Hello all.  New here and need some advice/opinions.  I've had my CPAP machine for aprx 7 years now and have suddenly developed a problem I need help with. Before I see the Dr. I thought I would look here.  About a month ago I developed what I thought was a severe cold.  This went on for almost 2 weeks.  At the end of the 2 weeks I ended up NOT using the machine one night as I was unable to breath after a sneezing frenzy right before bed.  Next day of NON use the symptoms started to go away.  I thought the cold was over and 2 days later went back to using the machine only to have the symptoms return again. It starts with the first day of occasional sneezes then the next day it's worse finally on the 3rd day it's constant sneezing and running nose and nasal drip. It's so bad by the third day it's difficult to function.  The 2nd time this happened I assumed I was just not over my cold so I went off the machine for 2 nights and the problem went away. I thought my "cold" was really over and started using the machine again and symptoms came back.  Now I'm thinking ok somethings up with my machine. I ordered a new hose thinking maybe I hadn't been keeping it clean enough and also the long brush to clean it with.  Went off the machine for the few days that I was waiting on the new hose. All symptoms went away.  New hose arrived that I used it that night.  Next day like clockwork sneezing and running nose started all over. If I can continue to use the machine each night the symptoms continue to get so bad that that the inside of my nose is raw !  I have repeated this cycle 5 times now and know for a fact that it's the use of the machine that is causing this. What I don't understand is I've had my machine for 7 years and never had a problem like this and now all of a sudden it's giving me these horrible allergy type symptoms.  I've been off the machine machine for a week now (and feel like !@#!) and have NO symptoms what so ever. Has anyone had a problem like this or have any advice?  I have a Breas PV10 no humidifier thats about 7 years old and have used it faithfully and now all of a sudden this problem has started. Sorry for the long post but before I make an appt to see the Dr. I was hoping someone had some advice or opinions on what may be happening here.  Thanks in advance.  

Srupid question...when was the last time you cleaned the filters and took apart he humidifier tank to really clean it?  Have you used the same machine for 7 years?  Most insurance replaces them every 5 years or sooner...plus the newer ones are data capable and with so much more technology...breathing is so much easier with the better newer ones.

Sounds like something is contaminated to me.


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BiPAP Auto M 13/8 Mirage Nasal Swift. 20 years+ undx'd. RLS/PLMD, Hypersomnia & more.

I was thinking the same thing...but...hose is brand new. There is no humidifier on mine and mask and all of it's parts are cleaned regularly.  The only thing that could possibly be contaminated with bacteria at this point is the INSIDE of the machine.  I guess maybe it's time for a new one. And time to see the Dr. again.

Sounds to me like your nasal passages are rebelling against the dry air being pumped over them. My humble opinion would be you need a humidifier of some sort. I say this because at my latest polysomnography, they tried to titrate me without a humidifier and my nose clogged up within an hour. They had to borrow one to continue the procedure.

First, I'd start with the humidification.
Secondly, have you been tested for an allergy to the components? You might need to find a different tuning/mask made of a more hypoallergenic material. (Are your eyes pink and runny?)

Most importantly, though, is to discourage you from giving up the PAP machine. It is your best treatment. I'd keep looking for other options.


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painless

Sleep Apnea is a Killer! Get it Tested!
Get it Treated! Use the Treatment!

For many years I worked as a Broadcast technician.  Often it was my job to clean the transmitter.

To cool the tube transmitters use a lot of air!

Even with very good filters you would be supprised how dusty it was.

Even if the two micron (very fine) filter in your CPAP machines air inlet is in good working order over time I would expect the inside of the machine to become covered with a fine dust.  Much of the dust from organic sources.

If you add just a bit of moisture to the mix (vapor from the humidifier, a spill, a cold machine on a warm day) then the dust may grow molds or mildues.   It is possible that some other alergen may have gotten in there from any number of sources (pets, etc...).

I vote for a new machine.  As others have mentioned the new ones are better anyway.

May you find good rest with a happy nose!

Tod

phnxazguy - I work in an abattoir (in France) and thus, am frequently suffering from colds - my solution is to use some sprays that the doctor has prescribed for me (I've got 5 different ones) but, the best solution that I have found is a smear of KY Jelly (inside the nose),  a couple of times a day.  Might work for you - I have found that once the inside of the nose gets irritated, It's a real bu**er to get it sorted out - it just goes on and on!

Although my doctor told me not to do it, I have also found that washing the inside of my nose with a slightly saline solution (before going to bed), also helps.

All the best

Keith


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CPAP since 29th September 2007 - ResMed Autoset S8 Spirit with Fischer and Paykel nasal mask.
http://www.bretondiary.com

Thanks everyone for the excellent advice/suggestions.  Will be making a visit to the Dr. as soon as I can get an appt.

@Keith - I'm just curious, why did your doctor advise you against rinsing your mouth with saline?  The use of saline for nasal irrigation, mouth rinse, gargle, etc. has been advised as a healthy practice, generally speaking, and for a very long time.  I'd be interested to know why your doctor thought that wasn't a good idea in your case?

@phnxazguy - Keith's suggestion about KY Jelly is a good one.  Try any water-soluable personal lubricant like K-Y.  Do not use vaseline or other petroleum or fats-based lubricant, make sure it states it is water-soluable as this is the safest.  There are also water-soluable saline gels sold specifically for use in the nostrils, Ayr Saline Gel is one such brand.

As mentiond by the other posters, you may now require a humidifier for increased comfort.  Your DME or doctor can examine and test your machine for problems, and your doctor may wish to prescribe a humidifier now.  It is good you're seeing your doctor   so you can find out what is going on with both your CPAP therapy and your health.

Blessings,
--pseudonym

Keith..My Dr  has advised me against irrigating my sinuses.  He did say misting them is ok...but do it several times a day with samll amounts verses a few times with large amounts.  For me I think it may be due to a severely deviated septum and Eustacion Tube dysfunction.


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CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO~ http://tinyurl.com/69q52a

BiPAP Auto M 13/8 Mirage Nasal Swift. 20 years+ undx'd. RLS/PLMD, Hypersomnia & more.

Hi, I know that this reply will cause a lot of controversy from the diehard CPAP users.  But I will answer from my experience- I have been unable for several reasons to use a CPAP and instead use a mandibular advancement appliance.  Using a CPAP, I had insomnia, just never have been able to fall asleep with it on, it forces me to sleep on my back and my AHI is much worse on my back, I have more central apneas on the CPAP and it pumps me full of air and I belch all night.  That said, after the sleep study with the mouthpiece, my results were actually better than with the CPAP and it was recommended that I use the mouthpiece instead.  And it is easier to travel with a mouthpiece than a CPAP.  Now, there is some discomfort with it too, but I am able to overocme that by the position of my head.  After 3 years, I have not developed TMJ.  If you are having trouble using a CPAP, I would suggest that you look in to using a mouthpiece.  Good luck.

I've been attempting to use a CPAP machine for a couple of months now and experienced some small successes during the first month or so after switching masks.  Things seemed to be progressing satisfactorily until this past week when everytime I try to get to sleep my mask begins to irritate my nose and chin.  I have tried washing the silicone membrane with baking soda, different milds soaps with numberous rinsings to insure no residue.  I've been back to the sleep center (NW Houston, TX) and they've adjusted the pressure setting.  Nothing seems to work with the irritation seeming to get worse.  I'll admit to having very fair skin.

Anyone out there had difficulty with being allergic to the silicone membranes that fit onto the face?

I've been a chronic insomniac for many many years and have been very hopeful that this CPAP business would solve my problem.  This is disapointing.

Martin

Hi Martin,

I had the same problem with a rash like rosacea after starting on a Bipap Auto SV.  My sister came up with a wonderful solution.  She had some lovely soft material and I cut a piece large enough to cover the area the mask sat on, then a small hole for breathing.  With a little practice I now use it to block the mask touching my skin and the rash has gradually dissapeared.  I only have some slight problem occasionally when it touches at the bottom of the nostrils.  I use a little Clearasil lotion to kill bacteria on the irritated skin, then Gold Bond Ultimate healing cream and have done wonderfully ever since.  
The fabric cause no leaking and actually stopped the cold air in the mask from bothering me so I sleep better.
I hope this helps.

Thanks for the response.  I'm glad the the soft material solution worked for you.  I am in the process of trying a "nasal pillow" type mask.  Initially this felt more comfortable but i still haven't been able to get to sleep with it on.  The doctor raised the issue of a mouthpiece. I think this will probably be my next step.  

Martin