After Three years---Major Setback

After three years of successful Cpap Therapy I have now developed a Major Setback. I have been using the Swift II nasal Pillows from the beginning with Great Success until recently. I have developed severe Nasal congestion which makes it difficult to breathe through the Nasal pillows. I have used Nasal Sprays in the Past with some success. I do well the majority of the night but Problems arise early in the morning when I get up for the morning Bathroom trip and when I put the Mask back on it is like I am smothering for a few minutes. Allergies are bad here now in my area ( east Texas ) but I am not sure if that is contributing to the problem or not ? I hate the thought of going to a Full Face Mask as I can't stand anything covering my Nose . I have tried the Heated Humidifer in the Pass Over mode and with the Humidifer on. I seem to do better with it in the Pass Over Mode but develop Nasal Bleeding in the Pass Over Mode when I blow my Nose in the Mornings. I must admit I have neglected cleaning the Mask as much as I should be cleaning it. I cleaned the Mask this morning and will see how it goes tonight. I have had Bronchitis in the past and Sinus Infections too. I Guess my Question is Has anyone else using the Nasal Pillows had the smothering sensation when putting the mask back on ? Also, If by Chance I do have to resort to a FF Mask and suggestions on which Mask I should try ? I know htis is a long Post but any Input will be Greatly appreciated. Thank You and Have a Good Day !

Danny.....

You didn't mention it....but, have you changed the (2) filters on the "M" series air intake?

Are you using the fine white filter under the coarse grey foam filter?

Be sure your white filter is changed approx once a month in fairly dusty conditions.

Gerald

Since you don't like your nose to be covered (neither do I), why not try the Hybrid or Liberty mask? It covers the mouth but has nasal pillows, so nothing goes over your nose.

Hybrid: https://www.cpap.com/productpage.php?PNum=2204&PAID=301

Liberty: https://www.cpap.com/productpage/mirage ... llows.html

HTH

I have had that happen a few times, when I wasn't sick but had congestion. Seems like taking the mask off to get up even briefly allowed the congestion to take hold. When putting the mask back on, it was like the air was hitting a brick wall. I use nasal pillows, and I would try to keep my mouth closed to force the issue, but periodically I would have to open my mouth and take a deep breath then try again. (By the way, I found out recently I can take my meds even with the air blowing freely up my nose.) Except for maybe once or twice I was able to persevere till the air opened things up and I could doze off. Those few times it was taking too long and seemed impossible I slept in the recliner in a nearly upright position. Have done a nasal rinse a few times.
Kathy

I am really sorry you don't like a full mask. I went for a full mask from the begining because I have so many allergies that close my nose. This therapy has been such a relief. I know it has only been one week but from the first day it was like my allegies and stuffy nose just disappeared. Right now I have a cold and I dialed the humidity temp way up like breathing steam and it decreased the cold symptoms at night. Too bad I can't wear it during the day.
I thought I would freak out the first night I wore it but I did my relaxation techniques and next thing I knew it was morning.

Danny,
All very good suggestions. Luckily, for me, the HH loosens any congestion I have/had.

If you think it's allergies, you can try the Equate brand Loratadine - $4 for 30 tablets at your fav Walmart. Take one tab before bed just to rule out an allergy problem. Cheap n Easy
Good to hear from you my friend.

Good Luck

If I'm at all congested, I put on my Headrest and open my mouth.
Seems to channel the air briefly so that it clears my nose.
Shari

I get congested too sometimes like that with my Swift LT. Here's what I do:

1. GENTLY, blow your nose, each nostril separately, into a tissue.
2. Then, do a reverse snort in your nose to draw any congestion back into your throat. You may want to do this over a sink.
3. HUM! That's right... hum through your nose. Like saying "ommmm" when meditating. It increases the nitrous oxide in the sinuses and allows them to clear much faster. (I'll see if I can find the medical journal link to post)

b][/b] Well, after three weeks from my original Post I am still having the same difficulty as originally stated ( Feeling of suffocation when re-applying the mask in the early AM ). I have tried different HH settings with no change. I am currently fighting a case of Bronchitis after having the Flu. I have been taking breathing treatments ( Abuterol ) to combat the Bronchitis and did the Nasal Irrigation a few nights which definetly helped in opening the nasal Passages. Guess I need to do the Nasal Irrigation nightly. I never expeirenced the suffication with the mask until I got the Bronchitis so i assume it is related. Currently I don't use the ramp but tonight I will try the ramp in the early AM after the Bathroom trip and see if It helps with the Problem. There has to be a remedy for this somewhere--Just have to find it. thank you all for bearing with me.