My life has become living hell [nose blockage]

[arc0509]

Its impossible for me to take even a 10 min nap wdout my machine. As soon as I lie down, one of my nostril chokes completely and the other one partially. 

Having severe sleep apnea is itself a curse. But this double whammy of nose block has made my life terrible.

It doesn't matter if its summer or winter, the nose blockage is constant. Even my dreamstation humidifier doesn't solve that.

The nose block clears mostly while standing up and worsens immediately on lying down.


As a result, i have to sleep supine while having my dreamwear mask on. Any other position leads to problem of noseblock.

I dnt have dns or anything. Does anyone else have this problem. Help me please... I wish i cud cut my whole nose off. 

??

[Walla Walla]

Give the pillow mask a try. Pillows seem to be able to prevent stuffed noses due to the direct air steam into the nostrils. You have a Dreamwear mask so all you need to do is order the pillows part.

[mesenteria]

I go through short periods where one or both nostril tissues swell while I am attempting to sleep, or while sleeping.  When I absolutely must get a good night (i.e., relief), I use an allergy nasal decongestant spray.  Claritin makes one, there are others, including cheaper no-name or Big Store Brand versions.  Perhaps, if you don't have any health issues that would preclude the safe use of such over-the-counter decongestants, you could give one a try every other night until your physician can deal with it constructively.

[PoolQ]

Yep quite standard. bretherightstrips help a lot. spray most nights. humidity changes all over the place for me, sometimes I put ice in the chamber. sometimes when the pressure ramps my nose responds to that as stuffed up and I have to relax through it. There are even little plastic things you can stick up you nose to try and help

Basically try everything

[SteveMac]

+1 to Walla Walla recommendation to try pillow mask.

One of my nasal passages swells shut while the other opens (barely sometimes) and they alternate. I think this is somewhat normal sinus behavior by the way, if not as extreme as it is for some of us. The pillow masks actually open my sinuses after a few minutes of use. It is counter-intuitive, but it does. Just have to lay in bed with it a few minutes, relax, and focus breathing in and out and they open up (or at least one sinus passage fully opens).

I was always a "mouth breather" while sleeping pre-PAP therapy with horrible snoring mostly from my mouth (like hearing it two rooms away with doors closed). I was prescribed originally with a FFM (Simplus). I tried probably 8-9 different FFMs, Nasal, Pillow, hybrid type masks and settled on Resmed P10 pillow. The Dreamwear with pillows also works almost as good for me. Note that the cushion version of the Dreamwear (and the FFM Dreamwear as it also is nasal cushion) and all cushions I tried didn't work well for me. The P10 with Large pillows is my sweet spot. I don't have what I consider large nostrils, but nonetheless it is what works. FWIW, the same P10 with small and medium DO NOT work, so if you try pillow masks .. MAKE SURE TO TRY ALL SIZE PILLOWs.

[SteveMac]

Another recommendation ...

There is a "steam inhaler" device out there called MyPurMist (google it). Can buy online or, in the US at least, at Walgreens (probably other places). This isn't a typical steam machine, it generates VERY fine mist ... almost like a nebulizer. I use this in winter when I invariably get sinus infection and or lower respiratory infection. For me, it is better than practically any medicine that claims to clear/open sinuses.

Using this before you go to bed may help.

[S.L. Ping Beauty]

I use religiously use two nasal washes and it helps me: 

1)  Neil-Med sinus wash- pre-measured sodium packets added to warm distilled squirted up the nasal whazoo whilst showering.
2)  Alkalol Nasal Wash-   a mucus relief menthol-type scented liquid that reminds me of Listerine.  Full strength in a gentle spray bottle, 3 squirts in the schnaze holes before retiring.

[SteveMac]

I use religiously use two nasal washes and it helps me: 

1)  Neil-Med sinus wash- pre-measured sodium packets added to warm distilled squirted up the nasal whazoo whilst showering.
2)  Alkalol Nasal Wash-   a mucus relief menthol-type scented liquid that reminds me of Listerine.  Full strength in a gentle spray bottle, 3 squirts in the schnaze holes before retiring.

+1 on Nasal rinse too ... very effective.  Morning and night.

[arc0509]

Actually the issie is more compounded without the mask. With the mask pushing in air, i can atleast sleep peacefully. But, without the mask, the situation is terrible. Nasal sprays like otrivin which open up instantly are not healthy for continuous use of more than 3 days. So i use it in emergencies only. Normal saline nasal sprays dsnt work.


However, i am a bit relieved that the issue is not isolated.

But can anyone take a short nap wdout the machine??? I cannot susyain even for 10 mins wdout that except for when i use otrivin to fully open my passages. But nasal sprays like these are not recommended by docs here except in emergencies due to fear of rebound nasal congestion.

Has anyone used neti pot on regular basis???

[OpalRose]

I use a saline nasal rinse in the squeeze bottle almost daily. You can buy in a kit, prepackaged saline packets, and squeeze bottle. I find this easier to use than a Neti Pot.

With either one, use distilled water only.