How can i keep my nasal passages clear while sleeping?
I have sleep apnea and use a CPAP machine, but i am still not sleeping well and i’m pretty sure it’s due to the fact that at least one of my nasal passages is blocked during sleep. I been prescribed Nasonex to help but it doesn’t seem to be doing much. Can anyone suggest anything else that might help keep my nasal passages clear?
Tagged with: cpap machine • nasal passages • nasonex • sleep
Filed under: Sleep Apnea Machine Questions
You might want to try sinus rinses. You can buy kits with bottles and prepared saline packages either at pharmacies or Walmart etc.
The two major brands seem to be Ayr and NeilMed that use bottles, but you might also find Neti pots for the same purpose.
http://www.drugstore.com/qxp167051_332828_sespider/ayr/saline_nasal_rinse_kit.htm
http://www.nasalrinse.com/faqs_nasal.shtml
http://www.bytheplanet.com/Neti-Pot-Wash2.cfm
I’ve been using this for about a year now, after having been subscribed nasal sprays, and find this to work much better for me without the side effects nasal sprays and other medication can have. The rest of my family (allergy sufferers) were hesitant to use this, but after they gave it a try they all rinse as needed now.
I would check with your sleep specialist that diagnosed you in the first place. They would probably have the best insight into it and see if that IS the reason you’re not sleeping well or if it’s something else completely unrelated.
You could try those breathe-right strips that help keep your nose open at night… but if it’s deeper in your nasal cavity than that, you may need more help. Good luck!
If sinus congestion is the problem, elavating the head of your bed may help. Set the upper legs of your bed on concrete blocks or something else as sturdy. This has helped me breath at night like nothing else.