Allergies and CPAP Therapy

[OceanGoingGal]

At first I thought it was my imgination that my allergies have dissappeared. I used to have allergy/sinus problems in the spring and into the summer. When I moved to Florida they got worse than ever they were in NH. In the summer of 2008 I had my sleep study and started therapy. I had the problems on a lesser scale after beginning therapy. The last two allergy seasons I have not had any symptoms. Am I alone in getting this wonderful side benefit? What a welcome relief this has been.

Laura

[Patrick A]

I think so I'm still allergic to "National City" (pun intended).
To this day there is an area that when I drive thru it on the freeway aka interstate highway, that I start sneezing. I don't stop until I get about three miles up the road. Go Figure.

[Jaylee]

My allergies have not disappeared, sadly. They are always here in full force.

[sleepycarol]

I have severe year round allergies. I do believe they aren't as bad (especially the dust mite allergy) due to the filters. I take allergy meds daily. If I miss a dose I can tell by mid day as they spiral out of control rapidly. On other allergens it hasn't made a difference.

[Muse-Inc]

No change for me re respiratory allergies or congestion but I haven't had a sinus infection since I started CPAP therapy Aug 20, '07...that's been both astonishing and an incredible benefit!

[BlackSpinner]

My allergies have definitely decreased. What also made a difference was using the hybrid rather then the quatro. I really didn't believe my ENT when he said to use a nasal mask but it has made a difference. I can't use a stand alone one because the mouth would never stay closed but the hybrid works for me. If I am really congested I use the quatro.

[Rustyolddude]

Noticed an improvement as well, haven't had any allergy issues for the past year while my wife has. What's really nice is if I'm stuffy, a few minutes after masking up, my sinuses open up. Haven't had to take the allergy meds, other than Nasonex when I remember. I used to take Claritin and a Rx decongestant 365 days/year. So yes, CPAP has improved my respiratory health in general.

[AuntieNae]

Do they make a good allergy filter for CPAP machines?

[OceanGoingGal]

Do they make a good allergy filter for CPAP machines?

I have not used anything but the standard filters that came with my machine. A thin white filter that goes in first then a sponge filter that sits in front of the white one. I wash the sponge one every week. I have to order the white ones from my DME.

Laura

[profoundapena]

Yes, I have noticed this. On the Doctors, I saw how your sinuses get blocked by inflammation and it causes congestion. I have had chronic sinus problems, which seem to have gone away. I think the pressure forces them open and clears them out.

[BlackSpinner]

The last few days here have been horrid -very hot humid and smoggy - cpap has definitively made a difference - as soon as I put it on my asthma settles down and for a few hours in the morning I am ok as long as I stay in doors. Almost makes me want to wear it during the day LOL

[AuntieNae .. it's me]

I unfortunately am very allergic to my 2 dogs who sleep in the same room as me. I would very much like to find a good filter for my CPAP so we can continue to do this .. versus the allergist recommendation to get rid of my girls!

[ozij]

AuntieNae google "Resmed Hypoallergenic s8" without the quote marks, and choose who you want to order from.

[ozij]

My allergies have definitely decreased. What also made a difference was using the hybrid rather then the quatro. I really didn't believe my ENT when he said to use a nasal mask but it has made a difference. I can't use a stand alone one because the mouth would never stay closed but the hybrid works for me. If I am really congested I use the quatro.

BlackSpinner, could you amplify on that please? I'm very curious to hear what the ENT said -- and his reasons.

[GumbyCT]

I never knew I had an allergy to dust until starting cpap. I quit smoking cigarettes shortly after starting cpap and think the smoking may have masked the dust allergy? Could my body just adapted to breathing the smoke impurities thru the years?

Now I have to take a Claritin daily or my nose just runs wildly. Also when I feel a wave of fatigue come over I put on the mask for 15-20min and it goes away. I think it is related to breathing cleaner air with the impurities filtered out.

Gumby also has a theory that before cpap many of us have forgotten how to breath thru our nose. When beginning cpap therapy we have to re-learn that breathing thru the nose is preferred.

JMMO - Just My Meaningless Opinion.