A bit of a setback

[hamonrye]

I started using my CPAP last Friday and Wednesday started noticing my right ear a dull pain. Went to the Dr. Thursday and had water behind the eardrum and the auditory tube was swollen. Next level was an infection. So no CPAP since per Dr. My big issue is no one not my Dr. or Sleep Dr. can tell me if it's the CPAP all they can say is it might be. I am out $1200.00 and I'm not sure if I will be able to use it now because of this issue. My sleep DR. says he's never heard of this happening. Has anyone here ever heard of this happening? Thanks all!

[nanwilson]

If your sleep doc has never heard of this happening then I don't think it is cpap related. It may have just been a coincidence that it happened as you are into the machine for a week...give it a chance. Relax, once your ear is cleared up, go back to your machine, if it happens again, you need to see an ear specialist not a sleep doctor.

[jweeks]

Hi,

This is a real bummer. What is fascinating is that the first problem that you ran into happens to be one of the few problems that I haven't run into since starting CPAP. In my first 4 years, I ran at a pretty high pressure. I would feel my ears popping just a bit to equalize the pressure after I would start my machine, so I know that at least some air was blowing up into my ears. I can see the possibility of water getting in there.

Are you running with a humidifier? If so, what setting is it on? I doubt that is the source of the water, not unless you have it set pretty high and water is condensing in the tube and running down into your mouth. If that is the case, when you start again, keep the machine lower than your bed, and turn down the humidifier a bit. A hose cover would help, but a heated hose would be great to have.

-john-

[Sheriff Buford]

Better yet, try to get used to cpap therapy WITHOUT the humidifier. I doubt if the cpap machine or humidifier is the culprit. Once you start again, and you get used to therapy, you may want to try the humidifier again... only if you feel you need it.

Sheriff

[JDS74]

if you switch to the Oracle 2 oral mask you will bypass all of the ear issues since there will be no air pressure that can get to your sinuses or eustachian tubes.

See my other posts on how to get used to and be successful with the Oracle mask.

With the Oracle, lots of humidification is required since the nasal passages which are the body's means of dealing with dry are will not be used.

If you decide to go this route, I'll be glad to provide any help or guidance to make the transition successful.

Hope things are getting better.

[hamonrye]

I stopped using the cpap on Thursday, the day the doctor suggested stopping for a few days until it clears up. My pressure is set to 8 which seems rather low. I started back on Monday and my right ear is still bothering me. How well would the Oracle mask seal with goatee? That would be my main concern. I also changed my humidifier from 2.5 to 3 to see if that would help. No luck. Since going back to the unit I feel really bad, very tired. Nothing like the first week I used it. I see my sleep doctor on the 12th so maybe he can help. And one other thing I seem to have acid reflux like crazy now. never did before. I really had hopes on this but now I'm at a loss.