Phlegm

[dial888]

Kind of a side issue this - but has anyone noticed a real build of of phlegm in the throat in thier daily life since starting CPAP? I've had this issue when I've used a humidifier and when I've not, and also with nose only and full face masks.

Any tips on tackling much appreciated.

[Tigers Fan]

A theory

Hi dial888

Will you pleaee let us know when this passes / stops.

Assuming you don'r have a chest infection, my theory is that the gunk comes from using one's lungs fully inflated for the first time in an age, when starting CPAP. Several people have asked your question or similar but haven't posted the outcome.

TF

[dial888]

Hi dial888

Will you pleaee let us know when this passes / stops.

Assuming you don'r have a chest infection, my theory is that the gunk comes from using one's lungs fully inflated for the first time in an age, when starting CPAP. Several people have asked your question or similar but haven't posted the outcome.

TF

This has been fairly constant for me for the last couple of years. At first I thought it was maybe because I wasn't cleaning the gear properly but that's not it. I never used to be a 'phlegmy' person but am now - my throat feels more constricted on a day to day basis than usual.

The lung thing - I have the doctor's on Tuesday to look at xray results. I'll be posting after the appointment.

[Biggles]

I'll be very interested in the outcome. I'm not affected by phlegm but a constantly runny sort of nose and often sneezing bursts. It's not a cold but I can't go anywhere without my box of tissues. Oddly, but fortunately this is not a problem when I'm using the mask, only when I do have a proper cold about once a year. It's not hay fever (not as I'm affected all year??) but we do live in an agricultural area, mostly sheep and cows, and the air is quite clean I think, because we have a lot of lichen growing.

I like TF's explanation but would expect things to clear up after a shortish time.

[dial888]

I'll be very interested in the outcome. I'm not affected by phlegm but a constantly runny sort of nose and often sneezing bursts. It's not a cold but I can't go anywhere without my box of tissues. Oddly, but fortunately this is not a problem when I'm using the mask, only when I do have a proper cold about once a year. It's not hay fever (not as I'm affected all year??) but we do live in an agricultural area, mostly sheep and cows, and the air is quite clean I think, because we have a lot of lichen growing.

I like TF's explanation but would expect things to clear up after a shortish time.

TF could be right about short lived cases whilst the body adjusts but not this instance where it's a constant thing.

I'm having a terrible time with CPAP and it's just another one on the list!

[Tigers Fan]

At risk of stealing the thread

Hi Biggles

Have you tried nasal irrigation?

SinuPulse Elite, for instance.

TF

[snoreslikeatrain]

Can you tell us a little more about:
- When you started using a CPAP machine?
- When you noticed a change in the amount of Phlegm?

I couldn't tell from your messages above if it started a couple of years ago and that this was when you started CPAP, or if the timing was different.

Phlegm & catarrh are quite big subjects. You fill find that multiple things can trigger them or make them worse (including what you eat). They are also really unhelpful for anyone with OSA. If you read around, you will see plenty of advice from people who use saline solutions to help clean the airways in their nose. I think some people here (TF?) have also used the automated tools for doing this and recommend them.

However I guess your question is about whether there's connection between your CPAP machine and the Phlegm? I've often had catarrh in the past and did try cleaning my nose with saline just before I started using a CPAP in Feb this year. I still get occasional catarrh but it's much less of an issue (and I haven't needed to continue with the saline either). So for me, there was no connection.

[dial888]

Hey guys, thanks for all the replies.

Yeah I've been on CPAP for about 3 years now. Still feel I need to get it right, once in a blue moon I wake up feeling great and it's annoying because I know that's how I should be feeling all the time. Most of the time I'm tired and even dizzy for a while in the mornings.

Anyway, the phlegm issue. It's more in my throat than my nose - I don't have much trouble in the nasal area. I'd say ever since using CPAP the back of my mouth and throat feel slightly swollen and there's a lot more mucus/pleghm back there. Mouth is always dry. Tried the humidifier and stuff but it didn't seem to do much...I remember waking up with water dripping into my mouth from it (and that was on the lowest setting).

I've actually lost 2.5 stone recently and thought that would help but no discernable improvement.

It's all really frustrating cause I know this can really work for people all the time. A guy at work feels like a new man and that's where I'd like to get to.

All comments much appreciated.

[dial888]

PS - can someone tell me how to set up a signature? The FAQ says it shoudl be in the edit profile area but I can't see the option. Would be handy to provide background info.

[Biggles]

At the risk of stealing the thread...

Hi TF, I did have a look at the SinuPulse Elite on t'internet but wasn't sure it would help. Perhaps I'll take another nosey (scuse me) at the product.

Have you used it or know anyone who has ? It's always good to hear if someone has had a good experience with a product. I really would love to stop the sniffling!

[Tigers Fan]

Two birds

Hi dial888

Click 'User CP', extreme left, uppermost green and of forum page. Then the uppermost option on the extreme left of your page.

Hi Biggles

Most definately I've used a SInuPilse Elite - last time an hour ago. Highly recommend one. If you find the web page for them on the Intus site, you'll find many recommendations - including mine.

TF

[Biggles]

Thanks TF, I'll follow that up now......