CPAP & sneezing

[larricka]

Just diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and have been using the machine for three weeks. I haven't had to take a nap since.... My profile is up to date and I list all my DME. My AHI is down to 2.9 from some high ugly number with zero leakage. A minor problem that existed after my second usage has now become severe. In the morning after removing the mask, I start to sneeze and my nose and eyes run for several hours. I have just started to use Sudafed to slow the flow but I need to find out what is going on. When I googled my problem on the net there were many CPAP user that experienced the same issue but no clear cut solution was identified so I join this forum looking for some answers. I have traveled to Florida and California over the past three weeks with my equipment and the symptom were the same. Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated.
Pressure is set for 10 to 17 cm H2O with a step of 5.0. My 90% is 11.3 after 22 days of usage...

[cflame1]

when was the last time that you changed your filters?

[gailandartie]

It is also possible to purchase "hypoallergenic filters" that have a fine layer inserted within the filter to trap more allergens.

Gail

[jweeks]

In the morning after removing the mask, I start to sneeze and my nose and eyes run for several hours. I have just started to use Sudafed to slow the flow but I need to find out what is going on.

Hi,

Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry to hear about this problem. I experienced just the opposite. I used to wake up stuffed up, and it took hours for my sinuses and nose to clear out each day. Since starting on CPAP, I wake up clear, and I never get stuffed up any more. I suspect that I was allergic to my pillows, and now that I am breathing filtered air, I am no longer having my face buried in allergy causing bedding all night long. Even if CPAP didn't help my sleep disorder, this alone would be enough for me to keep using the machine.

I wonder if your machine is picking up something that you are allergic to based on where the machine is sitting. Can you move the machine and make sure that it isn't in an area where there is dust? Are you sure that you have a filter installed? Are you using distilled water? I wonder if you are allergic to the plastic in the mask or hose?

-john-

[larricka]

I have had the machine for three weeks and changed the filter twice...

[larricka]

I was curious if using a Swift FX mask which blows air directly into my nasal cavity vs a mask that creates pressure outside the nose and does not flow directly in the nasal cavity...

[trytryagain]

I had similar sneezing symptoms when stating CPAP in September. I had never had allergies. The sneezing has diminished pretty much completely. I do use a saline spray and sometimes a neti pot to keep things clear. Good Luck.

[Ranita]

The only time I've had problems with sneezing is when my humidifier was too low, just a thought

[nanwilson]

Hi
You might want to switch to a non pillow mask. If I use my pillow mask for 5 or 6 days in a row I have the same problem......its not allergies, its the pillows blowing inside your nose. I just switch to my optilife with the cradle mask or if really severe sneezing I'll use my quatro. I'm going to have to switch tonight as I can feel my sinuses starting to get "that feeling" again.
I went for about a month sneezing, runny eyes and allergy pills did not work. I finally figured out it was the direct air blowing in my nose. Once I switch masks for about a week I can go back to my pillows for another week. If I were smart I would stick to the cradle or the quattro.......but I love the pillows...its my nose that doesn't .
Good luck
N

[OutaSync]

The OP said she started sneezing AFTER she took off her mask. Maybe she got used to the nice filtered air and the allergens bothered her when she stopped getting the filtered air, i.e., taking OFF the mask.

[LackingSleep]

It is also possible to purchase "hypoallergenic filters" that have a fine layer inserted within the filter to trap more allergens.

Gail

Gail,

Resmed has Hypo-Allergenic filters available for all the machines. Each has a layer of high efficiency electrostatically charged media. They are available on websites. The OEM numbers on these:

1 pack: 33919
3 pack: 33920
8 pack: 33921
50 pack: 33922

http://www.myresmed.com/Shared/StaticFi ... sh-anz.pdf (Shows the filters)

Google cpap filters and you will find them available through certain online stores.

Matt