xpap usage during sinus infections

bsil · Post by **bsil** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 9:45 pm

Hi All-
My DME provider told me that one should not use the xpap machines during sinus infections b/c the infection could be pushed up higher in the sinuses and become more difficult to treat.

Also, the user manual of the Respironics Bipap auto also cites,"The use of positive airway pressure therapy may be temporarily containdicated if you exhibit signs of a sinus or middle ear infection".

My ENT just told me to switch to a face mask if I cant breathe thru my nose.
Any other thoughts out there?
Barb

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 10:32 pm

My ENT, Primary Care Doc & Sleep Doc were all in agreement on this question-it depended on whether or not CPAP made my sinuses worse. I have had years of allergy & sinus problems and was starting a sinus infection the night of my titration. I started CPAP got antibiotics and probably a "lucky" thing-oral steroid for poison oak near my eyes. Did nasal irrigations twice a day. Took my usual allergy meds. Adding the heated humidity and filtered air of the CPAP got me over the infection and within 4-5 weeks my sinus & allergy problems were under excellent control. So there isn't a set rule.
Drinks lots, keep the humidifier on, nasal irrigations, treat allergies, and if a sinus infection seems worse on CPAP-see your doctor.

woozle · Post by **woozle** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 10:57 pm

I have not had great luck so far!! I started with the breeze and LOVED it, was clocking in 8-9 hrs per night and waking up not even feeling the mask on - then major sinus problems, had 2 rounds of antibiotics and prednisone _ no one told me not to use the cpap!! Anyway, I bought my own umffm as thought that may help a little - and it has - but still have sinus problems - so had ct scan and htey found a 'lobulated retention cyst' in my right max sinus - so seeing ent dr tomorrow - should have a lot more info then - they cyst as mentioned, after research is apparently somewhat common - so who knows -
I don't know if I woul dhave stopped using the cpap anyway, as I have osa severely and was not getting ANY rem prior to and oxystat levels were in the 70's so it is 'darned if I do and darned if I don't"
am anxious to see the ent doc tommorrow and am going to ask him many questions and will keep ya posted on sinuses and cpap and what/when to avoid!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jun 28, 2006 8:49 am

Thanks for the feedback.
Krousseau-sounds like we share the same allergy/sinus history. I recently bought a sinus rinse kit. THanks for the other tips...I could definitely increase my liquid intake. I do not currently have a sinus infection, but I'm planning ahead. Whenever I get a cold, it always turns into a sinus infection or bronchitis.
woozle- sorry to hear about the retention cyst. Were you having headaches or face pain? What were your symptoms?
I am anxious to hear what your ent thought!
In 1997, I had sinus surgery b/c I couldn't get rid of the infections. they just kept coming right back. THe surgery did help that issue, however, 9 years later, I'm still here struggling with bad sinuses and infections 2-3 times per year. I wish the surgeon had given me sinuses the size of soup bowls! LOL! But maybe that would have helped. Please keep in touch.
Barb

bsil · Post by **bsil** » Wed Jun 28, 2006 8:51 am

Sorry all...that last post was from me. I forgot to sign in.
Barb

woozle · Post by **woozle** » Wed Jun 28, 2006 5:05 pm

Went to ENT today!!! Good news, nothing majorly wrong - he indicated that based on my nose and the way it is structured w/ sinuses and deviated septum (played bball alot) due to broken nose from sports - that my nose just can't take the nasal pillows or nasal masks due to the air doesn't go thru it very well. That is why I had major sinus pain since cpap - he indicated I never had a sinus infection and all my sinuses were clear - It has all gotten alot better since I obtained the umffm - but he said I still have some irritation due to breathing thru my nose sometimes with the face mask - so am getting the oracle (will make it work!)

Guess it wasn't all in my head (or isn't ?
anyway, I don't need surgery at all and am glad for that - but sad that the nasal pillows were great with fewer leaks - oh well!!!
so if onset of sinus after cpap'ing, may want to fup w/ ent instead of going straight for antibiotics, as noted I had 2 courses of it that I didn't need!

woozle · Post by **woozle** » Wed Jun 28, 2006 5:12 pm

forgot! he said with a sinus infection - if you have one - it really depends (I hate that answer!!) for some it helps to clear out - like a sinus rinse - but if can't breathe thru your nose, then obviously, use full face mask or mouth one that's all he would say