Nasal Mask : What to do with a stuffy nose?

Last night I woke up at about 3am with a stuffy nose. It was kinda easy breathing in, but I was forcing it to exhale. I had to take of the mask and try to get back into 'sleep mode' and figured I would put on my mask at some point. Couldn't sleep (I have an infection in my leg and my body is all cramped up with antibiotics). Eventually my right nostril cleared and I put on the mask.

I guess I'm wondering...what do you do in these cases when your nose gets plugged up?

I have similar issues. When nose is stuffy, I first use saline rinses--Neilmed salt/soda packets in a squeeze bottle. If that does not work, I use a small amount of nasal decongestant up one nostril. I use the latter sparingly, both because of the rebound effect and also because I seem to do better, in terms of a low AHI, if the nasal passages are not wide open. Has anyone else noticed this? that is, that too much nasal decongestant causing too little nasal air resistance is actually counter productive?

I've had success with Vapo-rub for this one. A tiny bit on the bridge between your nares should work for a few hours, and the vapor opens up stuffy passages. You will have to wipe out the mask in the AM, as with a nasal mask it'll be hard to NOT get at least a little bit on there.

Alternately, oil of Eucalyptus on an aromatherapy pad can do the same thing if placed near the air inlet of the machine.