Sinus Issues

[Askel]

I've been using my CPAP for about 2 years now give or take some months, and though I'm greatful for having solved the apnea and received ongoing treatment, I can't help but wonder if the treatment is part of my issue now that each and every night my nasal lining swells, making it difficult to use my mask.

Has anyone else gone through this, and if so, what did you find your root cause to be and how di you deal with it?

[Pugsy]

Don't know where you live but it is winter and typically the air is drier. Are you still using the humidifier in passover mode? If so maybe just adding a little moisture might help.

Normally we tell people that congestion can be caused by too much humidity or not enough humidity in the air going into our nose.
Since your profile shows passover mode, no heat, so no additional humidity?

Some of my most awful congestion issues came when I tried a lower number on the humidifier and another when I forgot to fill the humidifier. So I am one that needs more humidity to be comfortable.

Other issues might be seasonal allergies, dust, rebound from decongestant spray..

[napmaster]

Back in the late 1990's, I was in that same situation as you. It got so bad I quit using my cpap. Since then, I have gone to an allergist and tried a lot of different things. The problem was always the same: Feeling like my nose was plugging up on which ever side I slept on. But it was not fluid. It was swelling. I found out I was allergic to two things: dust mites and cock roaches. So, I took shots for nearly five years to cure that. It didn't change a thing. I also got a nasal steroid that didn't seem to work either. However, I have discovered that it takes time for the steroid to be effective. There was no magic pill or shot that helped me. Here's how I keep it under control:
I do a warm saline rinse (Neilmed Netipot and a buffer packet) any day I'm feeling the slightest congestion
I bathe at night so I go to bed clean (less dry skin and oils). This is so my bedding stays clean.
I use I heavy linen dust cover on my pillow.
I wash all my bedding (sheets, pillow case, pillow dust cover, mattress pad, etc. in hot water weekly
I dust my room and clean it weekly.
I use the nasal steroid every morning (it's like a generic for Flownase I think)
I use a lot of humidity with my bipap.
I haven't been back on the machine but three weeks. However, one of my concerns was the nasal swelling. So far, I'm managing much better than I expected to.
I hope this helps.

[Starlette]

I'll be anxious to read what kind of replies you get. I go through the same thing.

[Jersey Girl]

It's winter here in New Jersey and so the hot water baseboard heat is very dry. I turn up my humidity on my humidifier to almost 3. I also use Astepro Nasal spray about an hour before bed. This had a bit of antihistimine in it. Additionally I also have used AYR nasal rinse (it's just a saline rinse for the sinus). And, I take Zyzal (a prescription antihistimine similar to zyrtec for allergies but without the extra ingredients that zyrtec has).

Best regards,

Jersey Girl