Anyone on CPAP?

Question

This past summer, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. I am actually on the low end of the normal weight range for my height, so I am now on CPAP. I feel much better (more rested, better memory, less irritable, and I don't doze during the day). However, I have noticed that I get congested more often. Sometimes, I lay down at night, and my nose is clear, but after a few minutes, I'm all stuffy again. However, I do have allergies, so that may be the reason, too. Has anyone who is/has been on CPAP had this problem? If so, how did you fix it?

Answer 1

A humidifier is your best friend in instances like these. I used to have these problems all the time. The first humidifier I got was a "passover". The air left the CPAP through a six inch hose to the humidifier then the main hose was hooked to the humidifier sending more moist air through to me.

But then winter rolled around, and the passover wasn't working nearly as well. So I got a heated humidifier and viola! Problem solved. I still get a little congested from time to time, but a few minutes in a nice hot shower, and that loosens everything up.

Hope this helps.

There is also an online forum for CPAPers to discuss these issues @ http://www.cpaptalk.com/

Answer 2

I have sleep apnea too, and am on the CPAP. I too have allergies like you described and also the sleep apnea is not from weight, but rather a recessed chin and small throat area. You can ask you doctor for a steroid noise spray if the over the counter normal saline solutions don't work. Also, does your machine have humidifier (a small tank of water) that connects to the machine? It warms up and helps a little. If not you can also request this. Also there are several different masks you can wear for comfort. I find the smallest one available (pillows) the most comfortable. Good luck, any questions write.