One plugged nostril!

Here I am again, with clogged sinuses and my tight nostril plugged up. I end up gasping for air with the mask on. What do you recommend for clearing that nostril? The saline nose spray doesn't do the job. I can use Afrin nose spray, but only occasionally because overuse narrows your nasal passages badly. What to do?

Have you tried the " AYR" Nasal Spray yet? You can buy it over the counter at your local Walgreens and maybe other stores! Hope you can get some rest tonight. I suffer with a deviated septum on one side and it is always stuffed up, never can I get much air so I know the feeling, it's really a trip when the other side gets stuffy... Goodluck

This may be way too basic: I was taught to inhale thru the mask then exhale thru my mouth; Do this slowly, three times, and the nostrils should be cleared. This, of course, is dependant upon a little or no leakage around the mask/pillows.

JohnSpayde, do you have a humidifier w/your CPAP? What setting do you have it set on? Have you tried adjusting the setting up or down as needed? Those settings are not cast in stone and there are times it has to be adjusted up or down according to how dry the air in the house is.

IF you don't have a heated humidifier for your xPAP that should definitely be your first priority. Contact your sleep doctor, or even your family doctor, if necessary and have one of them write an order for your DME to supply you w/a heated humidifier for your xPAP.

Why not register and fill out your Profile (click on Profile at the top of the page) and tell us what xPAP, humifidier, mask, etc. that you have. That will save your having to remind us each time what equipment you have.

That being said: I have a slightly deviated septum. Not bad enough that I would consider corrective surgery for it but enough it can cause problems at times. It is my right side that will plug up as well.

1] Often, rolling to the other side will let it drain.
2] Most often just donning my mask, turning my CPAP on w/the humidifier set at a comfortable level (not too warm, not to cold) and toughing thru the first few breaths clears that sinus. As RHBuddha said, exhaling thru your mouth a few times to get thru this helps.
3] Blowing your nose as clear as possible, then spraying w/a saline solultion shortly before going to bed often helps.
3] Astelin (a script nasal spray) seems to work best for me when the saline solution isn't cutting the mustard.
5] Many people have good success w/the NetiPot. I haven't had to resort to that yet. Your pharmacist will know what a NetiPot is and either sells them or can get one for you.

have you been checked for a deviated septum?
i had mine repaired in april and haven't had to take a singe allergy med since, after daily use since 11 yrs. old
something to think about, since you mention that it's worse on one side

Thanks everybody for very good suggestions. I have the humidifier, and the setting is pretty high--I'm due in for a check with the tech. I don't think I have a deviated septum, but it's worth finding out. A friend who is a CPAPer has had good luck with the neti pot, and I'm glad to have that validated. And to think I though the CPAP would be a quick fix!

jonspayde wrote:Thanks everybody for very good suggestions. I have the humidifier, and the setting is pretty high--I'm due in for a check with the tech. I don't think I have a deviated septum, but it's worth finding out. A friend who is a CPAPer has had good luck with the neti pot, and I'm glad to have that validated. And to think I though the CPAP would be a quick fix!

That can often exacerbate nasal congestion. (as suggested in Slinky's post)
I have mine turned off completely.....just cool pass-over.

Den

That can often exacerbate nasal congestion. (as suggested in Slinky's post)
I have mine turned off completely.....just cool pass-over.

same here
and btw, i use the NeilMed sinus rinse kit, too