ears stopped up from using CPAP Machine

seriousgal · Post by **seriousgal** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 10:12 pm

My ears have been stopped up like when your on an Airplane. It started 2 weeks ago when I started using a CPAP Machine. My setting starts at 4 for the first thirty min., then 8 for the rest of the night. I've read online that this has been a problem for some users. I'm waiting on a call back from the Sleep Center where I had my test preformed and aquired my machine.
I should talk to her tomorrow.

I was so happy to get my machine because I have been feeling awful for a couple of years. I didn't know I had sleep apnea until I spent the night with my cousin. She noticed my problem and encouraged me to tell my doctor.

I have been doing pretty good on the machine, but the ear thing has been annoying. I'm a bit discouraged because I was sure this was going to solve my problem of being so tired. I was excited to get my life back. The ear thing though is the only problem I'm experiencing so far. Other, than that, I can't wait to use my machine every night hoping the more I use it the faster I will get my life back.

Country4ever · Post by **Country4ever** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 7:02 am

Hi seriousgal,
Why don't you post the equipment you're using, so we know. I had the opposite problem. My eustachian tubes kept stopping up until I started using CPAP. What kind of mask are you using? I know my swift nasal pillow seems to irritate my sinuses, and really dries them out.
I'm thinking you may have had some sinus/ear problems brewing before starting the CPAP. Let us know what kind of mask you use, and we'll talk more.

Insomniyak · Post by **Insomniyak** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 8:29 am

I get the exact same thing happening to me. It usually evens out during the night and I did mention to the sleep center. They said that is normal and you will get used to it or it will subside. All that pressure has to go somewhere so some goes up the estuchian tube and creates the negative pressure.

seriousgal · Post by **seriousgal** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 1:17 pm

The machine I'm using is by Respironics, REMmaster M series. The mask is by Respironics, The ComfortGel size S.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 1:35 pm

That seems to go with the territory, sometimes it gets better, it also sometimes brings on balance problems. Small prices to pay for a good nights sleep. Jim

Insomniyak · Post by **Insomniyak** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 1:44 pm

I forgot to mention that by the morning, my ears are not blocked, which can be good or bad depending on if you want to hear the alarm go off.

mynameisangel · Post by **mynameisangel** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 6:46 pm

I've been on CPAP for about three months and my ears started bothering me as well. It seems to have cleared about but it seems that there is definetly something about CPAP that your body has to adjust to. I went to the doctor and he flushed my ears with warm water and 1/10 hydrogen peroxide which you can do yourself. I also used "Garlic Mullen Oil" drops which you can buy in any whole foods or health food stores. The drops are a natural way of helping your ears to restore their balance and chemistry

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