Extremely congested
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Extremely congested
What do people think about trying to use the machine while very congested? I am currently not able to breathe at all through my nose. Should I still try to use my machine tonight or is it just going to leak all night because of mouth breathing? I do have some new pillows to change to after this cold, or whatever it is, is over. Can't take any decongestant meds because I have a VERY bad reaction to all I have tried.
_________________
| Mask: Swift™ FX For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
Re: Extremely congested
Hi Chrate,
Decongestants will keep you awake too so best to avoid them...which you do.
Most congestion problems seem to be related to humidity level. What setting are you using on humidifier? heated hose? Is your bedroom extremely dry? I've personally found that keeping the cpap environment as close to the home environment works best for me.
I use no heat and no heated hose.. Read some of the old threads on this to get a variety of opinions. Unfortunately it's a common problem.
Jamis
Decongestants will keep you awake too so best to avoid them...which you do.
Most congestion problems seem to be related to humidity level. What setting are you using on humidifier? heated hose? Is your bedroom extremely dry? I've personally found that keeping the cpap environment as close to the home environment works best for me.
I use no heat and no heated hose.. Read some of the old threads on this to get a variety of opinions. Unfortunately it's a common problem.
Jamis
Re: Extremely congested
A lot of people have a full face mask on hand for times when they simply can't get their nose opened up enough to breathe well enough to use a nasal only mask.
I myself have been lucky in that I haven't had a situation get so bad that I couldn't get the nose opened up at least enough to get started with the therapy and I have found that the added humidity really helps my congestion.
Some people do better with no added moisture but that's an individual preference. Think hot shower...does it help or make things worse?
If you don't have a full face mask on hand then it's probably too late to get one at this time.
You just do the best you can given the circumstances. Since oral decongestants are out..maybe a tiny bit of Afrin or similar nose spray. Just be careful with it as it's real easy to get dependent to it.
Also you might try lots of something like Simply Saline nasal spray. It's just plain saline water and it seems to help. Some people have good results with those neti pot rinses too. Anything to get the passages opened a little so that the can help keep the passages open.
I myself have been lucky in that I haven't had a situation get so bad that I couldn't get the nose opened up at least enough to get started with the therapy and I have found that the added humidity really helps my congestion.
Some people do better with no added moisture but that's an individual preference. Think hot shower...does it help or make things worse?
If you don't have a full face mask on hand then it's probably too late to get one at this time.
You just do the best you can given the circumstances. Since oral decongestants are out..maybe a tiny bit of Afrin or similar nose spray. Just be careful with it as it's real easy to get dependent to it.
Also you might try lots of something like Simply Saline nasal spray. It's just plain saline water and it seems to help. Some people have good results with those neti pot rinses too. Anything to get the passages opened a little so that the can help keep the passages open.
_________________
| Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier |
| Additional Comments: Mask Bleep Eclipse https://bleepsleep.com/the-eclipse/ |
I may have to RISE but I refuse to SHINE.
Re: Extremely congested
Thanks for the replies. I did use a neti pot and it helped a little. Hot shower did nothing. I am going to try using the pillows. If it doesn't work, at least I tried. Have a great night everyone!!
_________________
| Mask: Swift™ FX For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
Re: Extremely congested
Basically what Pugsy said. I still have rough nasal days - I had two nasal surgeries about 10 years ago. I find the humidifier on the CPAP helps out ALOT. But I also use Simply Saline nasal spray and those Netti Pots (I use the squirt bottle) version.
But NEVER USE NOSE SPRAY Like Afrin).....EVER
But NEVER USE NOSE SPRAY Like Afrin).....EVER
_________________
| Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: Auto Pressure: 12cm-22cm -- Sleep Study AHI 131 -- SleepyHead for Mac |
Last edited by Kenwood on Tue Oct 15, 2013 9:07 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Extremely congested
Hi,
I have no luck trying to use full face masks. When I have a cold, I simply plan to be miserable for a few days. I turn up the humidity pretty high, and then shoot for 3 to 5 hours of sleep. The machine will blow open my nasal passages within a few minutes, and then I'll do OK for a few hours until I get plugged up again. That will end up waking me up so I can blow my nose for an hour or two. Then back to bed to try to get a few more hours of sleep. I can get by this way, but I'm certainly not a happy camper when it happens.
-john-
I have no luck trying to use full face masks. When I have a cold, I simply plan to be miserable for a few days. I turn up the humidity pretty high, and then shoot for 3 to 5 hours of sleep. The machine will blow open my nasal passages within a few minutes, and then I'll do OK for a few hours until I get plugged up again. That will end up waking me up so I can blow my nose for an hour or two. Then back to bed to try to get a few more hours of sleep. I can get by this way, but I'm certainly not a happy camper when it happens.
-john-
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