Help! New to CPAP W/IRRITATED NOSE

Hi, I was diagnosed and started using Cpap RemStar Plus last week. Have tried 4 different masks with the Comfortlite2 w/nasal pillows fitting best for me. But...I wake up with my nose irritated and sneezy, drippy whether I use the humidifier or not. When I do not use it my sinuses dry out terribly and burn and 'tickle' so I sneeze relentlessly; and when I do use the humidifier it still 'tickles' and makes me so sneezy that I can't do anything but blow my nose! I was tested for allergies last year by a blood test and was not allergic to dust, mites, pollen or anything. So what is up with this terrible sinus condition when I use the Cpap? The Dr has me using Rhinocort spray in the evening before I use the machine, but I can't tell that it does anything at all to help. I also take Zyrtec, and now bendryl and anything else I can find to try and stop the sneezing and runny nose. Please tell me what to do!

Are you using distilled water in your humidifier?

Yes, using distilled water. Thanks.

I think I would try a pillow-free mask. Sounds like "sunshine" sneezing, not allergy, to me.

Hi - maybe your humidifier is not warm enough - I had the same problem and when it is a cold night, I set the humidifier warmer. Good Luck!

I have tried the other masks that enclose the nose first thinking that I would prefer that type, but couldn't get them to stay sealed and they would have condensation from the humidfier all during the night. Still had the sneezing problem with them, too. The pillow type stays in my nose without having the seal break when I turn to my side or back. The sneezing does feel like "sunshine" sneezing. I don't feel bad otherwise, just nose congestion and sneezing. I don't have the sneezing when I have the machine on, I think the airflow must soothe the "nasal itch", it's after I'm up and moving that the sneezing starts. I live in South Alabama on the Gulf Coast, where the humidity is usually high anyway.

Marietjie wrote:Hi - maybe your humidifier is not warm enough - I had the same problem and when it is a cold night, I set the humidifier warmer. Good Luck!

I was thinking the same thing, based on the fact that the description of the problem makes it appear that it is worse when the humidifier is not used.

It's really bad today, can't even leave the house due to the sneezing constantly and my poor nose is getting raw! I did use the humidifier last night. Can't say it's worse with or without...

I'm not sure if this will help or not but I recommend giving it a try.

http://www.neilmed.com/usa/index.php

I'm also new to this gig. I tried the neilmed spray this week and while it was a bit uncomfortable using it, my nose was well cleaned out and it really helped with the breathing on the machine.

Get AYR it's a Saline Nasal Gel with Aloe at most any drug store. Easy to apply. It will do the trick.

Thanks for the suggestions. The Ayr nasal gel does seem to be giving some relief. Just got it so will take some time I guess. Couldn't even use the cpap last night due to the air movement tickling my nostril. Maybe tonight will work better with this gel.

I have the exact same problem right now. Have been on antibiotics, antihistimins, Ayr, you name it, I've tried it. No relief.

Sorry you are having such a problem with it. I can certainly sympathize. I finally conquered it and this is what I did: Went back to my ENT and he prescribed "patanase" a newer antihistimine, which I use every morning and evening, as well as 'Rhinocort' nasal steroid. Some of the other forum member suggested using Ayr nasal gel with aloe, and I also got the Ayr nasal spray with aloe. These help moisturize the nasal passages. It seems the nasal passages dry out, especially if you aren't using a humidifier, and that causes the burning sensation which would trigger the sneezing.

The most important thing I discovered was that I do need the humidifier, and that the main hose and the hoses and nose pieces need to be covered in double fleece to avoid rainout (condensation build up inside the hose and nose piece). For me the humidifier is best set on 1, but you may need to try different settings to see what works for you. Also, I put the cpap w/humidifier on the floor, and keep the hose under the covers with me as much as possible.

I've only been using cpap for a couple of months, and just this past week have been able to sleep comfortably thru the night without waking to fiddle with the mask or deal with rainout. So don't give up, just keep experimenting with masks and the humidifier. I was very frustrated at first with the nasal irritation and sneezing, but now it has stopped and things are much better.

It seems everyone is different when it comes to the humidifier. My husband doesn't use one and says when he does that it causes his sinuses to inflame. Just the opposite of me. There are many forum users that have been using xpap for a long time, so do a 'search' on the forum and you may find more answers that are helpful to you. That's what I did and found everyone to be very helpful. For hose covers and such there is a forum member who makes them as well as finding them on ebay or cpap.com. Http://www.padacheeck.com is her website, name Karen.

Another hint that someone gave, not sure where I got it, was that when my nasal passages are burning to cover my nose and mouth with hands and blow into them, breathing in the warm exhaled air. Like when you are in really cold weather and want to warm up your nose. It sounded kind of weird, but I tried it and it is soothing. Not a full time cure, but helpful way to get soothing to the nose, even during the night.

I hope this info is helpful. Just hang in there and keep using it and it will get better. The pros outweigh the cons of using cpap!

I am new on here, so have'nt got all my machine things in my profile. I started using nasal pillows in July. Loved it, no problems, good sleep. Then about a month ago started this sneezing, runny nose thing. Tried over the counter help. Then tried Dr. help antihistamins , antibiotics, etc. No help. Quit useing cpap for 4 nights, it went away, then used cpap for 2 nights, it came back just as bad or worse. Dr called in nasal spray, will pick it up in the morning. The lady on here with the same problems "gsbuck" gave me the names of some things she tried, I passed the info on to my Dr. will see what she gives me.

I set my humidifier up to 2 last night, also had the heater on. My Dr. got me some Rhinocourt spray, that didn't seem to help. I had way less sneezing and runny nose today. I think the 2 setting with the heat really helped. I had only been setting it on 1 before. gsbuck, thank you for all your suggestions. Also hope your doing better...Thanks..