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+--- Thread: Sinus infection (/Thread-Sinus-infection--12264)
Sinus infection - Want2SleepInMT - 01-02-2016
How do you "get around" a sinus infection (and associated congestion) with CPAP and the only 2 masks I have are nasal masks. Any ideas?
RE: Sinus infection - foss - 01-02-2016
My primary mask is an Amara View which fits tightly under the nose. When I had a cold recently, I had to go back to the F&P Simplus full face mask. That helped but it was still a very unpleasant experience. I woke up one night and just had to remove the mask. Doctor prescribed cough syrup did help with the coughing spasms.
I feel for you...
RE: Sinus infection - PaulaO2 - 01-03-2016
Just keep wearing the mask. It should push the crap out of the way and help you sleep. If it doesn't, try a nasal rinse just prior to going to bed. And either way, rinse as soon as you get up. I actually had more trouble with my allergies and a cold with the FFM than I did with my Nuance. I don't think the Simplus helped to keep me clear at all. Yes, it is the same amount of pressure but it is the delivery of it.
Whatever the illness, good sleep is the best thing. Take your medication and get the sleep you need. Nasal rinses, turn up the humidifier slightly, take your medication. Don't stop the antibiotics!
RE: Sinus infection - GingerMan512 - 01-04-2016
I'll take a dose of mucinex night time, a nice hot shower, and netti pot just before bed. That tends to loosen things up nicely. I'll also open up my mouth to let the air pressure flush out the deep junk. Even congested I keep the mask on because it will do some good, if not you'll just take it off in your sleep anyways.
RE: Sinus infection - Sleeprider - 01-04-2016
I have use nasal pillows for the past 7 or 8 years, and not missed a single night due to nasal congestion. Sure, I've had some colds and sinus infections, but the pressure actually helped and was a relief compared to the rest of the day without it.
RE: Sinus infection - OpalRose - 01-04-2016
I've never used anything but a nasal pillow mask, even when congested.
When I first started, I assumed a nasal mask or even a full face mask might be better when congested, but the opposite is true. It has to do with the delivery of the air. When using a nasal pillow mask, the air pressure seems to blast right through any congestion and in no time at all, you are breathing better. And the real benefit is that it carries on to the next day.
I still use nasal rinses, and nasal gels. If really bad, I will take meds, but try to do without, unless it's a perscription.
RE: Sinus infection - Want2SleepInMT - 01-18-2016
Well, I survived it! I am halfway through round two of antibiotics (sinus infection, double ear infection, and was working its way to bronchitis.)
My PCP had me add Claritin, and the NeilMed nasal rinse (bottle style, neti pot is too awkward for me) before bed, and it made me comfortable enough to actually wear the mask to sleep. The night I made the original post, the second the pressure came on, I felt like my ear was going to explode, and I could only tough it out for 30 minutes that night. The following day, I had an unrelated procedure, which required a pretty good dose of pain medication, so I was able to at least get SOME sleep that day! Thanks for the info!
RE: Sinus infection - Homerec130 - 01-19-2016
When you are fighting nasal congestion from an infection it is even more important that you keep your mask and hose clean. If you don't, you will keep re-infecting yourself. My sleep doc (who is also my ENT) keeps hammering that point home to all his patients on CPAP. I've been fighting an upper respiratory infection and clean the mask and hose daily. I am on my second round of antibiotics and other good stuff and it seems to be working. When this finally gets cleared up, I will put the new mask and hose I have on hand into play.
BTW, I also use a full face mask and have for the last 3 plus years.
Homer