CPAP causes nasal congestion

[dbsalsa]

Hello,
 
I've been struggling with CPAP machines for over 5 years and have given up on the therapy several times. I started with the Phillips Respironics M-Series with a heated humidifier and a nose mask, but I did not find that it made a difference in the quality of my sleep. Based on a doctor’s recommendation, I purchased the Resmed AirSense 10 with a regular (unheated) humidifier and nasal pillows.
 
I don’t use the machine regularly, because it makes me extremely congested within 2 hours to the point that I remove the mask in the middle of the night. I then cannot sleep for the rest of the night because of constant sneezing. The congestion usually lasts 2 or 3 days.
 
I now feel extremely tired basically all the time, so I want to find a way for the treatment to work.
 
I received several different recommendations to address this issue, as follows:
 
·           Modify the setting on the humidifier
·           Use a heated hose
·           Better cleaning of the unit and accessories
·           My doctor gave me a prescription for a nasal spray, which has not really helped
·           Get a different type of mask
 
I am wondering whether anyone can point me in the right path.
 
Thank you.

David

[Glen e]

Had the same problem, A shot of Flonase before I go to bed, and then turned down the humidity, I was getting all sorts of stuffiness when I was at 6/8, backed it down to 4, congestion went away. And yeah, get a heated hose, they’re 22 bucks on Amazon.

My settings:
EPR:2
Pressure: 7-12
Ramp off

I am getting amazing results after dialing it in over the first month. My blood pressure is down 20 points, I sleep 7 to 8 hours a night when I used to sleep about four, AHI is reduced from 28 an hour to 1.5. Very happy with this gadget

[Sleeprider]

Pretty much the same here. Heated tube, manual climate settings at 4 an tube temp 80 degrees. Add a shot of Flonase as needed. Airfit P10 Pillows are the bomb for blasting through congestion.

[Mike97]

Okay, maybe I am blind but the ResMed 10 heated hose I see is $60. What am I missing please.

Thanks,
Mike

[staceyburke]

Search resumed heated hose. There is one for $20, $25

[Glen e]

On amazon

ResMed Climate Line Air Heated Tube for ResMed AirSense 10 & AirCurve 10, 37296

$25

This is on the US Amazon site

[Mike97]

I see the $20 one now. I am looking for a ResMed 10 model. I think this is for 9.

Thanks,
Mike

[Glen e]

I’m not sure what you’re looking at, the one I posted is for an air sense 10.

[Mike97]

Thanks. Got it now. 

(Thank-you for pointing out that it was on the United States site. I am in Canada and it was not showing up.)

Cheers and have a great day,
Mike

[Boroma]

I've found that varying the humidity settings can help with nasal congestion. Regrettably I've also found that varying the settings can considerably aggravate an existing respiratory condition or cause one.
My solution to nasal congestion has been to ignore it or to lie on the other side. If it's bad enough to stop me from sleeping I get up and watch TV for a while until I feel sleepy. Sitting upright works for me.