Sinus issues with nasal pillows.

[craftyncrazy]

I've been constantly struggling with my nasal pillows and feeling like I can't breathe. Most nights I've only felt like I was getting air in through one nostril so I have upped my pressure thinking that it might help compensate for only 1/2 of my nose working. I am not sure if this worked or if I am totally looney thinking it would.

I've been using sinex spray every night multiple times a night, plus taking Sudafed (the good stuff you have to get from the pharmacist so that you dont make Meth with it). But I really dislike having to use nasal spray and I dont want to have to take sudafed every day for the rest of my life. The sinus issues pre-dated the cpap, but my mouthbreathing compensated.

But I am really afraid that one of these days both nostrils will be far too clogged for even nasal spray to help with.

So I just sent an email to my DME's Repiratory Therapist to see if I could try out a hybrid mask to give me the option of breathing thru my mouth or my nose.

Do you all think this is a good idea??

[Lizistired]

You might try a neti pot saline rinse. I had the same problem last night. It seems stupid to think you can't go to sleep because your nose is stuffed up!
I took sudafed but didn't sleep well, kept waking up all night. I went and picked up some more today. They want to make it prescription here so I'm going to stockpile. Ya gotta love the way they look at you!
If you try the neti pot, do it in the evening, at least an hour before you go to bed. I think it's best to do it a couple times during the day if you are having trouble. And drink water!
I don't think turning up your pressure will do any good, but having a stand by full face might work. I haven't used one since I failed on it during my titration.

[xenablue]

Not sure what size pillows you're using - but I have very small nares/nostrils and use XS or S when all is well with air quality. As soon as my allergies start and my nostrils swell, the XS and S just feel like there's no air getting through, so I use Medium pillows on both my LT and FX. This stops me getting that suffocating feeling.
The M pillows take a little more adjusting, but they keep my airways wide open and sleeping with CPAP is way more comfortable.

Cheers,
xena

[double bogey]

I have sinus issues also, and I use the medium and large pillows. I began with a nose and mouth mask, but it was a lot of trouble to keep sealed, must be close shaved, can't wear nasal mask due to mustache, so ended up with nasal pillows. I have woken up many times earlier than I wanted due to stopped up nose. Seems to be during allergy seasons (spring and fall) that it is the worst. Need to get back on a good allergy program so this problem will mostly go away.

[Gaga58]

I'm battling the headcold/allergy symptons right now too. Started on my claritinD but it wasn't drying my nose up, so decided today to start on the alka seltzer cold plus...so far the nose has stopped running and I'm unclogged. I used my neti as soon as I got home from work and will probably do so again before bedtime...guess we'll see how the night goes! I have a full face mask I've never used and am really hoping I don't have too. Not sure I could stand that for very long!

[pickuptruck]

If you have the correct size nasal pillows, sometimes adjusting the humidifier up or down can help the sinuses.