my nose is so congested at night since I got this cold a few days ago that I can't even wear my mask (nasal mask only). What are some suggestions to help clear my nasal passages and keep them clear while wearing the mask? I'm currently on medication to hopefully get rid of this nasty cold, but in the mean time I want to be able to sleep with my mask on so I can at least TRY to get some decent sleep.

Here's my cpap machine:
https://www.cpap.com/cpap-machine/respi ... chine.html

Do a Google search on "nasal cleansing" and you'll find lots of links.

This one is kind of generic and covers a number of methods.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasal_irrigation

Whatever you do, stay away from Afrin nasal spray.

Den

[Slartybartfast]

I've always thought a dab of horseradish ought to clear one right up, but I hate the smell of the stuff.

Seriously, I use a thin layer of Vick's on my nostrils to help seal my nasal pillows, and that seems to do the trick for me. I read somewhere you're supposed to use something called nipple cream, but Vick's seems to do fine. Doc said saline nasal spray every night before putting on the mask is the ticket in his experience.

I got into it with him about whether hypotonic vs. hypertonic saline would be best. The commercially available nasal sprays are about 0.65% saline (hypotonic). Physiological saline is about 0.9%, and seawater is a whopping 3.3 to 3.5% (hypertonic) depending on where you swim. The Pacific is 3.3%, the Med is 3.5%. Living near the beach, I've always had no problem getting seawater in my schnoz, and it cleans it right out. Doc thought the hypotonic saline is best, however I like seawater, so we've agreed to disagree.

[Mimmie]

neti pot

[SleepyT]

Afrin -- 3 days only or you get dreadful rebound congestion...much worse than the original & takes months to heal!!!

Or, try this for 5 days of use:
Night 1: both nostrils 1 spray
Night 2: only 1 nostril gets 1 spray
Night 3: same nostril gets 1 spray
Night 4: other nostril gets 1 spray
Night 5: same nostril gets 1 spray

Yes, the instructions say 2 sprays but it works so well, like magic, it becomes nearly addictive 'cause we get so desperate to breathe. I use Ocean to irrigate every night, take generic claritin, and wear the Hybrid mask so I can mouth breathe if my nose blocks up completely. I spray Nasonex in the morning if I'm still congested. If the congestion just won't clear, I use the Grossan nasal irrigator.

I agree. If you are in a desperate situation and need to clear up the congestion fast...Afrin is the ticket...but to repeat...it is very addictive! I had to resort to Afrin last night...seems some sort of pollen is loose out there. I will go back to using my prescribed nasal steroid spray and Allegra as needed until this pollen is gone....

What the other posters said about neti pots and saline cleansing is also good..

[Jaylee]

I also neti pot every night during allergy season. Which is right now, for me.

[bilnap]

I believe I have sinusitis and/or some sort of head cold and my nose is so congested at night since I got this cold a few days ago that I can't even wear my mask (nasal mask only). What are some suggestions to help clear my nasal passages and keep them clear while wearing the mask? I'm currently on medication to hopefully get rid of this nasty cold, but in the mean time I want to be able to sleep with my mask on so I can at least TRY to get some decent sleep.

Here's my cpap machine:
https://www.cpap.com/cpap-machine/respi ... chine.html

One thing that works for me is the Netti Pot. Sold at Walgreen's and other Drug Stores. About 10 dollars. You use warm water, fill with one pack of salt, comes with the pot, and pour into nostril until it comes out the other side. A good sinus rinse helps keep the sinus clean, reduces colds and cleans up after mowing the lawn, dusting, vacuuming or just cleaning the allergens from you sinus.

[echo]

I too use the neti pot, but not right before bed, as it makes the congestion worse.

You might also try turning the humidifier up a notch to help hydrate your sinuses.

Get better soon!