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[CPAP] Can't get to the bottom of my congestion.
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12-27-2024, 06:19 PM
RE: Can't get to the bottom of my congestion.
12-31-2024, 12:21 AM
RE: Can't get to the bottom of my congestion.
When I go to the chiropractor or get a massage, my nose sometimes gets congested from lying down, especially face down. That also clears up when I'm upright.
One of my nostrils is narrower than the other. I've tried a couple of different dilators, one is harder but adjustable (supposedly athletes use those), unfortunately the adjustment doesn't stick, it just slides inward. The other one is softer/more flexible, but sometimes doesn't stay in place. I'm also not quite sure how far they're supposed to go in. I don't push them as far as they'll go, but they're not by the opening, either. I've been wondering if that's why I always end up breathing through my mouth if I'm hiking uphill and huffing and puffing/exerting myself after a certain point. Which ones do you use? I use the nose strips too. I haven't gotten around to taking my CPAP apart all the way to see if I can fix what is happening after it got dropped, so in the meantime I'm using strips or dilators, and taping my mouth shut. I need to find a different tape because the ones I'm using are kind of hard to get off even though they're supposed to be gentle. I tried twice to see if the oral device would work, I had to stay over but I didn't sleep well enough for them to tell. The second time I was right next to the bathroom so I could hear the flushing. Then I tried a temporary one that you fit yourself. I only got so far with that because it was really difficult to get it to fit correctly since the material shrinks as it cools. I even put it over some old dental molds I had. When I thought I had it right, I happened to have a regular dental appointment and asked my dentist if the top and bottom pieces looked ok (I have one tooth that is questionable) and he said that the way it was wouldn't be good on that tooth. I think it may have been thinner in the rear part, and I had to cut a bit off because of the length. For the few nights that I'd tried it before that, it also caused drooling (especially the overnight test since those are thicker). That would be so much easier though, since I wear retainers anyway.
01-13-2025, 09:54 AM
RE: Can't get to the bottom of my congestion.
Nasal strips: I use Breathe Right® large size, compatible with my small hybrid mask (exemple here https://www.redcare-pharmacie.fr/hygiene...-large.htm ) . I purchase them for €14-16 per pack of 30. I’ve tried cheaper models on Amazon, but they’re ineffective.
A relative without sleep issues prefers those cheaper models since my strips irritate their sinuses. Nasal dilators: For naps or walking, I use cylindrical dilators bought on Amazon (exemple here https://www.amazon.fr/Dispositif-Anti-Ro...456&sr=8-6 ). The basket-shaped ones are unbearable because they’re too rigid. These are inexpensive, durable, and remain effective even after several months. I also tested the Swiss "Noson" model (€100-120) (here https://noson.eu/) , which is more effective than strips and lasts six months but very cheap. However, using it with a mask might cause leaks. PPC device + Nesivine nasal spray + MAD (Mandibular Advancement Device) + nasal strips + earplugs + swimming goggles (to protect my eyes): This combination reduces my apneas to 0.2-4/hour. The MAD helps reduce the sensation of nasal congestion but causes dental pain, forcing me to remove it during the night. My advancement is set at 1.7 mm, which is still insufficient (2 mm minimum needed). Position and pain: Since replacing my pile of pillows with a cylindrical cervical pillow (i use this https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B0CQV26Z7M?ref=...asin_title), my migraines and neck pain upon waking have disappeared. However, I now experience unbearable back and rib pain in bed, preventing me from falling back asleep after a few hours of rest. I often have to alternate between sleeping upright for several nights without the PPC to recover, leaving me utterly exhausted. I’ll consult a doctor soon to arrange physical therapy. I’ve noticed that having my head tilted too far forward or overly elevated worsens my nasal congestion and suffocation. I also plan to test an antihistamine spray in rotation with my nasal decongestant. I hope this information is helpful.
01-13-2025, 12:11 PM
RE: Can't get to the bottom of my congestion.
I'm not going to say much because half of you will say I'm crazy.
Congestion is caused by processed food, sugar, and mouth breathing even when done because of congestion causes more congestion. Using your nose clears your nose. Find Patrick McKeown for more information. Signed a mouth breather for 41 years, nose breather for the last 2 months
Breathe through your nose
Reduce sugar and processed food Soft collar and seal your mouth
01-13-2025, 01:07 PM
RE: Can't get to the bottom of my congestion.
@chad
I'm from the half that does NOT think you're crazy and I agree with you!
01-14-2025, 08:25 AM
RE: Can't get to the bottom of my congestion.
I had a very strict diet with no refined sugars for several years while being followed by a nutritionist doctor, to lose the excess weight that I had. I forced myself to do sports regularly (exercise bike, gym, walking) and I was/still am a big wreck in terms of energy.
Even when I had a normal weight and an impeccable diet, it NEVER allowed me to improve my nasal suffocation problems at night. If people have a problem with a narrow palate, hypertrophied turbinates, nasal polyps, large adenoids, a deviated septum or other very recurring problems of this type known to be linked to Sahos that is not treated, you can try all the dietary rebalancing in the world and all the breathing exercises in the world, it will never solve your nasal congestion problems when lying down. Knowing that an obstructing tongue base due to mandibular retrognathia is one of the most known causes of Sahos, itself causing apnea at night. Missing centimeters of lower jaw do not grow back with a change in diet or breathing exercises. And we cannot control the sagging of the tongue base during sleep. Of course, I do not deny that this can in some cases improve people's overall health and breathing in some apneic people. A healthier diet = chance of losing weight = less fat in the tongue/neck/throat/abdominals etc and less inflammation (which I imagine potentially the sinuses) = reduction in apnea = better breathing (proven by many studies on Sahos). But I would like to point out that it is totally dangerous and false to make a generality of it and to claim that nasal congestion is "just" due to dietary problems. Severe sleep apnea is quite often multifactorial.
01-14-2025, 05:22 PM
RE: Can't get to the bottom of my congestion.
@newser
Agreed, lots of factors. For nasal breathing, check out Patrick McKeown. Doing his nose unblocking exercise and becoming clear even once, he points out, means it can be done. You bring up a lot of other good points that were not covered in this thread. Nasal congestion, not bone loss. Though the mechanism that leads to a lot of these issues, scientifically proven, is mouth breathing.
01-15-2025, 06:50 AM
(This post was last modified: 01-15-2025, 06:50 AM by LaurenceShaw.)
RE: Can't get to the bottom of my congestion.
(01-13-2025, 09:54 AM)Anewser Wrote: Nasal dilators: For naps or walking, I use cylindrical dilators bought on Amazon (exemple here https://www.amazon.fr/Dispositif-Anti-Ro...456&sr=8-6 ). The basket-shaped ones are unbearable because they’re too rigid. These are inexpensive, durable, and remain effective even after several months. I also tested the Swiss "Noson" model (€100-120) (here https://noson.eu/) , which is more effective than strips and lasts six months but very cheap. However, using it with a mask might cause leaks. My opinion is these light blue "Snore Care" nasal dialators are the most comfortable: https://www.amazon.com/Set-Nose-Vents-Im...81&sr=8-24 |
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