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+--- Thread: Blocked nose (/Thread-Blocked-nose)
Blocked nose - Lojos71 - 10-06-2016
I have been using my machine for 6months and up until 2weeks ago have been happy with my readings-Anywhere between 8-11 hours and readings of 1.2 to 2.0
For the AHIs.
However the last 2 weeks I have been unable to keep the mask on for more than 5 hours because of a blocked nose . Whether this is because of Spring and an allergic reaction I don't know .Has anyone had the same problem please?
Nasal drops do not work.
Lorraine
RE: Blocked nose - DeepBreathing - 10-06-2016
Hi Lojos,
This is a very common condition, and you'll find a lot of prior threads.
October is allergy month here in Perth, so it may well be where you are. There are three basic types of nasal drops: 1) Supermarket brands such as Nyal (pretty useless), 2) Pharmacy lines such as Chemists Own. These are very effective but you can only use them for a few days at a time, otherwise there is a "rebound" effect that can actually make the congestion worse, 3) steroid based. The steroids are very effective against some conditions and don't have any rebound effect, but you must have a prescription. The thing with the steroids is they don't work instantly, you need to take them for a few days before you see much of an effect. It's also debatable whether you should really be squirting steroids up your nose.
Other things to try include a saline rinse (just a bit of salt dissolved in water), inhaling eucalyptus oil (not too much as it can be toxic in large doses).
A totally different line of investigation is to see if your mask is pinching your nose below the bridge. I have one particular mask which does this, and that causes bad congestion.
Good luck!
RE: Blocked nose - JudgeMental - 10-06-2016
Hi Lorraine .. My allergies will kick up this time of year (fall) here in the southern part of the USA and usually bother me the most during waking periods. Don't really have much trouble sleeping.. That said. I do use a antihistamine spray twice a day. I also frequently will use a "neti-pot" to rinse ( I use the squeeze bottle style) the sinuses out. In southern USA at this time of year one of the worst culprits is ragweed. Try the nasal rinse before bed. I'll bet it helps.
RE: Blocked nose - Lojos71 - 10-06-2016
Thanks all for your suggestions .When I last used the nasal rinse -saline solution , I had extreme pain in my right nostril so have been reluctant to use it again. I pull the mask down as I think it may be covering my nostrils not allowing the air to enter.Is it critical that I only use the mask for 4-5 hours per night .Before treatment my AHIs were 31.
RE: Blocked nose - Sleeprider - 10-06-2016
Nasal pillows will apply pressure directly to the nares. I have never had problems breathing with a nasal pillow mask, and I probably mouth-breath most of the day in allergy season. It's amazing how direct pressure to the nose will open those nasal passages, and I think a nasal mask actually puts external pressure on those sinuses and makes you more stuffy.
RE: Blocked nose - DariaVader - 10-06-2016
add xylitol to the saline spray - not much, 1 tbsp to a whole cup. the xylitol makes the saline spray less harsh to the mucous membranes, and does a wonderful job of cleaning them also. mine keeps me free of symptoms the vast majority of the time and i had a *lot* of issue with it before starting that. Be sure to keep the xylitol away from any dogs, it is very toxic to them. It is a naturally occurring ingredient in fruits, such as grapes which are also toxic to dogs, but not to you.
RE: Blocked nose - OpalRose - 10-07-2016
I also use a xylitol nasal spray (thanks to DariaV).
I don't make my own though, but use one called Xlear from Amazon.
When I first started a couple years ago, I really suffered from congestion, but this stuff works better than anything the doctor prescribed.
Also use the kids version of Xlear on granddaughter. If she gets a cold, this seems to help her though it.
RE: Blocked nose - MitchS - 10-07-2016
(10-06-2016, 10:25 PM)DariaVader Wrote: add xylitol to the saline spray - not much, 1 tbsp to a whole cup. the xylitol makes the saline spray less harsh to the mucous membranes, and does a wonderful job of cleaning them also. mine keeps me free of symptoms the vast majority of the time and i had a *lot* of issue with it before starting that. Be sure to keep the xylitol away from any dogs, it is very toxic to them. It is a naturally occurring ingredient in fruits, such as grapes which are also toxic to dogs, but not to you.
(10-07-2016, 08:40 AM)OpalRose Wrote: I also use a xylitol nasal spray (thanks to DariaV).
I don't make my own though, but use one called Xlear from Amazon.
When I first started a couple years ago, I really suffered from congestion, but this stuff works better than anything the doctor prescribed.
Also use the kids version of Xlear on granddaughter. If she gets a cold, this seems to help her though it.
Thanks, I've been looking for something to use instead of a steroid sprays.