Septoplasty/Turbine Reduction & CPAP Mask

[fsmitty]

Well, I have a Septoplasty/Turbine Reduction scheduled for Dec 3rd. The problem that I am currently having is with nasal congestion that is making it very difficult to use the Mirage Liberty. Last night, it felt like I could not breath which caused me to remove the mask after 30 minutes.

The ENT has allowed me to have a 23 hour stay in the hospital. They did say for me to bring the CPAP machine to the hospital. How am I going to use the CPAP when my nose is going to be packed? Should I contact my sleep doctor and request going back to a full face mask? I really hate the thought of going back to a full face as I had a horrible experience with the Quattro. The doctor does have a fisher paykel foam type mask which might work.

When you have this type of surgery are you able to use nasal plugs say a week after surgery or will it be a problem? Currently, I have been unable to use the CPAP for the last 4 days due to severe nasal congestion. Even flushing my sinuses and using chemical sprays has not helped. The ENT said that my turbines are enlarged.

My AHI is only 5.85 which surprised the ENT. Maybe my sleep apnea is caused by my nasal congestion.

[pstars]

I had it done on 9-3-09.

No air would go through my nose for 7 days. Nasal mask was useless and I only had splints, no packing. I didn't have a face mask and tried wearing my nose mask on my mouth with cotton balls in my nose to stop air leaks. It sucked but didn't want to spend $150 for a full face mask that I would use for only a week. The nose is VERY sensitive for the 1st week or two so plugging it up is tough. I would soak cotton ball pieces or tissue and try to seal up my nose. I slept 1-2 hours a day for the 1st week but may have done better with a full face mask so I reccomend it if you can get one.