New to the Forum

I started using the CPAP (RESMED AIR10) with humidifier and nose pillow early last spring. Initially, I had some issues with ingestion of air and severe bloating so I dialed back pressures and made some minor adjustments. I have, all along, had problems with sniffles, runny nose, weatery eye allergy symptoms. I have tried a host of over the counter allergy medicines. Nothing helped the symptoms to improve. Initially, it would get better toward the end of the day but now it is non-stop problem. I have recently started to use the CPAP at night, with the oxygen turned off, to see if the Oxygen assault on my sinuses might be causing the problems. So far no improvement after 2 nights without using the O2. I will continue to monitor. I am wondering if using the nose pillow as my only connection to the CPAP is also blasting my sinuses to cause these symptoms. I was thinking out loud about going to a full mask, thinking that ingesting air more through my mouth my help my sinuses. However, I recall how much difficulty I was having from bloating and discomfort from trapped air in my stomach. Am I the only person having these problems? I am not able to golf anymore because my nose and eyes water all day long......I supected that the internal workings of the CPAP were not very clean so I purchased a CPAP sanitization machine the SO Clean 2 1-2 months ago. I use it daily and totally remove any water from the humidifier tank.

Have you tried adjusting the humidifier settings to see if this helps with the sinus issues? Using a nasal pillow mask vs a nasal mask or full face mask, the air is blowing directly up your nostrils and some people feel this can affect their sinuses more than the other two types of masks. If you think you have allergies and over the counter meds are not working well, have you considered seeing an allergist?

Good suggestions, Sleep. Allergies can make CPAP difficult to use when they are not under control. Also, some medicines take weeks to reach full effectiveness. Seeing an allergist or talking to your primary care doc might be helpful.