Heated Humidification Makes Congestion Worse

[VerySleepy]

Has anyone else had the experience of humidification (heated or passover) actually making nasal congestion worse? This seems to be the case with me. I was on CPAP for quite a while before I was prescribed a heated humidifier. Even on the lowest setting, it seemed to increase my nasal congestion. Now it's in the closet.

I have always suffered from nasal congestion, but I have less nasal congestion at night on the (unhumidified) CPAP than during the day. I sleep in a very-well-air-conditioned room so I would guess the humidity in there is pretty low.

I'm probably what people would call "lucky", but I would like to know how common this is....especially after reading in so many places that humification is the only way to go.

Thanks
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): humidifier, CPAP

[Guest]

I don't use the heated part of the humidifier this time of the year and I'm in a pretty dry part of the country with low humidity. Yesterday it was 103F.

Too much moisture and your nasal turbinates will swell up to reduce the amount of incoming moisture. So yes, too much incoming moisture can make you feel congested.

[jwalling]

Hi,

I live in Seattle and I use my humidifier most of the year. I use the heater in the dry winter months. In the summer, I leave the heater turned off. Occasionally, if the room air is very warm and humid, I bypass the humidifier.

John


[quote="VerySleepy"]Has anyone else had the experience of humidification (heated or passover) actually making nasal congestion worse?

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Thanks