allergies + deviated sepum problems with CPAPs

Hi Again I am new to CPAP, 6 days.
I have been having a lot of problems with the full face mask and CPAP machine when combined with allergies and a deviated septum. After just a few minutes of using the machine my noise plugs up. The pressure 12 CM H2O makes it hard to breath. When I open my mouth it seems like I get too much air and it is difficult to exhale. They have me scheduled for the tech to lower the pressure to 9. I appreciatd this site and looking back over some old posts I noticed others with the same problems. I did lower humidity and tube temperature as some stated on this site and that did help some. If they can't solve the breathing and full face mask leak problems soon , I will give up on CPAP. I read on this site the problem is the through not the nose. I have noticed when I can't breath, if I can swallow I am able to breath.

Barn

What setting are you using on the humidifier?

and...when you remove the mask because you are congested...does the congestion go away pretty much immediately or do it stay with you for a long time?

Also...are you using EPR exhale relief? If so at what setting? If not...use it as it will help exhaling.

If you don't know about EPR go here and request the clinical manual for your machine...in fact get it even if you know about EPR...you need to know what your machine can do.
http://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-p ... tup-manual

barnabas wrote:Hi Again I am new to CPAP, 6 days.
I have been having a lot of problems with the full face mask and CPAP machine when combined with allergies and a deviated septum. After just a few minutes of using the machine my noise plugs up. The pressure 12 CM H2O makes it hard to breath. When I open my mouth it seems like I get too much air and it is difficult to exhale. They have me scheduled for the tech to lower the pressure to 9. I appreciatd this site and looking back over some old posts I noticed others with the same problems. I did lower humidity and tube temperature as some stated on this site and that did help some. If they can't solve the breathing and full face mask leak problems soon , I will give up on CPAP. I read on this site the problem is the through not the nose. I have noticed when I can't breath, if I can swallow I am able to breath.

Barn

Are you doing nasal cleansing before bedtime?
Have you tried turning your HH (and tube heat) completely off?

That's what worked for me.


Den

.

You have a full face mask listed for your mask of choice, so it shouldn't matter whether your nose plugs up or not.
I too have a deviated septum with higher pressures, I breathe with my mouth all night with mine

Lowering the pressures may help you get accustomed to CPAP. In a month, you won't even notice the higher pressure.

Pad-a-cheek liners solved all my mask leak issues!

good luck

Dave

barnabas wrote:Hi Again I am new to CPAP, 6 days.
I have been having a lot of problems with the full face mask and CPAP machine when combined with allergies and a deviated septum. After just a few minutes of using the machine my noise plugs up. The pressure 12 CM H2O makes it hard to breath. When I open my mouth it seems like I get too much air and it is difficult to exhale. They have me scheduled for the tech to lower the pressure to 9. I appreciatd this site and looking back over some old posts I noticed others with the same problems. I did lower humidity and tube temperature as some stated on this site and that did help some. If they can't solve the breathing and full face mask leak problems soon , I will give up on CPAP. I read on this site the problem is the through not the nose. I have noticed when I can't breath, if I can swallow I am able to breath.

Barn

There are many tricks that help with congestion. eating spicy food works nasal rinse. With allergies they are temporary. You need to see an ent and fix your deviated septum. Also see an allergy dr and start getting treatment.
I have an allergy to dust mites. It is impossible to get away from them. The reaction used to be so severe that even when pumped full of antihistamines. I could walk inside a building and my nose would instantly clamp shut. I have been taking allergy shots for a year now and an very happy with them. I'm not cured but I'm not taking three allergy meds evey day and using nasal spray. I still get congested later in the day when I'm inside but it is easier to control with zyrtec or clartin d. Now I can not take any meds on some days and not even sneeze. Before the shots I would sneeze in fits of non stop until I blow my nose. The fits would come at least every 10 minutes. Some days the fits would happen even while taking allergy meds. My life has drastically improved since my nasal surgery and allergy shots

The sleep tech has changed my mask to a Simplus full face mask. So far it seems to seal better. Will report back in a few days.

Barn