sneezing problem and or itchy sinuses

mrkorney · Post by **mrkorney** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 9:03 am

hello there, i've been here for a few months and finally got myself to start using my cpap regularly (being in college doesn't help)

anyway, the one thing that wont go away after getting used to the cpap, and the noises its makes, is waking up and having a runny nose and sneezing attacks in which i might sneeze anywhere from like 1-6 or 8 times at a time. i know it is the cpap because i do not get this without it.

The other problem is the itch that is in my nose causing the sneezing can sometimes stay with me all day, causing me to continue to have sneeze attacks

is there anything i can do?

my setup is mirage swift II (so much better than the original) on a resmed s8 elite, with a extra filter (hose filter from cpap.com) with the bed buddy thing where you attach the hose to prevent rain-out

the one thing that is somewhat unique in my setup is i DO NOT have a humidifier right now, seemed at one point to do more bad than good, so stopped using it altogether.

any input would be greatly appreciated! thanks!

bap40 · Post by **bap40** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 9:15 am

I sneeze upon waking every morning also. Not to the extent that you do but about 2-4 times. My only sugestion would be to use a nasal rinse before bedtime and see if that helps. You might also benefit from adding back the humidifier on passover..

There will be more reply's from people who have much more knowledge that I though.

GumbyCT · Post by **GumbyCT** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 9:31 am

I got the sneezing with a runny nose for about an hour each morning. It is caused by breathing the clean filtered air all nite then getting irritated by the dust in the air each morning.

I know, I know - I never had allergies either. Now it seems like I am allergic to dust. Could that make you tired too?

I have been taking the $4 Walmart Allergy meds each morning, it does seems to help.

Don't you think the being in college 'excuse' is pretty lame? Does that mean you don't need sleep while in college? Personally, I think it would even help keep the head clear for tests and studying, etc.

mrkorney · Post by **mrkorney** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 10:20 am

gumbyct, its not that i dont need sleep, its just that its difficult for me to continually use it because of all the other things i need to do. Not that being out of college will be any easier, but this is one of those infinite loop deals, where because of apnea people can sometimes have a more difficult time getting things done (what looks like laziness and is essentially laziness as a medical symptom of not getting proper sleep) thus making it more difficult, at least in the beginning, to continually use the cpap.

I know that still doesnt sound great, but i hope it somewhat clarifies

anyway back on subject, do yall know exactly how a humidifier might help? as in why it would help?

GumbyCT · Post by **GumbyCT** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 10:47 am

mrkorney wrote:I know that still doesnt sound great,

Nor does it make much sense. You know what the problem is AND what the fix is but seem to be touchy about discussing why you won't use it. or maybe just not accepting your own excuses? Is that called denial?

Run it by one of your professors oh the dog ate my homework. My sis says that she's too tired to use cpap - lmao - if just breathing air would fix ALL of our problems, eh?

mrkorney wrote: anyway back on subject, do yall know exactly how a humidifier might help? as in why it would help?

The humidifier is to reduce the irritation that dry air causes to the nasal passages. If it's too much try turning the heat down or w/o the heat (passover mode).

_________________

Don't give up on yourself !!! It really isn't that bad just takes some getting used to and don't be shy about using it in front of others, if that's the problem. I tell everyone I know I have severe OSA. NONE of us are perfect and those who think they are have issues air won't fix.

Years ago folks died of old age - now we know some of the causes, that's all.

Wishing you the best,
GumbyCT

mellabella · Post by **mellabella** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 10:51 am

Did you stop using the humidifier due to rainout? You might have less problems this time of year (i.e. warm and humid) with that issue, and it's worth resolving. If your CPAP isn't on the floor, or nearly that low, try that as well (keeps the moisture running down towards your machine, instead of towards you and your mask).

Also, in terms of noises: those foam earplugs you see at any drug store are your friends. Really. I have trouble hearing the leaks on my own facemask if I'm using them.

Really · Post by **Really** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 11:13 am

mrkorney wrote:gumbyct, its not that i dont need sleep, its just that its difficult for me to continually use it because of all the other things i need to do. Not that being out of college will be any easier, but this is one of those infinite loop deals, where because of apnea people can sometimes have a more difficult time getting things done (what looks like laziness and is essentially laziness as a medical symptom of not getting proper sleep) thus making it more difficult, at least in the beginning, to continually use the cpap.

I know that still doesnt sound great, but i hope it somewhat clarifies

Really?

wlenz · Post by **wlenz** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 1:24 pm

I started using bipap 4/26/08 and used the humidifier the first month. The heat was still on and relative humidity low. Near the end of May, I stopped using the humidifier. The sneezing and runny nose was extreme and something had to be done. I am now using no heat, passover mode, and the problem has stopped, completely. I buy distilled water by the gallon at Walmart, never use bottled or tap water. I believe the particulates in the air get trapped in the water, or, very slight moisture causes less irritation to my sinuses. Hope this helps.
Bill