Extreme Sinus Congestion After First Night

Has anyone experienced extreme sinus congestion following a night using their APAP?

I was recently diagnosed with an AHI of 45. My healthcare provider loans masks and APAP machines to newly diagnosed patients to help the decision of what to do and use. My first trial was a disaster and I couldn't return the equipment fast enough. Now that I've made progress on resolving a sinus congestion problem by using a prescription Steroid nasal spray, they have convinced me to try another week trial.

This time around they set me up with the PB Breeze, which I like much better than the Frankenstein-esque contraption they loaned me the first time. With the advice to practice with the equipment I took a 2 hour nap in the early afternoon. I slept longer than planned and actually felt rested... my constant dull headache seemed to have actually faded some... so I was hopeful and excited to try a full nights sleep with this new setup.

Unfortunately after about 5 hours I woke extremely congested and my right eye constantly running. I've been sneezing and blowing my nose all day and my eye is still running, although it appears to be letting up some now.

Does anyone have any idea what would cause this? I suspect the running eye was due to some leakage around the nasal pillow as it didn't fit quite right... I have long narrow nostrils. Would adding a heated humidifier prevent the congestion? As it is I probably wont be able to use the APAP again for a couple nights until this congestion subsides.

Humidifier can DEFINATELY help. The eye tearing could be from a leak. See if you can get a HEATED HUMIDIFIER. You might have to try a number of settings before you find the right one for you, but it will definately make a difference.

When you get your HEATED HUMIDIFIER, be aware that in some cases if you turn the humidifier up to high, you can get what is called RAINOUT. (Click on the word rainout for a definition)

Ron,

The fact that your provider did not give you a heated humidifier is the reason for the nasal congestion. IMO it should be standard equipment.

wading thru the muck! wrote:Ron,

The fact that your provider did not give you a heated humidifier is the reason for the nasal congestion. IMO it should be standard equipment.

Wader, I agree, its too bad common sense and actually caring for patient compliance aren't STANDARD DME EQUIPMENT...

Thanks for the feedback guys, it will help me take a stronger position when I contact them.

I think this is what we get with health care that's run like a corporation. With all the new patients being diagnosed they are all rushing around trying to push people through the process and out. They're not slowing down and really working with each individual closely enough. Trying to do 10 times more with the same limited budget because some beauracrat will miss his profit numbers if he funded it appropriately.

Yes, a heated humidifier would help. My titration study did not use a htd humidifier and I too had terrible sinus headache for several days. Also I know I had to up the number on the humidifier. The htd humidifier will definitely help you.

IWannaSleep wrote:Has anyone experienced extreme sinus congestion following a night using their APAP?

I was recently diagnosed with an AHI of 45. My healthcare provider loans masks and APAP machines to newly diagnosed patients to help the decision of what to do and use. My first trial was a disaster and I couldn't return the equipment fast enough. Now that I've made progress on resolving a sinus congestion problem by using a prescription Steroid nasal spray, they have convinced me to try another week trial.

This time around they set me up with the PB Breeze, which I like much better than the Frankenstein-esque contraption they loaned me the first time. With the advice to practice with the equipment I took a 2 hour nap in the early afternoon. I slept longer than planned and actually felt rested... my constant dull headache seemed to have actually faded some... so I was hopeful and excited to try a full nights sleep with this new setup.

Unfortunately after about 5 hours I woke extremely congested and my right eye constantly running. I've been sneezing and blowing my nose all day and my eye is still running, although it appears to be letting up some now.

Does anyone have any idea what would cause this? I suspect the running eye was due to some leakage around the nasal pillow as it didn't fit quite right... I have long narrow nostrils. Would adding a heated humidifier prevent the congestion? As it is I probably wont be able to use the APAP again for a couple nights until this congestion subsides.

Hi IWannaSleep,

I also had sinus congestion which got worse when I started treatment in Jan. I am overwight so this also had an impact. Got a prescription for Flonase - a steroid nasal spray and this has provided the most relief. Not just at night but during the day as well.

My unit has a heated humidifier which I turned up to the highest setting, I really think this made the problem worse. Have since turned it down to the lowest setting and seems to work fine for me. It may also depend on the climate where you live but with air blowing at you a little humidity sure won't hurt. I live in Ontario, Canada and it is mandatory to have a heated humidifier if you want the govt funding available. You really should try to get this accessory to be sure you have as many tools as possible to assist with your comfort and compliance to therapy.

There are previous threads on the forum which address congestion relief through nasal sprays and heated humidifiers. You should do a search on these for more info.

You are just starting your treatment and will no doubt have to tinker around to find what's best for you. All of this does take some time so try to be patient and don't be afraid to experiment - just don't forget to tell us what works or does not work for you.

All the best.

Bob F