CPAP and allergies

[madipy]

Every morning, after up for a while, my mouth and nose feels coated inside with a fine hairlike sensation. I will sneeze frequently as well. Yes, I have a cat. Can being on CPAP have affected me in such a way that I am now allergic to our cat of 10years?

[sleepycarol]

I seriously doubt if the cpap caused you to become allergic to your cat.

The cat probably did it. We kept cats for years and years. I love cats!! I also developed severe allergies to them and can not be in the same room with them without a serious flair up of sneezing, coughing, gagging, choking, watery eyes, etc. I developed the allergies over time and went to an allergist and he confirmed that I had a severe case of it.

[jules]

Since you started CPAP in the winter, I would suspect dust and mold from your furnace affecting you, not just a furball.

Change your CPAP filters often, get the furnace/heater ducts cleaned, and consider getting a good quality air cleaner for your bedroom. Also make sure all bedding is as clean as you can get it.

[xyz]

Like jules said, change you cpap filter often. Rinse off the foam filter weekly and wash it monthly. Change the cotton filter monthly.

Your sig line says that you have a heated humidifier. Do you use distilled water in it (recommended)? Use a vinegar rinse (50-50) in it monthly. Hose, too.

People who have allergies have to operate differenly than people who do not.

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

[admiralross]

I seriously doubt if the cpap caused you to become allergic to your cat.

The cat probably did it. We kept cats for years and years. I love cats!! I also developed severe allergies to them and can not be in the same room with them without a serious flair up of sneezing, coughing, gagging, choking, watery eyes, etc. I developed the allergies over time and went to an allergist and he confirmed that I had a severe case of it.

My wife became that way. Now we have dogs and they don't bother her one bit.

2 Mini pins, 1 micro black and tan and the other is a regular sized red male. He is only 9 wks old. So far no allergies.

What was so weird..... I can't explain it. I had a cat named Cinnamon. He made me sicker then HELL!!!!!!!! It got to the point that I had to use a eebulizer with liquid Albuterol. Other cats don't do that to me, only him. Someone told me that if they were and outside cat they get some kind of allergen on their paws. That's what could've made Cinnamon different. He was a stray that I got from a animal shelter. I had to move to Wilmington for a 1.5y job assignment and he went with my uncle.

[Goofproof]

It sounds like you are loosing your treatment out of your mouth, due to mouthbreathing, A FF Mask will probably help. Jim

[madipy]

I really appreciate all of your comments and suggestions. As far as cleaning house and bedding I do that anyway. I have been cleaning the hose, pillow and tank daily. I haven't changed the filter so will get that done. I have started using secaris also.
The cat is my husband's buddy. If it comes down to her or me.....

[roster]

........I have been cleaning the hose, pillow and tank daily...........

I suspect mouthbreathing. Some other suggestions:
- Check your humidifier water level at bedtime and again upon arising. If it is winter and you are using central heating, you should use 1/3 to 2/3 tank of water per night.
- Quit cleaning so much.

Many people, myself included, report greatly improved allergies after started cpap. With cpap you are getting filtered air and an improved humidity level (compared to room air heated by central forced air).

For these reasons, I suspect your problems are something besides the cat.

But since I hate cats, go ahead and throw out the cat for good measure.

[sgtbrown]

Yes, you might be mouth breathing and getting that "furry sensation". As for filters and allergies, I highly recommend these being added into the line from the machine to the humidifier. Made a heck of a difference for me.

http://tinyurl.com/2jrat4

I guess those who have machines where the CPAP is plugged directly into the humidifier are stuck, however.

Tom

[roster]

[quote="sgtbrown"]Yes, you might be mouth breathing and getting that "furry sensation". As for filters and allergies, I highly recommend these being added into the line from the machine to the humidifier. Made a heck of a difference for me.

http://tinyurl.com/2jrat4

I guess those who have machines where the CPAP is plugged directly into the humidifier are stuck, however.

Tom

[Guest]

Seems like a bad idea to me. Note the warning: "This filter may have an impact on the ability of any Auto Adjusting CPAP to accurately respond to airflow restrictions during use."

Even with straight cpap you might get a drop in pressure across the filter that leaves you below the prescribed pressure. But if you feel good, why not do it!

Yes, that could be an issue. It has not been so with me as the air flows freely through the filter. But my filter is installed before the humidifier. The same filter mounted after the humidifier - and getting soaked as the night goes on - could be a whole different kettle of fish. The use of a bacteria filter is best taken up with your sleep MD or his respiratory therapist as a higher setting might be needed.

Tom