Another newbie with problems

I have moderate to severe apnea. I also have periodic limb movement - hasn't been decided whether the cause is the apnea or something else. First 2 weeks with mask were great. I had forgotten how wonderful it is to sleep. Since then, I only sleep 2 hrs at a time. I have tried 3 different masks - all respironics. The one I like the best is a gel one just over nose. After much thought, I think I am allergic to the masks. Is this possible? And What do I do about it?

My symptoms are severe congestion during the night. During the day my eyes burn and itch. And I have humongous puffy circles under them when I arise. I have face pain - sinus - above eyes, cheekbones, even my left ear hurts (thats the side I sleep on).

It should be noted that I suffer from year round allergies but have never experienced anything like this in years. I have always been sensitive to chemicals.

thanks for all the advise I will receive

Using the humidifier and using it on a higher setting, along with using saline nasal spray can help with the congestion. The higher you set the humidifier, the more likely you will experience problems with rainout (water/moisture in the hose) so be aware of that. You can combat rainout by setting your cpap machine itself where it is lower than your head so that moisture can't climb the hose and will fall back into the humidifier. Also, you can buy a hose insulator/hose wrap or make one yourself by wrapping your hose in cloth or bubble wrap or something like that. Saline nasal spray can be purchased at a Dollar Store very cheaply or you can make your own using half teaspoon of salt and about a cup of warm water. Use a nose dropper to get it into your nose. Finally, you can lower the temperature in your room. I just went through the congestion thing and it made life miserable but I survived using the aforementioned tactics. (Oh yeah, it really, really helps if you are using a full face mask, too.)

You need to fill out a profile so the equipment you use is listed.
Do the allergies you suffer include plastics, metal, or other products that may be present in a CPAP machine, hose or mask?
Do you use fine filters in the air intake?
Have you consulted your doctor. The symptoms you describe are acute and should be brought to the attention of a professional. They are not in any way typical of an average CPAP/APAP user.

What changed after the first two week?
Something in the equipment?
Something in the settings?
Something in you environment -e.g. started heating?

Both posts above mentioned important things, I'd like to add another one or two:

Although rare, some people do suffer from pressured cpap air leaking through their nasal cavity through the tear ducts, and into their eyes. This is something you should discuss ASAP with a optician -- your eyes need a humid environment, and having them dried out by air bad for them. Their are tear duct plugs that may help you, if that's the source of your problem.

It is possible you're allergic to the mask - soak every new mask in soapy water for about 30-60 mins, (this is a suggestion from Respironics reps in a chat. I had carpet burn on my face with my first mask -- but never since soaking. Washing is not enough.

Since you're allergic year round, I suggest you maintain a more conscientious humidifier cleaning regime than most of us do. Some of us do fine with just topping off with distilled water. Those with allergic tendencies will do better if they follow the manufacturer's instructions.

O.

Hi, two things... using a high humidifier setting is as likely to cause congestion as relieve it, so do keep that in mind, and secondly you may well have reached a place or time duration in your tolerance of the allergic trigger (silicone, latex, etc.) where it just became a problem. Allergies can be very weird, and if you're not allergic to something one day, you could be the next, and vice versa.