inflating ears?

scenestealer · Post by **scenestealer** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 12:37 am

Well, obviously not the ears themselves, more the Eustachian tubes...

Once I have the mask on, I can't seem to swallow without making my ears pop violently. At first, I would open my mouth, let the air escape, and clear my ears after that. Now I usually just leave them inflated for the night.

Is that normal? I kind of feel like I have a low grade ear infection during the day now.

Hoping maybe my ears get used to it, or maybe I'm doing something wrong?

samofny · Post by **samofny** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 5:00 pm

Isn't the C-Flex suppose to help with that? Maybe it needs to be set higher?

birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 5:25 pm

I find the opening of my Eustachian tubes to be a positive of treatment. As one who has experienced MANY, MANY ear infections and sinus infections

, opening them means draining them! I have had no problems with infections while on CPAP.

Maybe they will be trained to be open more from using xPAP, but then again it does make sense that any matter might be driven INTO the ear farther than normal. Not knowing your pressure, I cannot really guess if that is a factor or not. Mine was at 9 cm for over a year, and is now at 13 cm. I noticed a bit of difference at 13, but not enough to complain about to my doctor.

It is possible that you have some condition or a slight infection that is bothering you more than ever. BTW, does the liquid in your ears seem to shift if you bend over, or otherwise change position? Does your hearing seem affected at all? Maybe telling your doctor about this will entice a bit of information or some treatment about which we non-medical folks can only surmise.

I just wanted to share my take on the opening of my Eustachian tubes. It is my fervent hope that you will find a solution to this--fluid filled ears are no fun.

SisterShotgun · Post by **SisterShotgun** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 5:27 pm

I have been experiencing this problem as well and went to my doctor to complain..Found out I have a sinus infection and an ear infection..I am on meds now to treat it.

ColoradoDreamer · Post by **ColoradoDreamer** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 8:53 pm

I’ve experienced this problem from the start of treatment nearly a year ago. Not every night but at least once a week. Usually happens when I yawn or swallow. I have found a way to swallow to block the air from traveling up the olde tubes. Took practice. I find the pressure to be uncomfortable initially but not enough to interfere with my sleep. In all cases the problem is gone when I wake up in the morning.

You may want to get any swallowing or yawning done just prior to putting on the mask. Also, practice swallowing with the mask on.

Mask