APAP and Post Nasal Drip

[sonicboom]

I apologize in advance if this has been covered specifically elsewhere in this forum. In addition, I have reviewed published research and other apnea forums for helpful suggestions but there is no clear consensus. The question is what, if anything, can be done to relieve post nasal drip with APAP usage without resort to medication (OTC or Rx) such as humidity or tube temperature adjustments. If the answer is that the machine can't help you without leaving you with a scratchy, dry, or irritated throat, then what OTC or Rx meds have had a great success rate. TIA for your responses.

[trish6hundred]

Hi sonicboom,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
You might try a sinus rinse, such as neomed, before bed time to see if that will help you.
Hang in there for more suggestions and much success to you with your CPAP therapy.

[OpalRose]

I apologize in advance if this has been covered specifically elsewhere in this forum. In addition, I have reviewed published research and other apnea forums for helpful suggestions but there is no clear consensus. The question is what, if anything, can be done to relieve post nasal drip with APAP usage without resort to medication (OTC or Rx) such as humidity or tube temperature adjustments. If the answer is that the machine can't help you without leaving you with a scratchy, dry, or irritated throat, then what OTC or Rx meds have had a great success rate. TIA for your responses.

Hi sonicboom,
I suffered with post nasal drip for several months befor I started CPAP. I got some relief by using a nasal rinse every morning and nasal sprays during the day.
I tried Mucinex, but it didn't help at all. Also tried a perscription nasal spray which caused nose bleeds. It was all very frustrating!
Once I was on CPAP, I noticed that after a month or so, the post nasal drip just stopped. My sinus and congestion has improved also. I still use nasal rinses and sprays. Also use my humidifier with heated hose and a cool mist room humidifier which helps a lot.
You can also try a dry mouth rinse befor bed, like biotene or act total care for dry mouth.
Good luck!

[Mosquitobait]

I apologize in advance if this has been covered specifically elsewhere in this forum. In addition, I have reviewed published research and other apnea forums for helpful suggestions but there is no clear consensus. The question is what, if anytghing, can be done to relieve post nasal drip with APAP usage without resort to medication (OTC or Rx) such as humidity or tube temperature adjustments. If the answer is that the machine can't help you without leaving you with a scratchy, dry, or irritated throat, then what OTC or Rx meds have had a great success rate. TIA for your responses.

I have chronic post nasal drip which started after a bad cold. I had that chronic cough. Because it causes my blood pressure to rise significantly, I have to take meds. Apparently, in my case anyway, post nasal drip is caused by acid reflux. I'm currently taking 40 mg. Of generic Prilosec and only occasionally have problems (usually because I forgot to take meds).
You could start with the OTC amount and see if it makes any difference.

I started to get a very mild heartburn when I began using the cpap and, for now, have changed to taking the Prilosec before dinner instead of the morning. I don't seem to have it this morning, so I think that was a good choice.

If you want to do without meds and you have any acid reflux, you could try sleeping with a wedge.

[sonicboom]

Thanks to OpalRose and Mosquitobait for the suggestions. Fortunately, i have no other symptoms other than the persistent PND. I'm trying to play around with tube temperature and humidity. Trying humidity level 5 and tube temp 80 - still persists. I have some nasal rinses and sprays and I will start with that. Do either of you notice any differences with different tube temperatures and humidity settings?

[DariaVader]

I keep my heated tube temp and humidity fairly high (86ºF and 4.5 humidity), and I live in already humid Oregon. at first I found that high of humidity to be "heavy" but I turned it up when I had a cold and left it there, because it is helpful - and now it feels normal. I have always had issues with PND and a constant sore throat - It is actually better now than it ever was. I use Xlear nasal spray before bedtime, and dry my nose out well after using it (bend over and snort several times while head is hanging.... that's no bull... ) I credit the Xlear with much of the improvement to the PND.

[OpalRose]

I keep my humidifier and heated hose at high settings too. I tried lower settings, but found I would wake with dry and irritated throat.

The Xlear nasal spray works really well as DV stated.
With continued use of APAP, in time you will notice that the Post Nasal Drip will get better.

[sonicboom]

Thanks to all for your insight and tips.