Does more pressure help with stuffy nose?

[Apappy]

This morning I woke up with labored breathing due to a stuffy nose. With some salt water nasal spray, after a half hour or so my nose was clear again. I know that one should attack nasal stoppage or stuffiness directly, with sprays and humidifier, and possibly consider a full-face mask, but my question concerns the machines themselves. I have heard that the ResMed S9 AutoSet does react to stuffiness in the nose, since that causes labored breathing (i.e., reduced air flow?), and increases the pressure. (My Weinmann does not.) Is this true, and does it help? I am talking about APAP machines, of course.

[Tigers Fan]

Keep it simple

Hi Apappy

A golden rule is to keep it as simple as is possible.

Let your APAP operate according to its algorithm. If you want a different algorithm, buy a new machine. The only way to alter the pressure of an APAP is to increase the minimum pressure and thus limit the automatic range.

Deal with your stuffy nose direct, as you suggest. A SinuPulse Elite is a very good way of dealing with nose blockages. Neti Pots, breathing steam and various chemicals all help.

TF

[csrivats]

I completely agree with Tigers Fan - Keep it simple..
The CPAP does cause breathing issues in some cases but it will settle down.
The important thing to remember is to make sure your CPAP gives your body and mind a good rest.

[symmit]

I am resorting to a fullface mask for nights when I know I'm going to have difficulty, and a little bit of menthol in the vaporiser

[Berneta]

Humidity

I found with the coming of winter I needed a higher setting on my humidifier. I set it at 4 now all the time, and only now and then have any stuffy nose problems. I think my house is dryer in winter, as its all closed up. You can go with the Neti-Pot etc--if that helps at keeping those germs at bay. x Berneta

[James @ Intus]

It can be a vicious circle. Nose gets stuffy/blocked, increase pressure, which can sometimes further inflame things, especially if the air is unconditioned. It's better to remove/prevent the blockage than to increase the pressure. But increased pressure will indeed ensure you get enough air volume through the now narrower paggaes to make sure CPAP remains effective.

But as has been said, if this is a common issue, try and tackle it before going to bed or indeed have a Full Facemask availabel for a quick swap-out during the night.