[CPAP] Congested/painful itch reaction/face hotness upon use of CPAP

[Yeliad]

Hi all,

Received my CPAP last November, been trying to use it pretty consistently since then. I cannot say I have had a single night of restorative sleep because my face seems to have some sort of reaction every time I try to use the machine. 

Almost immediately my nose shuts, followed by twinges of itchiness on the mask that are also somewhat painful. Irregardless of temperature/humidity the mask also gets very hot on my face. I have been able to sort of bruteforce myself to sleep with Ambien and Afrin but I inevitably wake up 3-4 hours in because of the painful itchy hotness anyways.

I've tried different humidity, pressure, EPR, temperatures, Diphenhydramine, Loratadine, Flonase, Azelastine, and deep cleaning for allergies/air purifier. All of them have done absolutely nothing to help with my symptoms. 

I've also tried four different masks including a full face mask. The masks themselves aren't uncomfortable but the intense itchiness and increased heartrate from having to breathe hard through a congested nose makes it so. 

Additionally I went  to see an ENT the other day, they stuck a camera up my nose and told me there was no apparent issue with my nasal cavity.

Thanks.

[Phaleronic]

With the full face masks did you try a cloth liner?

[Yeliad]

I have not. I will add that to my list of things to try, thank you.

[HalfAsleep]

It sounds like you’re drying up. Your face can be affected by dryness (e.g. if you have dry mouth). This might sound paradoxical, but instead of drying your nose with antihistamines and decongestants, how about moistening it with Simply Saline or something? Simply Saline now has a night time version with Eucalyptus. Drink lots of water in the morning. I also use some moisturizing cream in the morning (not at night, ‘cos it gets on the mask).

Turn the temperature way down in your room. Lower temps are supposed to help you sleep anyway.

[HalfAsleep]

Are you, by any chance, using mask wipes? Consider the possibility you’re allergic to them, even if they’re called hypoallergenic on the label. Personally, I’m allergic to many hypoallergenic products: they give me the symptoms you describe.

Related…are you using distilled water in the humidifier, and cleaning it with some non-chemical soap? Same with the hose and mask. You may find you need to clean the humidifier and mask every day. I use baby shampoo for this, as well as on my face before bed.

Consider any products around the face or hair you’ve been using recently. They may be a bad combination with the mask. For instance, do they have cleaning granules or alcohol or….?

Is the mask overly tight and it’s irritating hair roots or pores?

[dlbzone]

Have you tried the Resmed Airfit P10 mask?  it is the smallest lightest mask I have tried and the only place the silicone touches the face is at he nostrils and slightly above the upper lip.  The headgear is all cloth.  I have tried many other masks and I react to the silicones, plastics, gels on all of them, but I do well with the P10.  If you do try it, I have an issue with the headgear adjustment loosening, but I use a small safety pin through the headgear strap that keeps it adjusted perfectly.  If the headgear stretches a little over time, it is simple to readjust.

[Yeliad]

I do not use mask wipes. I do clean all of the things you mentioned and use distilled water.. except I have neglected to clean the hose, I will do that now that you mention it. I don't use any products on my face, and the mask isn't overly tight. I believe the itching comes from my nose/face becoming inflamed after my sinuses get irritated from the airflow. Thanks for your reply.