Sore throat/cough with humidifier

[Davidacarrick]

So I have airsense 10 with humidifier, heated hose all set to automatic humidity settings. I’ve been getting a sore throat lately for last few weeks and sometimes a cough. No it’s not Covid!!! I use a F20 full face mask with chin strap.

I have EPR settings on, EPR 3. I’ve tried settings 2, 1 and off. Makes no difference.

Over last month I’ve averaged 15.9 pressure, AHI 0.4 and leak of 10L/min

Over last week I’ve averaged 15.9 pressure, AHI 0.3 and leak of 5L/min

Settings:
Mode - autoset
Max pressure - 20
Minimum pressure - 14
Mask - full face

Comfort:
Response - soft
Ramp time - auto
Start pressure - 14
EPR - on
EPR - Full time
EPR level - 3
Climate control - auto
Tube temp - auto

Any suggestions? Help? Thanks

[mesenteria]

One possibility is a sensitivity or allergy.  Late in the year, as the sun begins it's five month run to the nadir, things stay wet and cooler longer, and mold sets in.  Mildew and mold begin to show up on some plants, and in detritus left in the lawn and in flower beds.

Or, there is some other change going on inside your home/bedroom.  A newly introduced bug making waste that you're breathing, or more house mites than usual?  Maybe a newly acquired allergy.

[Davidacarrick]

Hopefully not. I was wondering if it could have been caused by a new job I started 3 months ago where I work within chilled environment (actual refrigeration units) and then use heated humidifier at night?!

[Davidacarrick]

I do use hypoallergenic filters in my machine and also beconase nasal spray before bed

[mesenteria]

Yes, the refrigerated environment is both new to you and DRY to you.  It will necessarily be substantially drier (less humidity), and that might serve to dry you out over the hours, days, and weeks.  Have you found, as an example, that your urine is a bit 'stronger' lately, more yellow?  That could be a sign that you need to drink more.

[Davidacarrick]

Yes I do get dehydrated often I must say. Just a nuisance with the chesty/sore throat thing