Nasal congestion from CPAP?
I started using a CPAp machine in mid February. The first few weeks i felt really good, refreshed and energetic. After about 6 weeks, i started noticing nasal congestion and a post nasal drip. I have been getting weekly allergy injections since last fall and had not had any congestion. My practitioner thought it could be allergies causing the congestion. However the congestion and post nasal drip is continuing. I don’t know if i should talk to the ENT or the sleep doctor. Anyone else have this problem?
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I have been using a CPAP since 1999.
It's pretty dusty where I live, especially at certain times of the year. Whenever it's unusually dusty and windy, I have noticed an increase in nasal congestion -- implying that the machine is forcing additional dust into my nose, triggering congestion.
I change air filters (in the machine and in my house) more frequently during these times, which helps significantly.
Have you tried that?
I did just change the air filter yesterday. I will give it a few days and see if that helps.
Yes, I definitely find this happening. Changing filters makes sense (hadn't thought of that, duh). I rewash everything and give myself a day off to let my sinuses recoup.
Sometimes my lungs get sore, like I am getting an infection. Does anyone else have that occur to them??
No, I haven't experienced that. I'll get a sore spot on the bridge of my nose from the mask, but that's about it for me.
It's also pollen season. I have times when I experience nasal congestion, usually in one nostril, just prior to waking...in fact, very odd time, maybe once/twice per year both nostrils will plug and I awaken gasping for air (I tape my mouth closed an use a nasal mask). I can recall two instances over six years to date.
You could try to fiddle with the room temperature, humidity settings on your machine, tube temperature if you use a Climateline or similar long tube to the machine.
Or keep a spray decongestant at your bedside. Try to limit exposure to it so that it retains its potency. If you use it nightly, it will slowly lose its potency on the desired outcome.
Or, treat it like a pee call and sit up, remove the headgear, and just wait for three or five minutes for the nose to clear. This has worked for me, and I can get back to sleep in minutes.
It doesn’t bother me whe i am sleeping. It is throughout the day.
Yes, this happens to me. I bend over and it just drips. How are your events? Mine are very high still.
My events vary. I have read that below 5 is the goal, but each week I have several above 5 . Last night it was 6.4 and the resmed still gave me a good rating.
Please don't fall on the ground 🙏 Last night my e events were 69.9 for 7 hours. Mask fine. I do not know what I am doing wrong 😕
@msflygirlnortherncan Have you contacted your provider to see what they say? They may need to make adjustments on your machine. I hope you get relief soon.