ugh! too much congestion....

ladytonya · Post by **ladytonya** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 8:37 am

I haven't been able to use my cpap since last Thursday because of congestion. I woke up Thursday morning with a sore throat and dry mouth. I thought I was just mouth breathing again, but through the course of the day I got worse. Sore throat turned in to post-nasal drip and quickly followed by full-fledged congested nose. Thursday night, I think I may have slept with my mask on for about 30 minutes. Friday through Sunday, there was no way. I tried putting it on diligently each and every night, but my nose was so congested that the air had nowhere to go and just blew the pillows out of my nares. Not to mention the fact that I couldn't breath through my nose anyway, so it wouldn't have mattered. I tried a full face mask from my sleep clinic and turned it back in a few weeks ago because I just could not get it to work for me. I REALLY want to try to Hybrid. I just got off the phone with my DME and they've never even heard of it. I sent her to the web site and gave her the manufacturers info and told her that it is the same company as NasalAire. I have my fingers crossed that she can get me one! I am months past being able to order a new mask and get it paid for by insurance, so I'm hoping and praying for her to find me a Hybrid and quick!

In the meantime, does anyone have any suggestions for dealing with the congestion? I am one that when I am congested, I am completely blocked like someone stuck a cork in my sinus cavity. I have tried irrigating, but the saline just runs back out my nostrils. I normally irrigate every night with saline and Rhinocort. I'm still working on free samples of Rhinocort from the sleep clinic, but I'm almost out. It's not touching my congestion so I don't want to pay for the prescription. Any other suggestions?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 9:03 am

Do you have a humidifier even used a passover they can help.

pc_5150 · Post by **pc_5150** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 9:07 am

Try a spritz of Afrin (generically - Oxymetazolene HCL). But take this from current on-going, personal experience...do not KEEP TAKING IT. Only a day or two then you must stop or it'll have its way with you.

It sounds like a visit to the doctor is in your near future. Get some antibiotics and/or steroids for a more permanent fix.

I've had no luck with the humidifiers on the machine. But others have seen good effects.

Bookbear · Post by **Bookbear** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 9:52 am

LadyT, Rhinocort is a steroid nasal spray. It does NOT relieve nasal congestion rapidly. It is meant to work over a period of 1 to 2 weeks, reducing swelling due to allergies. You must use it every day, at the same time. It is essentially a preventative medication, to be used in advance of exposure to allergens, not for ocassional use. It can be of real use in cpap therapy if you have on-going problems with allergies, but it will not help with congestion due to colds or flu if it is just taken for the few days you have the cold.

For colds, I used to use Neo-Synepherin Adult 1%. It worked within a minute or so, but only lasted for two hours. I switched to a generic of the ingredient in the previously mentioned Afrin (oxy-something), and that takes longer to clear (5 min. usually) but lasts usually through the night. As pc_5150 mentioned, do NOT use sprays such as Afrin for prolonged periods (i.e. every night), due to a nasty rebound effect that makes you even more congested. The steroid nasal sprays such as Rhinocort, Nasonex, Flonase, etc. are meant to be used on a daily basis.

Nasal irrigation (a neti pot or similar) may also help with congestion from whatever cause. It is sort of messy, and (for me at least) makes you feel as if you are drowning until you get used to it. I never could; but others swear by it.

One other thing. If you have high blood pressure, do NOT take the over-the-counter or Rx decongestants. They ALL raise blood pressure. Stick with the topical nasal sprays.

Hope this helps.

_________________

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Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 9:56 am

You can also try the Breathe Rite strips -- Walmart has the generic ones that are alot cheaper. Even with total congestion, the strips will open up the sinuses a little.

I found that if you put a strip of the "gentle paper tape" over your nose and then put the strip on over the tape, it works fine. That way you won't get adhesive burn on your nose as easily. Plus, you can usually reuse the breathe strip.

I just went and looked, and the generic name is ClearPassage.

jkeene · Post by **jkeene** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 10:09 am

For me, what works to clear congestion is to freeze it out. If I'm congested due to sinus irritation, then a very cold food pressed to the roof of my mouth over a period of fifteen minutes or so gives some relief. Ice cream, for one, work fine, although just pure ice can get most of the same effect for far fewer calories. After that, a quick cool water irrigation and then on with the Swift, and the flowing air takes over.

Recommended ice cream flavors for this procedure are Edy's Espresso Chip, and Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia.

roadwarrior · Post by **roadwarrior** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 10:28 am

I give a thumbs up to the BreatheRight strips. I ONLY use the clear ones as they don't rip up your sensitive skin. I also love Jkeene's idea. I'm heading out for some Ben and Jerry's or Haggen Daz Vanilla Bean right now. LOL

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 10:56 am

If you decide the neosynephrine or afrin is OK to use-don't stop the nasal steroid.As soon as the decongestant spray opens your nasal airways-use the nasal irrigation-let your nose drain /dry for a while-then use the steroid before you get plugged up again. I'm not familiar with the dosing on Rhinocort. See if you have the option of two sprays once a day or one spray twice a day. If you do have that option do the above routine twice a day. The steroid may reduce the rebound effect nasal decongestant sprays have. Drink lots of fluid to keep mucous "thin." See if you can fill one of your empty rhinocort sprayers with some of the irrigation saline and use that frequently during the day-again to keep the mucous "thin". If your drainage is clear/white/light greyish, low or no fever, mild headache; it will take a couple days to get decongested. If you have a fever, bad headache, or the drainage/mucous gets very yellow, green or blood streaked head into your doc. As pc 5150 (love that name) says you may need abx & oral steroid.

ldemmery · Post by **ldemmery** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 10:59 am

I've found in the past when I get congested, I change the position that I'm sleeping it (I'm a side sleeper and all I do is just flip to my other side) and it drains (even when I have a cold). Don't know if it will help, but try, couldn't hurt.

Lynne (in Ottawa)

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 11:04 am

That's why the Devil invented FF Masks, I knew I'd have to make friends with it, so I am bigger than it is, I won. Jim

ladytonya · Post by **ladytonya** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 11:20 am

I've been using the Rhinocort for about 2 weeks now. I did know that it was not supposed to be an instant relief medicine. I guess I should break down and buy more because I'm going to run out tomorrow night and before this cold kicked in it was keeping my sinuses dryer than usual. I was told to use two sprays once a day. I did not know that I was supposed to use it at the same time every day but I have been. I just irrigate with Simply Saline over the bathroom sink and then two sprays of Rhinocort in each nostril, wait at least 15 minutes and then blow my nose one good last time before strapping in for the night. Unfortunately, I've not been able to breath with the mask on even after all that for the last few nights.

Didn't think of trying the strips. I have some laying around somewhere that I'll have to slap on tonight. I always buy the clear ones, I think they're for sensitive skin. I kinda like keeping all my skin on my nose, thank you very much! anyway, thanks for all the great suggestions! I'll keep trying.....

ladytonya · Post by **ladytonya** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 7:27 am

Okay, I'm still at a quandry. I irrigated and used my Rhinocort as I do every night, then I used a squirt of Afrin in each nostril, slapped on a BreathRight strip and strapped in.

All that and still can't breath through my nose. Giganto waste of time. I am SO FRUSTRATED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I spoke with my DME office yesterday and asked about the Hybrid. Called back this morning to see if she had found out anything and she hadn't. They were all about checking to see if I needed any other supplies and I have now ordered a new hose and some filters, but now Hybrid.

On a side note, why on earch would you need to replace a hose every month? That's what my insurance will pay for. Seems odd, but why not! I've met my deductible for the year so it's no money out of my pocket!

I want a good night's sleep!

KansasRT · Post by **KansasRT** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 7:49 am

The reasoning behind replacing the hose every month is because it is difficult to clean. I always tell patients what their insurance will cover, and always follow that with my feeling that every month is a little excessive to replace tubing. The equipment is meant to last a lot longer, but some patients want to replace the equipment as their insurance will cover it.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 9:26 am

Have you tried raising your head into a slightly elevated position? When I get colds (before CPAP), I found that if I raised my head into a comfortable position (sometimes it was so bad I was practically sitting in bed - especially if I had the flu) using pillows and blankets behind my back, I could breath normally.

Lynne

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 2:03 pm

Use the Afrin first so the other stuff can get in. Afrin, then irrigate, "drip dry"/blow your nose, and then-Rhinocort.
By the way nasal steroids take about 10-14 days to reach full effectiveness-but only if they get far enough in to coat the nasal membranes-so it is important to use it when your nose is open. Sometimes after exercise/activity the nasal passages will be less stuffy-sometimes it is necessary to use a decongestant spray. If you have been using Afrin for more than several days you might want to try Pediatric neosynephrine-it is milder.

ugh! too much congestion....

ugh! too much congestion....

Freeze it out

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