does post nasal drip effect breathing?

[gabagoo]

I am pulling at straws here as it seems every night I always wake up anywhere from 1-4 hours into sleep with a small problem that usually ends up with me being awake and not falling asleep or ripping the mask off to get back to sleep. I don't seem to be bothered by this problem at the beginning of sleep and wonder if it is caused by a small post nasal drip issue. The problem is that when I exhale it is almost like something in my wind pipe shuts for a split second causing the mask and even the tube to convulse slightly and waking me up. When it happens and I am awake it seems to happen every few exhales and I find that if I breathe out very smoothly and calmly it does not happen...at that point I am awake and annoyed...lol
Anyone else experience this and if so is there a solution?

[LSAT]

You have been here for a while now, it would be very helpful if you would put your equipment into your profile. You have been asked before....It's hard to diagnose problems without specific information.

[prodigyplace]

Sinus drainage can definitely affect breathing & CPAP use. The degree of effect would depend on your mask.

I have been suffering sinus drainage issues due to allergies the past couple of nights with my nasal pillows. One night I slept for a few hours without the mask. That was definitely not ideal but I have not yet "made good friends" with a full face mask to enable mouth breathing for the occasional times this happens.

[ChicagoGranny]

when I exhale it is almost like something in my wind pipe shuts for a split second

That's called an "apnea".