Breathing Issues

[mike3764]

So I have been using my CPAP for almost a year.  Usually before I go to sleep at night, I use a nasal spray (most of the time Ocean, but recently Flonase) to help clear my nose and help with the CPAP.  The last several nights however I have had an issue with nasal drip and one or both of my nostrils clogging up after about an hour or so and I have had to sleep without my CPAP.  Does anyone else have this issue or can someone recommend something to assist with clearing the nasal passages to help with breathing in the CPAP?
 

[Crimson Nape]

It sounds like you are having allergies flare up. Flonase only produced moderate results for me. I've had a better response by using Benadryl.

[Dormeo]

What time of day do you use Flonase? I aim for about 2-3 hours before bedtime so that I’m getting the benefit but not having residual drip or irritation from the spray. My allergist strongly recommends using NeilMed nose/sinus rinse. Best to do that more like at least 3-4 hours before bed, because residual dripping is definitely a thing. Be sure to use distilled water per instructions, though I use tap for the post-use cleaning with soap and then give it a final rinse with distilled.

[mike3764]

I think that is part of my problem...using Flonase just minutes before putting the mask on.  I will aim for trying at least 2 hours before...and I will also try the Benadryl.  I'm sure that will help with sinus issues but will also make me more tired.  Thanks for the replies!

[Rcgop]

I have been down this exact same path. I saw the sleep dr. and allergist about the same time 3 years ago. Started with Flonase with some relief. Finally started with shots. Best thing I ever did. My CPAP and allergy progress are almost mirror images of each other. To the point that I feel one effects the other (despite what both drs say). Last week I was very congested and took a pill, no help. Convinced it’s not allergies, I tried a saline nasal rinse. 

Eureka, after 5 days, my sinuses are clear as a bell. I am now a believer.

[mesenteria]

This is well outside my area, but I have read that many of us/most of us have residual and chronic inflammation and infections from day-to-day.  Our systems keep it under control, but just.  Sinuses are one place where all sorts of crud resides, often heavily florated with bacteria of one kind or six.  Post nasal drip, especially for those of us who end up on our backs for more than ten minutes at a time, will likely cause inflammation in the pharyngeal tissues, and even in the nasal cavity.  Most of us also 'pick' our noses when we think nobody will notice.  Who knows what lies under our fingernails and on our fingertips.  If you'd like to find out, do a google search, but best done an hour prior to one's next meal...not after.

My father has had chronic problems with his sinuses and his nose.  He needed surgery when he was 13 to correct an overgrown septum and bridge.  He was never the same afterwards (this was in 1943).  When he experiences congestion and infections, he snuffs saline solution.  It's the only thing that keeps it under control.  It's unpleasant, but it works.