Nasal congestion caused by full face mask

Hi

I was recently diagnosed with apnea and I have started using a DreamStation with a ResMed AirFit F20 full face mask.

I notice that after 20 minutes or so, my nose plugs up and I end up breathing through my mouth. Sometimes, I can breath through the nose after a while sometimes not.

And after breathing through my mouth, I develop air leakage which wakes up my wife which wakes me up. So nobody gets a good night sleep.

Anyone else using a full face mask having or had nasal congestion problem ? Have you found a solution ?

Hi JacRoc

I don't use a full face mask but I think the issues are the same for many CPAP users.

It seems to me that as you relax the nasal passages tend to close and applying pressure can either clear them or compound the problem.

I often use a nasal spray to clear at least one nostril and once the air is flowing properly it is usually self-sustaining.

If it's not too disruptive you could try switching sides for a few nights and see if that makes any difference.

Making a conscious effort to sleep on your back might also be worth a try.

Don't ask me to explain.

I know not why.

I find a nasal mask keeps my nasal congestion at bay. However, with a nasal mask you do have to keep your mouth closed or tape it closed for that to work.

I haven't used a cpap machine since I identified that problem. An ENT doctor suggested that my nasal passages may be inflamed - chronic sinusitis, which can be treated with medication - and that I may not have true sleep apnea at all, although the symptoms are similar. I still have apneas from time to time, but I've been able to link almost all of them to nose and sinus related issues, and they've gone away when the problem was treated.