Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by gordon on February 5, 2011 at 7:44pm

I use a nasal pillows Mirage II Swift mask, and I've had blow-back from every mask, it's the heated air venting, so I've always used saline nasal drops usually once during the night and when I wake, usually I won't even attempt to open my eyes without using them.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on February 5, 2011 at 10:18pm

For us on North America we are experiencing winter with blizzards and very cold temps.  Like everything else, humidity is a personal thing.  Many find that the higher humidity helps them in winter and do really well with it.  Others find too much humidity makes things worse (I am in this last category).  In the summer I don't use the humidifier at all and in the winter mainly it is set to passive over mode.  Have you been checked to make sure you don't have a sinus infection?  I recently had one and they are no fun. 

 

Have you tried using a Neti-Pot?  Many swear by that method to help relieve the congestion.  Walgreens, Wal-Mart, and many drugstores and even some grocery stores are carrying NeilMed Sinus Rinse or similar products. 

Saline sprays may help as well.  Ocean Spray is really good.  Make sure it does not have the decongestion in it as that causes rebound.  Good luck and keep us posted.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by shannon k on February 7, 2011 at 9:19pm

I did just get off of antibiotics for a sinus infection.  I took the last pill Saturday. I turned down the humidifier one night and the congestion was worse and my nose and throat were dry as a bone.  the next night I turned the humidifier up and had rain out in my tube.  I have a neti-pot but I rarely use it.  I guess that I'll try to use it more often and the saline solution. 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by shannon k on February 7, 2011 at 9:21pm

I do have a problem with blow back but the new mask is much better than the last one. 

gordon said:

I use a Mirage II Swift mask, and I've had blow-back from every mask, it's the heated air venting, so I've always used saline nasal drops usually once during the night and when I wake, usually I won't even attempt to open my eyes without using them.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by MARIE G. on February 7, 2011 at 9:35pm

I do neti pot nasal sinus rinses when I wake up in the morning.  this helps to clean and drain the sinuses.  I also keep the humidity low, around the 2 setting on the Respironics PR System One bipap.  I also use Breathe Rite nasal strips to prevent nasal wall collapse.  You may also have a sinus infection but not know it.  My doctor gave me steroid nasal spray to help with the sinuses

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Corinne on February 8, 2011 at 11:09am

Hey Shannon!  I am running into the same problem.  I got my Quattro FX mask yesterday but it feel uncomfortable on my nose which it swishes my nostrils close.  Do you have that problem?  I still have to fix the leaks when I move around in the bed.  Look like I have to start using the Neti Pot again.  I have been using Vicks drops in my humidifier box. 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by shannon k on February 8, 2011 at 12:31pm

Hi Corinne, I don't have a problem with my nostrils getting squished.  It does feel odd putting the mask down farther on my nose.  I'm pretty sure that I can't use Vicks drops because I have asthma and smells are a trigger for me. 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Dan Lyons on February 9, 2011 at 2:34pm

The one thing I did not see you state is the type of water you are using. Is it distiller water? It does no contain the chemical elements and impurities of bottled or tap water.

(side note- your distilled water is tax deductable in the USA a health care cost. All you have to do is obtain a script from your physician for your records)

The next question I would have, what is your pressure set at? Keep in mind that there are sinus ports/vents/ducts in the corners of your eyes which allow for the pressure from your *PAP to escape. The higher your pressure, the more chance it will find the path to these ducts. This, along with the water impurities may be what is inflaming your sinuses.

Adjusting your humidifier is an art, not an exact sciene as some believe. Some have to adjust it every night depending upon your current room conditions.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by shannon k on February 9, 2011 at 6:45pm

I just use tap water but we are on a well so there is not the chemicals that you would find in city H2o.  The pressure is set on 14 but that will be bumped up.  Next week I'm going in for another sleep study because I'm snoring and having apenea with the mask on. 

Dan Lyons said:

The one thing I did not see you state is the type of water you are using. Is it distiller water? It does no contain the chemical elements and impurities of bottled or tap water.

(side note- your distilled water is tax deductable in the USA a health care cost. All you have to do is obtain a script from your physician for your records)

The next question I would have, what is your pressure set at? Keep in mind that there are sinus ports/vents/ducts in the corners of your eyes which allow for the pressure from your *PAP to escape. The higher your pressure, the more chance it will find the path to these ducts. This, along with the water impurities may be what is inflaming your sinuses.

Adjusting your humidifier is an art, not an exact sciene as some believe. Some have to adjust it every night depending upon your current room conditions.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Dan Lyons on February 10, 2011 at 12:39am

I am on well water also. There is actually more bacteria in the well water than city water. You need to be using distilled water as tap can & will damage your humidifier over time. shannon k said:

I just use tap water but we are on a well so there is not the chemicals that you would find in city H2o.  The pressure is set on 14 but that will be bumped up.  Next week I'm going in for another sleep study because I'm snoring and having apenea with the mask on. 

Dan Lyons said:

The one thing I did not see you state is the type of water you are using. Is it distiller water? It does no contain the chemical elements and impurities of bottled or tap water.

(side note- your distilled water is tax deductable in the USA a health care cost. All you have to do is obtain a script from your physician for your records)

The next question I would have, what is your pressure set at? Keep in mind that there are sinus ports/vents/ducts in the corners of your eyes which allow for the pressure from your *PAP to escape. The higher your pressure, the more chance it will find the path to these ducts. This, along with the water impurities may be what is inflaming your sinuses.

Adjusting your humidifier is an art, not an exact sciene as some believe. Some have to adjust it every night depending upon your current room conditions.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by gordon on February 10, 2011 at 10:56am

If you decide to use Flonase or a steroid/cortizone spray, beware, it really cleared my sinuses but I no longer have a sense of smell.  Smelling is 1/2 your enjoyment of food. It's on the side affects warning.

In my previous post I said "saline nasal drops" I meant saline EYE drops although I use both, obviously, the nasal spray is a lot more salty for your eyes! :~)
Dan Lyons said:

I am on well water also. There is actually more bacteria in the well water than city water. You need to be using distilled water as tap can & will damage your humidifier over time. shannon k said:

I just use tap water but we are on a well so there is not the chemicals that you would find in city H2o.  The pressure is set on 14 but that will be bumped up.  Next week I'm going in for another sleep study because I'm snoring and having apenea with the mask on. 

Dan Lyons said:

The one thing I did not see you state is the type of water you are using. Is it distiller water? It does no contain the chemical elements and impurities of bottled or tap water.

(side note- your distilled water is tax deductable in the USA a health care cost. All you have to do is obtain a script from your physician for your records)

The next question I would have, what is your pressure set at? Keep in mind that there are sinus ports/vents/ducts in the corners of your eyes which allow for the pressure from your *PAP to escape. The higher your pressure, the more chance it will find the path to these ducts. This, along with the water impurities may be what is inflaming your sinuses.

Adjusting your humidifier is an art, not an exact sciene as some believe. Some have to adjust it every night depending upon your current room conditions.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Steven XXXX on February 11, 2011 at 5:53pm

Dan Lyons said:

(side note- your distilled water is tax deductable in the USA a health care cost. All you have to do is obtain a script from your physician for your records)

 

Can I quote you to the IRS on this?

 

What makes an over the counter item tax deductible as a medical expense just because you got a prescription for it - especially distilled water. 

 

Can I deduct my Wild Turkey too, if I can get my Doctor to write me a prescription for it.

We drink together, so I am pretty sure I can get that prescription.

Actually, I am just kidding, he would never write even me a prescription for Wild Turkey (even after he has had a few drinks of Wild Turkey & water).  Hell, he wouldn't even write me a prescription for distilled water.

 

If you have insurance, try to get your insurer to pay for that "prescribed" distilled water.

 

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion