Anyone using ResMed Swift LT with sinus congestion problems?

[marydye]

Just wondering if anyone that is prone to sinus congestion issues is using the Swift LT and feeling like they can't breath well with the CPAP therapy going? Also does the mask part push on the area between the nose and upper lip with feeling a burning sensation? And thirdly how about irritation on inside of nose and what to do about that.

[gasparama]

Finding the right mask is one of the most difficult parts of becoming accustomed to CPAP therapy. I can only tell you my own experiences. I am now using Swift FX after nearly 5 years of using nasal cushion types. The Swift made the nares sore for one day only and after that, there was no problem. It also seals well for me. You can try different sizes of pillows or other masks. As for the sinus congestion, that's been a problem for me since day 1. And I don't have a sure-fire fix for this. A lot of people will balk at this, but there are nights that I use Afrin. For me, occasionally using one spray, only at bedtime, does not cause the horrible side effects. But mostly, using a prescription cortisone spray is the most effective. That is accompanied by saline spray. I rarely use a Sudafed type medicine because it raises blood sugar. And nasal wash such as Neilmed didn't help me at all. You may have to experiment with all the options to find your own solution, Best luck to you.

[3dogstew]

When I started in 2010 I was on straight cpap/Swift LT and had alot of problems with sinus congestion and difficulty getting a breath on therapy. I did several things:
Immediately got an appointment with Dr and she decided I did not just have congestion but a sinus infection. I went on antibiotics(even though I don't like to take them) and it did help.
I also conviced my Dr to let me try an autopap machine, liked it better and I was able to breath easier.
I have had sinus problems for years and about 8 months ago found out I had a problem with wheat gluten and other grains. Stopped eating them and the congestion has pretty much gone away. I do still get sinus infections occasionally (from molds I think) and I end up on antibiotics.
I use Neilmed rinse and think it works well but you have to use it consistently.
If I have my mask too tight I have problems with pain and pressue at the base of my nose and upper lip. I find that I don't have to have it real tight and I don't have a problem with leaks. I have never used anything but a Swift LT and like it. (as much as you can like any mask!)

[locust78]

I use the Swift LT and have had sinus issues on and off for years. Most of my sinus issues were due to seasonal allergy, although some I feel were due to my not keeping my CPAP equipment as clean as I should have. I found that the pressure with CPAP actually helped my sinus issues. At times when I'd feel my sinuses closing up, that extra air pressure was just enough to get them open and help me breathe through the night. Sometimes the area between my nose and upper lip gets a little tender, but not so much since I adjusted my mask to be as loose as possible without getting leaks. I also did away with the over-the-head configuration for the Swift Lt and just let it flop. That seems to have helped somehow. Finally, regarding the irritation in your nose, are you using a humidifier? If not, dryness will do a number on your sinuses. Otherwise, maybe a very thin coat of petroleum jelly might give you a little relief.

[Pugsy]

And thirdly how about irritation on inside of nose and what to do about that.

Lansinoh ointment will help with the irritation.

There should be no burning sensation where the pillows touch the end of the nose... most of the time any discomfort is from having the top strap too tight. Nostril or end of nose tissue should NOT be displaced at all and if it is..that top strap is too tight. Nasal pillows rest gently against the nostrils....very gently. If you look in the mirror and the nostrils are pulled upwards giving you what we call piggy nose then you have things too tight.

Unsure what you meant by breathing issues...is it actual nasal congestion that happens with or without the use of the cpap or just a feeling of not enough air moving?
Trying the next size up in pillows may help if it is just a not enough air moving issue. Also if too tight the pillows can't inflate properly and that also makes it feel like not enough air moving.
If congested only with the use of the cpap and pillows...try playing with the humidifier settings. Some people need more humidity and some people need less humidity or they get congested.

[poppi2]

.... At times when I'd feel my sinuses closing up, that extra air pressure was just enough to get them open and help me breathe through the night. ...

I have suffered all my life with a stuffy nose and used a handkerchief a day. Since starting CPAP, the extra air pressure seems to have cured me. Not really, but it sure seems like it. On those nights when my nose is stuffy, it quickly goes away. Earl

[Breathe Jimbo]

I use this mask. When I am sick and cannot breathe through my nose, I put this baby on and within ten seconds I can breathe through my nose. Imagine, a device that is supposed to keep the airway open opens the airway! Will wonders ever cease?