Newbie checking in...

NNJHoser · Post by **NNJHoser** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 9:21 pm

Short-time lurker here, and only one month in on my new CPAP setup. My symptoms were mostly uncontrollable daytime yawning and mid-afternoon sleepiness, mild snoring. At the sleep study, I was diagnosed with a lot of hypopneas in REM and at the second "sleepover", got titrated at 14. Got my ResMed S8Escape with the HumidAire3i and ComfortGel Nasal Mask/Headgear (yes, And Chin Strap) on Nov. 7th.

The first night I had a bit of a panic attack about not being able to breathe and whipped the mask right off. A few minutes later, I talked myself out of that, and put the mask back on, because after all, I'd spent several hours at the titration wearing the same mask and I was still Here.

I found this forum via Google search on CPAP even before I got my setup, and I've read the FAQs and several posts. They're a lot of help, and some are even entertaining.

I've only missed one night using it (slept away from home unexpectedly) and I've adjusted pretty well, I think. I love actually having restful, productive sleep, and not yawning in everyone's face all day. Waking UP in the morning instead of being groggy is a welcome change, too. Especially as these days I start work at 7:30 AM!

Only one downside to this business so far -- beginning the morning of November 8th and every single day since, I have a runny nose like nobody's business, occasional violent sneezing, and intermittent stinging sensation inside my nose. I can't help but think it's something related to the CPAP or the humidifier. The last few days, I've been taking Zyrtec (which I've never needed for ANYthing before) and it helps somewhat, but I certainly don't want to live on it.

So, I'm experimenting with not using the humidifier to see if that changes anything. I also need to get some castile soap or something pure to wash my mask/hose with, as I think Dawn dishwashing liquid is too damned harsh. Getting a spare hose/mask couldn't hurt either, as it seems neither is really dry after hanging all day.

Anyone have similar experience with rhinitis? Or indeed, any other thoughts?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 9:34 pm

Hi and welcome! Sounds like you're off to a great start with this therapy! You're one of the lucky ones who feels a difference in your vitality right away... fantastic!

If you use the Search function located at the top of this page and for keyword enter: runny and nose
(yes, all 3 words)
you'll get a lot of links where this issue has been previously discussed.

Here's a good one! Click on this:

CPAP and allergies

NNJHoser · Post by **NNJHoser** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 9:55 pm

Thanks for the tip! Allergies aren't my issue, but "Runny And Nose" was right on target! Seems a lot of tissues are getting used in CPAP-world. Also, reading the posts reminded me that my HumidAire3i is supposed to be heating the water; I'm not sure it's turned up properly or is heating at all. Will have to check on that.

Anonymous wrote:If you use the Search function located at the top of this page and for keyword enter: runny and nose
(yes, all 3 words)
you'll get a lot of links where this issue has been previously discussed.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 10:02 pm

You're welcome. And you're right, LOTS of tissues!!!

dsg · Post by **dsg** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 10:43 pm

Hi NNJHoser! (Nice login name, by the way!).
This is a terrific place. I've been here less than a week and I already feel like I've been part of this gang for, well, two weeks!

I do hope this gets resolved for you, and i'd love to know what the solution is that works.

JimH · Post by **JimH** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 10:58 pm

NNJHoser,

Welcome to the board and the wonderful world of CPAP. I was born and raised in Northern NJ and now live a little further in NWNJ.

I had the same problem with the runny nose and sneezing. Turned out my humidifier was the only part not pre-set when arrived. it was set on the lowest setting. What should have clued me in was the fact that the water never "drained" from the tank. I would turn up the setting. your sneezing and having a runny nose is most likely your nasal passages swelling from the pressure of the air and getting all dried up. The increase in the humidifier worked wonders for me and the runny nose stopped.

Good luck!!

JimH