Tips for Sleeping for someone with Apnea and acute congestion?

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea about 6 years ago. When I first started using my CPAP it was a nightmare. I couldn't leave the mask on because I felt like I was sufficating, couldn't get enough air. I finally discovered that my sinuses were not completely open and since you have to breath strickly through you nose I was, infact, not getting enough air. My doctor put me on 1 Claritin D 24 Hour a day and a spray of Afrin in each nostril before bedtime. It worked and boy that first night of getting a true full nights sleep was awesome, I felt giddy and wasn't nodding off the next day. Since finally clearing my sinus problem and using my CPAP the past 6 years I developed a new problem. The Claritin D is a vaso-constrictor and my blood pressure shot up from 120/80 to 150/100. I started searching for alternatives to the Claritin D and Afrin and have found one so far. I have replaced the Claritin D with the herb Red Clover and it works great. I couldn't believe the very day I started using Red Clover I stopped the Claritin D and couldn't tell any difference and the best part is my blood pressure is back down to 120/80. The brands I have tried so far are NOW and Nature's Way and both seem to work equally well. They are available at most health food stores for about $9 per 100 capsules. Best Wishes and Happy New Year!

I also suffer from sleep apnea and use a cpap machine. There are alot of variables.. First of all I would get a 12 hr. nasal spray and try that 5 min before putting on your mask. That should clear your passages. Now for me that would take me through the night. But also your setting could be to low..unless you have the new model that adjusts itself to your needs. I know what you mean though it's like your drowning or something. I used to have the same problem but I haven't for some time now. If that doesn't help then maybe your doctor can offer something for the congestion. Do you have a humidifier in your machine, that would help. Or if you don't you can run a humidifier in your bedroom and that will help also. It won't clear the congestion but helps after your clear. Good Luck, I hope you find a solution quickly.

I've had the same for years and a simple solution worked for me, i use breath right strips every night and i know longer jump out of bed in the middle of the night gasping for air.

I hope you choke in your sleep! :( J/K. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea years back when I did an EEG. But they never prescribed anything to me or told me to wear any masks or anything. Sometimes I do wake up in the middle of the night like I'm out of breath. Should I be worried? Sorry, I have no advice.

I don't know too much about sleep apnea but my first thought is that you should talk to your doctor. My second thought is, have you tried the Breath Right strips that you stick on your nose. It may help the conjestion. I used them when I was pregnant and could not take any other meds for congestion associated with allergies. Also, can you take any meds for the congestion? Good luck.

Hi- Have you tried flushing your sinuses with saline? 1/3 to 1/2 tsp of salt to 8oz of warm water. Tilt your head back, use an eyedropper to drip the the saline into your nose, inhale carefully, than blow your nose and spit out anything that runs down your throat. I use that on my daughter instead of the OTC nasal meds because if you use too much of the OTC stuff, it can backfire on you. You can use a weaker saline solution if you're sensitive. Saline that's too strong can burn! Good Luck!

I take Flonase before bed,it's a perscription nasal spray.I make a lot of noise and this helps out, my gf loves it,lol.

do you take a decongestant? You might want to talk to your reg doctor, or your sleep doctor. You might need an xray of your sinuses. I'm an asthmatic with sinus involvement, and sinuses can be a huge problem for some people. My hubby has a cpap machine. I swear he sleeps better without it, and sometimes he does sleep without it. I hope you feel better soon, and get this taken care of.

For a temporary measure, while you are congested, if you have a recliner and can sleep more upright it may help. Sometimes if you are taking an OTC cold remedy you get rebound effects when it wears off. Try a simple decongestant (ask the pharmacist) and possibly guafenesin (like mucinex, but you can get generic cheaper) It is an expectorant, and thins the mucus so that it is easier to get out. Good luck, but if this does not clear up soon you definitely need more medical advice.

Do you have a warmer on your CPAP. When I was having trouble with colds, they gave me a heater for the water. It helps you breathe wasier when you have a cold. I use it a lot in the wintertime, but I usually disconnect it in the summer.

Whenever I am congested, I will try some of the following things, I don't have apnea, but the following may help some.. -chicken soup or really any soup that's seasoned with plenty onions, capsicum, chopped garlic.[preferrably select as many organically grown or raised items as possible] -avoid dairy products. -drink plenty water,organic green tea,limeade[hot or cold]. -a few drop of eucalyptus oil on your pillow case. -oh, and let's not forget the vitamin 'C' Try all of these, I hope they help...SS

I think first you should be taking very good victims to strenghten your immune system.I suggest seven seas extra strenght and also a good tonic.To help clear up your congestion I suggest an anitbotic from your local G.P

You can try taking a hot bath with a vicks vapor in it. That way it relaxes you opens up the air ways and also clears up congestion. You should also try to boost your immune system with supplements and eat healthy to try and keep the infections away. Hope you get some sleep. Good luck

Well, I don't have apnea. But I have a couple thoughts for you. As you found out sleeping without the mask is not the answer. If you're having congestion, perhaps try something like sudafed, or another decongestant to help clear you out temporarily. If you feel like your immune system is low and you're getting sick all the time, maybe you should begin taking a multivitamin or some extra vitamin c or zinc, if you aren't already. Also for the long tern, apnea is sometimes (not always) related to size, so if necessary, take measures to get in better shape and maybe alleviate the apnea somewhat. Good luck!

Thank you for asking this question , A very dear friend of mine suffers from this and I can now tell her the tips and hints you get from others xx

I also have sleep apnea and use a CPAP machine. It has helped me tremendously. I understand what you mean about the congestion. When I am congested it is impossible to use the machine because I can't breathe through my nose so I try my best to never let it happen or at least, as little as possible. I usually use sudafed or something similar when I am congested. If I am having a lot of problems with congestion I try to sleep in my recliner. Sleeping in the recliner for me is quite difficult. I just can't seem to sleep if I am not in the bed. I have moved to a climate that is warm year round and that helps me somewhat with the problems of congestion, but I still occasionally have it. I have read all of your responses trying to get clues of anything more that I can do as well. Thank you for bringing up this subject for discussion.

Are these problems symptoms of something else? Sometimes sleep apnea is caused by weight problems and stuff isn't it? Must be terrible to live with. I'm a real grumpy so-and-so if I don't get enough sleep. My thoughts go out to you. www.AddAnImage.com

i tryb giving turmeric milk to my child

What is acute congestion?

I don't have my C-pap yet but was hoping that it would help with some of the other sinus problems at night since it has the built in humidifer. It doesn't sound like that is the case.