nasal congestion with cpap

[zhentrixcalipso]

Can i use my cpap with a clogged nose?

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Its been 2 days im not using my cpap because of my clogged nose

[zhentrixcalipso]

Need some serious help here

[CBELFORD]

FWIW I use mine with I have a cold, sinus, etc. Crank the humidity up (if you have a climateline hose set to AUTO) and use sleepyhead to make sure you're getting the right amount of pressure (set the upper limit higher if needed). I find that the humidity and the added pressure actually can clear the block.

[tedburnsIII]

There seems to be some confusion on the forums as to humidity settings.

I'd also recommend cranking up humidity, and to maximum. In my laymen's opinion, it comes a bit closer to being the warm steam in the shower. It is now my custom and practice to set humidity to '4' or '5', the maximum on my machine, no matter if I have nasal symptoms or not.

Without nasal symptoms, and with lower humidity, say a setting of '1' or '2', I would awaken feeling 'dry' and somewhat 'dehydrated'. I'd have to gulp down 16 to 32 oz. water upon arising. This does not seem to be an issue any more.

Also, with your clogging you might want to set EPR to maximum, usually '3' (for a while), to exhale through your nose more easily.

YMMV.

[Sleeprider]

Humidity can work both ways. In some people it makes congestion worse, while others feel an improvement.

I use nasal pillows and find CPAP pressure helps greatly to open my nasal passages and sinuses when I have a cold or allergy attack. I recommend you just try it. Having positive air pressure should do nothing to make congestion worse, and I have always found it improves things to 'best breathing of the day'.

Since you use a nasal mask, you might want to try out nasal pillows sometime. They are lighter and do not impose pressure on the bridge or sides of your nose that may aggravate sinus congestion.

[AshSF]

Humidity can work both ways. In some people it makes congestion worse, while others feel an improvement.

I use nasal pillows and find CPAP pressure helps greatly to open my nasal passages and sinuses when I have a cold or allergy attack. I recommend you just try it. Having positive air pressure should do nothing to make congestion worse, and I have always found it improves things to 'best breathing of the day'.

Since you use a nasal mask, you might want to try out nasal pillows sometime. They are lighter and do not impose pressure on the bridge or sides of your nose that may aggravate sinus congestion.

+100

I concur with all the points made by sleep rider. It has been my experience as well with P10 nasal pillows.

[zonk]

Can i use my cpap with a clogged nose?

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Its been 2 days im not using my cpap because of my clogged nose

Full face mask works, you can breathe through your mouth as well and does not rely on breathing through your nose much

4. Dry, stuffy nose http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...CPAP_users
A CPAP device that features a heated humidifier, which attaches to the air pressure machine, can help. The level of humidification is adjustable. Using a nasal saline spray at bedtime also can help. Your doctor may prescribe a nasal steroid spray if your dryness doesn't respond to heated humidity. It's also important that your mask fit well. A leaky mask can dry out your nose.

Not using CPAP is not an option, followup with your GP, might refer you to ENT and prescribe some nasal sprays, there are OTC decongestants but not recommended for more 3 days because of the rebounding effects

I find using the humidifier helps, one need to do some experimenting with humidity levels to figure the right level for them, everyone is different

Your profile shows "Humidifier: unsure", "CPAP Pressure: 2", and the machine listed "Remstar mplus series"
The machine been discontinued some time ago, and does not report any useful data, such as AHI and leaks which are important to evaluate how the therapy is working or effectiveness. 4 is the lowest CPAP pressure, does 2 refer to Flex level,

Saline sinus rinse is godsend for stuffy noses, clean the nose and make breathing through the nose a breathe

Last but not least, pay attention to clean the water chamber, hoses, masks, and replacing the filter whenever get dirty

[zhentrixcalipso]

Thank you for the answers guys!