Options for when I'm unable to use my machine

[Guest]

Hello, Everyone!

I'm new here today, so please be gentle with me while I learn the ropes! Before I ask my question, I just want to say I have scoured the board looking for my answer, but having no luck. It might be there, but there is so much information! Also, a big thank you to everyone who uses and supports this forum. Apnea feels so isolating, and it feels good to know I'm not alone.

So, I have moderate/severe apnea, and having been using a CPAP machine for just over a year. When the pressure it right, the mask doesn't slip, and I'm not wrapping the hose around my neck, it is wonderful! The best sleep ever! However, I suffer from chronic sinus problems which interfere with my CPAP use at least 10 days a month. My respirologist suggested a Somnodent, but it is not covered by my insurance company, and I don't have $2,000 to spare! My ENT has done turbinate coblation to open up the airways which did help, but I'm still not able to use my machine all the time.

I'm looking for suggestions for what I can use for the days when my machine is just not feasible. My ENT says it is ill-advised to use CPAP with sinus infections, so I suffer severely for those 10 days or so. Pain either way really, but it is worse using the machine with chronic infections.

I've looked into SnorX, Good Morning Snore Stop, Tongue Retaining Devices, MPowRx, and the list goes on, and on. They all seem like "pie in the sky" ideas, but I need something temporary to help for those few days because I really get knocked on my butt without my CPAP!

Does anyone here use an oral device to help when you're unable to use your machine because of illness, and what do you do for those days? Any and all help is really appreciated!

Thanks, Dee.

[JDS74]

Talk to to respiratory doctor and see if an oral mask for those days will be safe to use.
If you experience virtually total blockage of your nasal passages, the Oracle 2 mask bypasses all that.
Please read my detailed post linked below before you talk to your doc so you are up to speed on what you will be asking them.

They are available online for $80 so the cost of the experiment is not too high.

[nanwilson]

I currently have pneumonia.... still using my machine all night every night. My nose is stuffed up from allergies and my lungs from the pneumonia, I still would NOT SPEND ONE NIGHT without my cpap machine. If I can make it through, then you can too, just use a full face mask and you will be able to breath just fine. The two times I did not use my machine was when I had food poisoning.... those two nights I slept (rather badly) in my recliner as there was no way I could use a mask since I was throwing up frequently

[deecantsleep]

Talk to to respiratory doctor and see if an oral mask for those days will be safe to use.
If you experience virtually total blockage of your nasal passages, the Oracle 2 mask bypasses all that.
Please read my detailed post linked below before you talk to your doc so you are up to speed on what you will be asking them.

They are available online for $80 so the cost of the experiment is not too high.

Geez! What a genius idea! I never knew these even existed! I'm such a noob! Thank you so much for your advice! I will gladly experiment with an $80 mask! I was never keen on the oral appliances, so this is just awesome! I'm so glad I came here! It's exciting to know I might actually be able to use my machine every night! Yay! I wonder why my respirologist, ENT or RRT never thought to mention this? I've only been complaining for a year about it!

Thanks, again, JDS74! You are literally, my life-saver!

[bwexler]

nanwilson makes clear what I was going to say.
Find a mask that works for you, even on the worst days. There are oral, full face and whole face masks, offering hundreds of choices.

[deecantsleep]

I currently have pneumonia.... still using my machine all night every night. My nose is stuffed up from allergies and my lungs from the pneumonia, I still would NOT SPEND ONE NIGHT without my cpap machine. If I can make it through, then you can too, just use a full face mask and you will be able to breath just fine. The two times I did not use my machine was when I had food poisoning.... those two nights I slept (rather badly) in my recliner as there was no way I could use a mask since I was throwing up frequently

Thanks, nanwilson! I totally agree with using the machine as much as possible, but I actually suffer severe pain during those days, and I just can't do it. I even tried lowering my pressure (don't tell my RRT!), and even that didn't work. My masks are great, it's just the pressure of the air in my sinuses that is intolerable.

I'm sorry to hear you have pneumonia, but I'm glad you can still manage your machine. Nothing makes you feel worse than not getting a decent nights sleep. Take care! Dee.

[Goofproof]

I have used my XPAP every night since I started in 2005, I can't see any reason not to. I suffer from allegeries too, use OTC meds if I have too, and a Full face mask as I have had problems month breathing. Last month I went thru bronchitis, the worst two weeks, I've ever had, but still never missed a night.

Nite before last lost power, to XPAP & O2 compressor, got up until they replaced a transformer. I haven't found a reason to not use XPAP, if I do I'll adapt and still use my machine. One thing I'd never allow them to cut on me for something I can fix with pressurized air. Jim

[deecantsleep]

nanwilson makes clear what I was going to say.
Find a mask that works for you, even on the worst days. There are oral, full face and whole face masks, offering hundreds of choices.

You are all absolutely right! I does come down to the right mask, which I apparently haven't been using! I can't do the full face, or nose/mouth mask, so I'm excited about trying the mask suggested by JDS74. Actually, I'm ordering one right now! I never knew oral masks existed, which is probably what I need. I have always purchased my masks through my RRT, but I can see there is so much more variety online. Now my only question is, do they ship to Canada? I guess I'll find out! Thanks!

[NW]

Dee.
United States can't send Resmed or Respironics masks or machines to Canada.... but you can order those brands here in Canada. Its not a customs rule, just that of Resmed and Respironics.. stupid but true.
Nan

[JDS74]

The Oracle 2 mask is made by Fisher-Paykel.
I don't know about any restrictions on shipping to Canada.

[Janknitz]

Don't the oral masks require blockage of the nose with a clip? That could be very uncomfortable with a sinus infection.

Another option is a total face mask. The pressure is very gentle to your sinuses in that case as it's not so direct--and you can breathe through your mouth.

Also, have you experimented with the humidity in your mask? I haven't had sinus infections per se, but when I get a really congested cold, I find the warm, humid air very comforting and soothing, so I crank up the humidifier. I don't know if that would work with a sinus infection, however.

[zorki1c]

If my nose gets stuffed up using a Breath Rite strip in conjunction with my P10 usually solves the problem.

[old dude]

I currently have pneumonia.... still using my machine all night every night. My nose is stuffed up from allergies and my lungs from the pneumonia, I still would NOT SPEND ONE NIGHT without my cpap machine. If I can make it through, then you can too, just use a full face mask and you will be able to breath just fine. The two times I did not use my machine was when I had food poisoning.... those two nights I slept (rather badly) in my recliner as there was no way I could use a mask since I was throwing up frequently

I couldn't agree any more.

Due to bad turbinates, deviated septum, vasomotor rhinitis and allergies my nose stays stuffy close to 100% of the time. My right nostril is frequently completely blocked. I have not missed one single night of therapy since April 17th of 2013 though, and I don't intend to. To tell the truth, I often think the combination of pressure and humidity actual help my congestion, not further impair it.

Perhaps a little more experimenting with FFMs and or a total face mask would be helpful.

[JDS74]

My ENT says it is ill-advised to use CPAP with sinus infections, so I suffer severely for those 10 days or so. Pain either way really, but it is worse using the machine with chronic infections.

The OP indicates having medical advice not to use CPAP during one of these episodes.
Various FFM still put pressure on the sinuses and might be contraindicated by the medical advice.
My suggestion is to consult with a treating physician to see if the Oracle 2 mask can be safe to use at all, not to run off and just get one.

If it safe and if the nasal passages are completely blocked, then the use of the Oracle mask would be just for a day or two to get by this episode and then return to the regular mask that otherwise works well. No need, under those circumstances to worry about the nose clips, etc because they won't be needed.

This is not just a stuffy nose but a sinus infection that might be made worse by CPAP pressure so caution is appropriate.

[zoocrewphoto]

Don't the oral masks require blockage of the nose with a clip? That could be very uncomfortable with a sinus infection.

Another option is a total face mask. The pressure is very gentle to your sinuses in that case as it's not so direct--and you can breathe through your mouth.

Also, have you experimented with the humidity in your mask? I haven't had sinus infections per se, but when I get a really congested cold, I find the warm, humid air very comforting and soothing, so I crank up the humidifier. I don't know if that would work with a sinus infection, however.

You only need to block the nose if you breathe throught the nose. I can use it with no blockage and no air comes out my nose. I just don't breathe through my nose when I lay down.