cpap & tear duct tubes

Sally · Post by **Sally** » Mon May 02, 2005 8:42 pm

I have tubes in tear ducts, problem with air blowing into eyes

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Tue May 03, 2005 12:34 am

Sally, you might want to explore the possibility of a dental device (like the TAP II) and the Pillars procedure instead of cpap.

Check out the Dental Sleep medicine on the talkaboutsleep.com message board, as well as doing a search on the snoring and apnea board there, for the keywords TAP and Pillar.

Maskedmechanic · Post by **Maskedmechanic** » Tue May 03, 2005 3:51 am

When using CPAP, the pressure inside your tear ducts is higher than outside your head and air flows thru into your eyes. The only solution I know that works is a mask that applies CPAP to the outside of your eyes as well as your airway. I have seen this used with success in cases like yours. Here is a mask link https://www.cpap.com/productpage/539

WillSucceed · Post by **WillSucceed** » Tue May 03, 2005 7:18 am

Maskedmechanic is right; our tear ducts are connected to our nasal/throat system. This is why when you cry your nose gets all runny. It is entirely possible that you are getting air coming out your eyes with CPAP. The Respironics "TOTAL" mask is the only one that I know of that could help with this.

I tried the Total while at the medical supplier place and found it to be a bit strange, but suspect that one could get used to it if one needed to. You can't roll around with it on.

There are some fairly thick ocular lubricants that you can get; talk with your Dr. and/or Pharmacist.

Good luck!