Newbie CPAP w/Oxygen having severe cold symptoms

[matheson]

I started CPAP about 2 months ago - everything going pretty well until added 2 liters of oxygen just at night about 4 weeks ago. I wake up every morning with a severe cold/sinus problem. I have tried the nasal spray, saline solutions and every over the counter cold/allergy medicine - with NO resolution. I have a heated humidifier which I have tried lowering and elevating the temperature. I have the sinus headache daily with the nasal inflammation. Does anyone have any other suggestions before I throw this apparatice out in the yard?

Thanks much,

Stuffy, Runny and Grouchy

[harry33]

sounds like a reaction to the oxygen, you may get used to it
a nettipot or other things can be used to wash out the nostrils and sinuses, google sinus irrigation and read up, look at whats for sale there

[KimberlyM]

I was actually going to post on this same subject, except I don't have the oxygen aspect. I have been using the CPAP for about 2 weeks and wake up with sinus headache pressure and pain. I have tried saline spray, Ayrs and Claritin D, plus nasal sprays prescribed by my doctor. Since you have been using yours for 2 months with no problem, then it does seem like it would be the oxygen. What mask do you use? If you have more than one mask, maybe try a different one and see if the air delivery is less irritating. It seems like the nasal pillows might dry you out more than the nasal mask or FF masks. Just a thought.

[matheson]

I changed my nasal pillows mask to a Mirage Liberty w/nasal pillows mask and my cold symptoms are completely gone!!!! Thanks to the member (KimberlyM) that suggested a different mask. I guess the pressure was too great on me just wearing a nasal pillows mask.