Humidification and Sinus Cavities?

[StratCat48]

Occasionally in the mornings after using my CPAP I'll use a Neti pot to give the nasal passages a rinse if feeling a bit stuffed up (pressure feeling around the eyes and forehead). Not immediately, but a while after and particularly if I should bend over, the floodgates open and my nose will start running. It sometimes seems like what comes out is more than I might have used with the Neti pot which mostly goes in one nostril and out the other. Would the humidification of the CPAP tend to collect in the sinus cavities though the night and remain there until the Neti rinse loosens something up? The humidity setting I use is comfortable, but wondering if backing down the setting could reduce morning sinus pressure(?)

[HalfAsleep]

Humidification is a trial and error thing. But, you might also want to check that your hose goes uphill between you and your unit, so your sinuses aren’t getting bathed in rainout. The unit should optimally be located below the level of your pillow.

You’re using distilled water, yes? Keep the hose and humidifier clean. This is to prevent your sinuses from being assaulted by allergens or viruses. Given your sensitivities, eliminate irritations in case those are messing with your sinuses.

[HalfAsleep]

Now that I think about it, StratCat, I used to have trouble when using a Neti pot because the water would go into my sinuses. They'd swell up. Big time sinus pain. And then it would drain out all day. The pulmonologist persuaded me to use a Neilmed squeeze bottle instead, since it’s easier to aim and doesn’t require leaning over (which resulted in water going in my sinuses). Perhaps you have something like this going, too?

[G. Szabo]

 The humidity setting I use is comfortable, but wondering if backing down the setting could reduce morning sinus pressure(?)

Pulmonologists say you should use as high a humidity as is tolerable because the dried membrane becomes irritated or inflamed.
If you use an overly concentrated salt solution for rinsing, it will extract additional moisture from your tissue. Use the suggested dilution.