I am having trouble
with Nasal Congestion when I use CPAP. What can be done to alleviate
this?
Many patients exhibit nasal congestion during
CPAP use. Recent clinical studies point to mouth leaks or mouth
breathing as the main cause. As the CPAP airflow and moist expired
air rushes from the mouth, the nose is stripped of its supply of
moisture normally supplied by the expired air. In a futile attempt
to provide moisture in the nasal cavity, vessels fill with blood
trying to create moisture for the next inspiratory breath. The
congestion caused by this blood flux narrows the airway, increasing
the resistance. As the nasal resistance increases, CPAP pressure
has to increase as well to make the effective airway splint. Patients
with mouth leaks will increase the nasal resistance just as any
nasal problems due to allergies, nonspecific rhinitis, or nasal
pathology such as polyps.
- Using Heated Humidification will alleviate
nasal resistance from mouth leaks thereby reducing the need
to increase CPAP pressure to compensate for the nasal congestion.
- Chinstraps can be used to prevent mouth
leaks.
- Patients with chronic nasal congestion due
to allergies, rhinitis, etc. should talk to their physician
about the possible need of a nasal spray.
What is the
best way to get a good fit with my CPAP mask?
When fitting the CPAP mask/headgear to your
face:
1. Turn the
machine on
2. Place the
headgear on your head, loosely
3. Lie down
on your back
4. Then gently
adjust the straps until no leaks are found
Do not overtighten...this makes the mask collapse and may
cause leakage as well as discomfort.
My nasal pillows
tend to irritate the inside of my nose. What can I do for
this?
If your nose is getting "chapped" from
the nasal pillows, try putting Carmex on the outside of the pillows.
This will soften the surface, may helpdecrease air leaks, and
it has a pleasant scent.
More tips:
- Use a steady bedside table, large enough
to accommodate your CPAP unit, humidifier, and bedside
lamp. It is not a good idea to keep your CPAP unit on the floor
where it will be exposed to more household dust and could become
a safety hazard.
- Position the unit so that the air hose can be
draped over the head of the bed, with plenty of slack, to allow
you freedom of movement during sleep. Keep your air filter free
from blankets, curtains, or anything else that could block the
free flow of air to the CPAP unit.
- Keep your bedroom quiet, cool, and dark.
- Don't have a clock visible during the night.
- Wash your face before putting on your
mask. Facial
oils will impair the seal.
- Don't drink alcohol within two hours
of bedtime. Alcohol
impairs the quality of sleep.
- Eliminate caffeine products from your diet within
six hours of bedtime.
Tips for proper
cleaning:
- Baby shampoo - use for daily or weekly cleaning
of mask or nasal pillows and tubing.
- Distilled water - use for cool and heated humidifiers.
- Surge protector - use to plug in your equipment
to protect from power surges.
- White vinegar - use every three months to clean
mask or nasal pillows and tubing.
Comfort tips:
- Saline nasal spray - use for nasal dryness.
- K-Y jelly or vitamin E ointment - use for nasal
pillow irritation.
- Vicks Vapor steam solution - one drop
in the humidifier for sinuses.
- Duoderm or Moleskin - use over sore area
to protect until healed. Loosen mask.
Replacement schedule
for Medicare insurance:
- Mask - every 3 months.
- Headgear - every 6 months.
- Nasal pillows - every month.
- Disposable filter for your CPAP machine - every
6 months.
- Reusable filter - every 6 months.
- Chin strap - every 6 months.
- 6' CPAP tubing - every month. (This may vary
depending on the type of tubing you use.)
