Ear ache

[Judi]

Hi everyone,
Sorry if this has been discussed before but what can I do to prevent the air pressure buildup in my ears? I've been using my Respronics System One for about 4 weeks. Pressure was set at 5 to 20. I just recently changed it to 7-17 and my ear aches (in both ears) started this week. I'm almost positive that it is from using the APAP. No previous ear issues. Thanks for any advice you can give me.

[DariaVader]

My top two tips:

1. Make sure you keep your nasal passages clear by using saline or saline + xylitol nasal sprays before masking up, and antihistamines as your doctor says is appropriate.
   
2. Swallow only when exhaling
   

[Judi]

My top two tips:

1. Make sure you keep your nasal passages clear by using saline or saline + xylitol nasal sprays before masking up, and antihistamines as your doctor says is appropriate.
   
2. Swallow only when exhaling
   

Thanks! I'm going to check out that spray right now.

[Judi]

I just ordered the nasal spray off Amazon and it will be here tomorrow. I'm determined to make this treatment successful but it's sure starting to wear on me.

[DariaVader]

Some issues get better with time for some of us. I hope you are one of those

[dzwiss]

[*]Swallow only when exhaling
[/list]

That is a joke, right?

[DariaVader]

no, not a joke. actually when my sleep doc said it to me, my first reaction was a raised eyebrow "really?" but after doing it just once, it became default - feels very natural. exhaling... or after exhale but before inhale...

[zonk]

7-17 still too wide, there is a room to narrow it further, based on the numbers from SleepyHead or use a single constant pressure instead
Talk to your doctor about that and have the earache checked too

I use sinus rinse squeezy bottle, helps clear the nose form congestion

Welcome to the forum and best of luck

[KeepSmiling]

Hi Judi,

What kind of ear pain are you experiencing? Is it your ear or jaw, is your nose stuffed up.

I remember when I first started on a CPAP machine, I ended up with TMJ from clenching my teeth to hard. I do clench my teeth so I guess trying to keep my mouth closed all night was the final straw. The dentist recommended a mouth piece. If the pain is from that cold compresses will ease some of the pain, or at least it helped me.

When I do nose rinses I make sure I do them an hour before laying down, to give any extra fluid time to drain.