Allergic to my first APAP

[sleepribbon]

Hello two years ago when I was diagnosed I bought the res med auto Pap for her. I struggled for two years with terrible nasal congestion when using it. I had to wake up several times a night to try to decongest my nose.
It caused a lot of sinus pressure for me.

So I asked the doctor if I could try a BiPAP. Yes said sure, So now I have the res med auto titrated BiPAP.
It said ok my report an 11 was required for control.
And I’m under 5 apnea’s every night.
At diagnosis I was have 60 apnea’s. And my oxygen was dipping down to 77.

The first night on the bipap was such a huge difference I actually slept all night without having to wake up and try to unstuff my nose. It’s been life-changing...

I couldn’t believe it was true so I went back and tried using the APAP for her for a week. And sure enough I had horrible nasal congestion. It’s almost like I’m allergic to the APAP for her.

The doctor really didn’t have any explanation. I find so often that the sleep doctor does not have a lot of knowledge, except for reading the initial sleep report.

I’m wondering why this happened? Any ideas?
I am so so grateful for a good nights sleep!

Thank you in advance for any replies! Zzzzzz

[Pugsy]

Never heard of that as being a true allergy.
Now it is very common for the humidity setting to cause allergy like symptoms.
So my first suspect is the humidity settings or maybe there was a problem with first machine delivering the correct humidity.

[ChicagoGranny]

The first night on the bipap was such a huge difference I actually slept all night without having to wake up and try to unstuff my nose. It’s been life-changing...

I couldn’t believe it was true so I went back and tried using the APAP for her for a week. And sure enough I had horrible nasal congestion. It’s almost like I’m allergic to the APAP for her.

Like Pugsy, I suspect a change in the humidifier. But, what are the Bilevel pressure settings, and what were the APAP pressure settings?

[sleepribbon]

Hi they are the same settings. Except the bipap goes down on exhale. It’s goes up to an 11.
I just don’t understand why. Humidity is the same on both. I set it at 4. It’s the oddest thing.
Thank you for the replies!
Zzzzz......

[Pugsy]

Pressure settings don't normally cause congestion in the nose but they can sure cause problems inhale and exhale in terms of comfort and ease.
Congestion issues and problems inhaling and exhaling aren't necessarily the same thing.

Exactly what are all the settings on the bilevel machine and what are all the settings on the APAP?

[Dog Slobber]

Perhaps the humidifier isn't working properly on the APAP.

[palerider]

Perhaps the humidifier isn't working properly on the APAP.

Or, on the bilevel.

[Dog Slobber]

Perhaps the humidifier isn't working properly on the APAP.

Or, on the bilevel.

+1

[Julie]

Just try lowering the humidity setting for a couple of nights (to 1-2 instead of 4) and you may see a nice change. If ambient humidity is already high 'enough', adding more will add congestion, not helpful.

[archangle]

Same hose and mask?

You may be able to set the BiPAP to the exact same settings as the APAP. Or try some things like fixed settings on the APAP, Assuming you want to experiment.

Change the filter and clean the water tank thoroughly. Swap the water tanks if they're the same model.

Me, I find my CPAP reduces nasal congestion. I think it may be mechanical pressure forcing water out of my nasal tissues, reducing swelling. However, there are a lot of complicated feedback and regulatory functions in the airway, so it's complicated.