Deviated Septum and OSA

mgoflash · Post by **mgoflash** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 11:43 am

For years before developing OSA I have had a deviated septum. I have had relative success with a Respironics Auto CPAP and Activa mask. But I can't lose the feeling that since I basically use only one nostril, that I am not getting enough airlflow. Is there a system that is better for people with deviated septums? Is a nasal pillow systme better for that than a nasal mask. Any suggestions would be appreciated

ahujudybear · Post by **ahujudybear** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 11:49 am

Hi MGO!

I use a Swift for short sleeps & naps. One of my nostrils is weaker than the other and the air pillow device tends to mash it now & then. When that happens, much of the air blows out of the vents with a loud whooshing noise. It's enough to wake me up to adjust it so both nostrils are open.

I'm far from an expert, but I would think that a nasal mask might at least be less noisy?

(Wonder if there is a way to plug up one of the nasal pieces - in a way that the plug will not dislodge while you sleep?)

- JB

snork1 · Post by **snork1** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 7:51 pm

My advice, based on my experience, is if your nose isn't working, CPAP won't REALLY work. Get it fixed would be my advice, so that both nostrils work well.

I did and I am soooo glad I got my nose working. NOW my CPAP is working!

Your gut feel about this is correct.

In my opinion

Janelle · Post by **Janelle** » Sun Jun 19, 2005 1:44 pm

I have a deviated septum too, but I can still breath through that side quite well. In fact I have two deviations in there. Probably one of the reasons you are having trouble breathing through that side is congestion. Try using a steroid nasal spray at bedtime. This will do away with any congestion present for usually 24 hours. You will find that using the heated humidifier will gradually help this congestion too and you won't even need the spray after a few months. Or at least this is what has happened to me. I had a followup with my ENT 6 months after starting CPAP and she said that my nasal passages (both of them) were greatly reduced in tissue congestion.

But if your deviation is so severe you can get no air through there at all, even with decongestants, I'd definitely have surgery to correct the deviation. Have you been to an ENT to evaluate your nasal and oral cavity. Perhaps your adenoids are also swollen and affecting your nasal air flow.