CPAP during Septoplasty recovery

Has anyone had experience with using or not being able to use CPAP after Septoplasty? I’m considering the surgery, but I’m feeling so good on CPAP that I’m worried I’ll have to go 2 weeks without it and feel awful again.

Yes...my brother-in-law required the septoplasty, had it and resumed his CPAP after he recovered from his surgery.

While he was recovering and without his CPAP, he slept in a recliner sometimes and in his bed on a wedge to elevate his upper body. It wasn't as good as his CPAP, but that gave him something to look forward to when his recovery was complete. He survived quite nicely and you will too. You'll just long for this treatment that has helped you so much.

Take care.

Would a total face mask work? Anyone else want to chime in? It wouldn't touch the nose at all as long as you could get a good fit with any post operative dressing.

I'm not sure I would want to not use my pap machine. That type of mask might be an option.

When I had mine, I was told to stop CPAP for 7 days. I slept in a recliner but at 4-5 days I lowered my pressure and resumed CPAP use. I used a FF mask with a pressure of 12, If I remember correctly I reduced pressure to 8 for a few days. Some ENTs pack the nose after surgery...CPAP wouldn't work in that case.

I just wondered if a total face mask - that touched the forehead, cheeks, and lower jaw, would allow for maintaining an open airway by way of mouth breathing but not put any pressure on the nose or surgical site.

I was referring to one of the two crazy sized masks that cover your whole face including the eyes. They look more like a full face respirator.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/respir ... dgear.html

I guess it would all depend on your level of sleep apnea.

I'd be worried my airway would still collapse and I'd have bad de-sats. When I went into REM sleep during my test my Oxygen levels dropped into the 50's, I spent a good part of my childhood and early adulthood having reoccurring nightmares where I was dying. I'd rather not relive those moments that I have not experienced since starting CPAP. I would be interested in knowing if a total face mask or an oral only mask would be an option - if the nose is packed no air is going to leak out of it anyway.

Would at least like to keep my options open. Admittedly - I would do better sitting in a chair. But I still get massive headaches and thumping heart and adrenalin rush even if I nod off in my office chair at home for like 30min or so. I don't relish the thought of having to actually sleep properly without my machine.

It's just a scary process.

Not to freak out the OP who asked the original question.

Some people's apnea is worse than others. So while my sister isn't treating hers, and does well. (her's was very mild) My father mostly treats his and does well, my mother treats hers off and on but isn't doing as well as she could. Mine on the other hand... I'm not sure. The thought of even one full night without my machine kind of freaks me out.

I'd want to jury-rig something to let me continue to use my machine no matter the situation - or get a recording oximeter with alarm and maybe supplemental oxygen to take home during recovery. Hope I'm not over thinking it.


Rest well,

Gryphon

It's only temporary.
You have my permission to over-think to your heart's content.

Ask your ENT what he recommends. I don't think many surgeons use packing any more for septoplasty surgery. When I had mine done around 20 years ago, they used splints which hold everything in place during your initial recovery. My splints came out about one week after my surgery.

Okie bipap wrote: ↑

Tue Aug 21, 2018 5:46 pm

Ask your ENT what he recommends. I don't think many surgeons use packing any more for septoplasty surgery. When I had mine done around 20 years ago, they used splints which hold everything in place during your initial recovery. My splints came out about one week after my surgery.

My grandson had his done 2+ years ago and had hgis nose packed...he was miserable

Thanks everyone for the feedback.. I've now got some good info and questions to discuss with the ENT

You can always use an oral mask (Oracle).

McSleepy

Gramps had a septoplasty and all six turbinates resectioned. The doctor ordered oxygen with a mouthpiece for him to use for thirty days. When the DME called to deliver the oxygen generator, Gramps told them he would call them back.

The night after the surgery, he used CPAP with a FFM. He never missed a night. He never took delivery of the oxygen generator. He waited until the doctor told him he was healed and released. Then, he told the doc he used CPAP from night one.

YMMV.