Understanding sinus issues and change in flow rates??

[mruwu69]

Hey all, 

I was curious, does anyone know if/how sinus issues can affect CPAP therapy? I notice the blockage in my sinuses change constantly during the day. One minute nasal breathing is smooth, the next I feel like one nostril is blocked, the next I feel like I need to breathe out of my mouth. 

Im trying to control this with nasal sprays, allergy medication, ENT doctors etc. But I was wondering how this constant change in sinus and nasal breathing throughout the night might affect how my Autoset 10 delivers therapy? Also any tips?

Thanks!

[jlfinkels]

I have similar allergy problems and use allergy sprays year-round along with allergy pills and shots. Most of the time I have no problems with my nasal pillow mask (Resmed P10), but when it is really bad I use a nasal saline rinse with a neti pot that does the trick. On rare occasion when I cannot clear my nasal passages I have to use a full-face mask (Resmed F30i) which works well even though I end up with a dry mouth.

It takes time to find what works for each of us. Hang in there!

[Deborah K.]

I have had terrible sinuses all my life.  My doctor told me they are child-sized and have numerous other problems.  Two things help me with pap use.  I have used a neti pot every day for many years.  I think that has helped more than the surgery I had more than 30 years ago.  Also, due to a back issue, I trained myself to sleep on my back a few years before I went on the pap machine.  Then when I started pap use I was told that sleeping on one's back made apnea worse, so I tried sleeping on my side again.  What I gradually realized is that I get slightly better AHIs on my back than on my sides.  I think it is probably due to my poor sinuses.  On my back, I think they can drain more freely.

Anyway, that is what works for me.  I don't know if the neti pot and back sleeping would help you, but I thought I would throw the ideas out for you.  Best of luck with whatever you try!

[gettingbetter]

I fight the allergy/sinus battle, as well.  Some things that can help are:  nasal saline mist, netipot rinse, allergy meds.  The other things that have helped me are Flonase and Azelastine (antihistamine nasal spray).  At the height of allergy season I have to use a full face mask unfortunately.

[LordEthan2]

For sure i see a correlation to reduced flow limitations on my graphs when using a neti pot daily. Certainly worth a look in.