[CPAP] Tips for coping? Congestion, ripping cpap off in sleep

[Release the Hounds]

Hi all,

I am a new member to the cpap club and I would really appreciate some guidance from experienced users.

[Long story short]. What tricks have you learned to help cope with removing the mask while sleeping and coping with congestion?

Would it be worthwhile to get a full face mask for the nights I'm congested?

[Long story] First off, I have trouble with my sinuses. It has been ongoing for almost a year, and I finally put my foot down and insisted that my GP send me to a specialist for treatment. I've had chronic headace, face ache, sore throat, sore ears and sore teeth which relieves when it occasionally decides to drain. I have been on steroid spray for 2 months, and it has cleared it up to a large degree, but it still lingers.

Anyway, as you can imagine, it is troublesome when using the cpap. I have a resmed 9 autoset. Pillow type, and humidity chamber with heated tubing. I've had the machine for a week managed to get about 4 hours tops with some pretty good ahi (around 5), but last night I was feeling quite congested. I used some sinus spray and slept only 5 hours, mouth open and ripping the mask off in my sleep. Scores in the upper 30s.

I appreciate any time you can give to help me out with this. I really want the therapy to be successful. I am completely shattered from years of exhaustion and I want to feel alive again.

Thanks!
Laura

[PoolQ]

full face mask will help. The pressure will sometimes feel like congestion. Don't assume that what worked before CPAP will be the same with CPAP. I used to LOVE humidity, but not any more now humidity makes me congested.

Try different settings. One change, step at a time. Lay down with the mask on and if it seems "better" try sleeping, if not change the setting and check again.

The therapy pressures can only stop the apnea's everything else is there to try and get you comfortable so you use the therapy. If you are uncomfortable you will rip the mask off. We really do not like our breathing interfered with and can have quite a reaction to it.

Look at your manual and all the things that you can adjust, you may or may not want any of these at the default setting. Don't expect any Doctor to know what your preference is with these comfort settings, the therapy yes, comfort no.

You will read many threads about people that have put in the time and effort to adjust everything and now they will never consider sleeping without their mask on. (me included, I have not slept like this since childhood and NOTHING is set at default)

[PollCat]

You should try using a nasal/sinus rinse like NeilMed to help with sinus congestions; just don't use you spray immediately after using the rinse.

[trish6hundred]

Hi Release the Hounds,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
One thing you could try is to set up with your mask and machine and use it during the evening as you read or watch tv.
This will help you get used to this new way of sleeping.
Hang in there for more suggestions and much success to you with your CPAP therapy.

[Ghost1958]

You dont say what your min pressure is but if its very low 4 to 6 you are likely starving for air.
Nasal rinse works well. You might also be checked for nasal/sinus polyps.
As to a FFM it may help if you simply just clog up at night since you can breathe thru your mouth.
Expect to raise pressure with a ffm 2 to 4 cm to get the same ahi.
I always recomend the Simplus ffm. No sore nose bridges, good seal, simple to clean.
very comfortable.

[Mutineer]

You dont say what your min pressure is but if its very low 4 to 6 you are likely starving for air.
Nasal rinse works well. You might also be checked for nasal/sinus polyps.
As to a FFM it may help if you simply just clog up at night since you can breathe thru your mouth.
Expect to raise pressure with a ffm 2 to 4 cm to get the same ahi.
I always recomend the Simplus ffm. No sore nose bridges, good seal, simple to clean.
very comfortable.

I just bought a DeVilbiss FFM [D-100F] for those nights when nasal congestion is a problem and I'm darned if I can stop the thing leaking and I find it's a bugger to get on and off.

Question : With the F & P Simplus FFM is it to get on and off and from the sound of it less prone to leakage?

[49er]

You dont say what your min pressure is but if its very low 4 to 6 you are likely starving for air.
Nasal rinse works well. You might also be checked for nasal/sinus polyps.
As to a FFM it may help if you simply just clog up at night since you can breathe thru your mouth.
Expect to raise pressure with a ffm 2 to 4 cm to get the same ahi.
I always recomend the Simplus ffm. No sore nose bridges, good seal, simple to clean.
very comfortable.

I just bought a DeVilbiss FFM [D-100F] for those nights when nasal congestion is a problem and I'm darned if I can stop the thing leaking and I find it's a bugger to get on and off.

Question : With the F & P Simplus FFM is it to get on and off and from the sound of it less prone to leakage?

Hi Mutineer,

After a little practice, I found it easy to unhook the Simplus. Additionally, I learned that the best way to stop a leak was to pull the cushion away from my face and reseat it again. Worked like a charm.

Unfortunately, I haven't found it to work better than my elan mask. But just so you know, I have not had a good history with full face masks so don't take my experience as gospel.

49er

[Ghost1958]

You dont say what your min pressure is but if its very low 4 to 6 you are likely starving for air.
Nasal rinse works well. You might also be checked for nasal/sinus polyps.
As to a FFM it may help if you simply just clog up at night since you can breathe thru your mouth.
Expect to raise pressure with a ffm 2 to 4 cm to get the same ahi.
I always recomend the Simplus ffm. No sore nose bridges, good seal, simple to clean.
very comfortable.

I just bought a DeVilbiss FFM [D-100F] for those nights when nasal congestion is a problem and I'm darned if I can stop the thing leaking and I find it's a bugger to get on and off.

Question : With the F & P Simplus FFM is it to get on and off and from the sound of it less prone to leakage?

Its easy. Just unhook one hook and its off. Same going on just slip it over your head and hook it.
Once adjusted you dont need to change or mess up your adjustments to remove the headgear from the mask to wash it etc.
Cushion is a single pop on pop off unit.
My min pressure is 12 max 18.
It handles high pressures well.
Simple, comfortable, easy on easy off.
JMO but irs the best ffm out there.

[Mutineer]

Many thanks for your input folks, Simplus FFM looms on the horizon I think...

[PaytonA]

I have just recently found that an increase in humidity helped my congestion. I have not been congested going to bed but when I awake at around 5:00AM to go to the bathroom and put the mask back on I would immediately become very congested.

I have the Climateline tubing and my climate control is set to Auto on my S9 machine. I have been setting the temperature at 84 deg. F. Last night I raised it to 85 which raises the actual moisture content in the air. This morning at the 5:00 AM bathroom break time, I went back to bed, masked up, and had no congestion problem.

I don't know if this bears on your problem, in fact it may not, but I thought I would mention it.

Best Regards,

PaytonA