Runny, cold nose since beginning cpap

My nose has been colder than normal and running constantly since I've begun using the machine. Is that normal? It's nice not waking up with a dry nose but this is annoying too.

I also noticed rainout the last two nights so I need to review the topics on that I've noticed here.

Try turning down your humidifier. Get a 'hose cosy' (or make one - it's like a flannel or some other fabric cover for the hose... a 3-4" piece you hem up the long side) and it can make a big difference. Make sure your machine's on a level the same as or lower than your head... water can't run uphill .

You have the PR S1 machine. The default humidifier setting is for the new System One humidification system....It reduces chance of rain out but it also produces less heat and thus less moisture. This feature (less heat) was one of my main complaints using the new method of humidification...even at max setting the air was simply too cold for comfort...so cold it would wake me up with "ice cube nose".

There is another mode of operation with the PR S1 machine. It's a setting available in the clinical setup menu...explained in the provider/clinical manual...Do you have the manual?
It's called Classic Mode which essentially is the old fashioned way of adding moisture heat only. So the air will be warmer and more comfortable but this also increases the amount of moisture in the air so also increases chance of rain out.

If you reduce the setting on the humidifier now...the air will only get colder and you won't like it if you already are saying air is cold.

Your runny nose symptoms very well could be that you aren't getting enough moisture but it also could be that you are getting too much. This symptom is weird...some people need more humidity and some people need less. It's highly individualized and something you must play around with to see which way you are going to be. If you are using a lower setting on the humidifier now...and in the new system one humidification mode...I would increase it and not decrease it because you are already getting a lower delivered humidity amount...this default mode simply doesn't use as much water.
Nasal mucosa swelling is the cause of the congestion, runny nose, sneezes, etc...even sinus pressure. Very similar to an allergy attack. Some people this response is from too much added moisture but it also happens when we aren't getting enough moisture.
I happen to need a lot of moisture or my nasal mucosa act up something awful creating totally miserable days.
Some people need less humidity....there is no right or wrong amount that works for everyone...this you will have to figure out on your own...if playing the odds from what I have read is that most people need a little more.

Rain out is a byproduct of moisture in the hose or mask or both and bedroom temperature. It's more of a problem in winter than summer because we tend to have bedroom temps much cooler in winter.
BUT we can also have rain out in the mask from the moisture in our own exhaled breath and the cooler temps...I know people who aren't using a humidifier at all that will have rain out...so it's all from the moisture held in exhaled air.

So your options are...try classic mode which would add more warmth to help the cold nose...might make rain out worse.
Try increasing bedroom temperature. Add a hose cozy.
Is the rain out only in the mask or is it in the hose also?
I use a barrel cozy to help insulate my nasal pillows because I get rainout in my nasal pillows even with the ClimateLine heated hose. Heated hose will help but doesn't always mean never having rain out.
If your PR S1 is a 50 series machine their 60 series heated hose won't work but there are stand alone heated hoses that will help.
I used one until I got the S9 machine which has a heated hose.
When I first started therapy there were no heated hoses and I battled significant rain out for 2 winters.

Heated hose will greatly help the ice cube nose syndrome too.

Your profile shows a 50 series machine...you might look on the bottom of your machine to make sure that what you have chosen is correct (people often pick the wrong machine from the menu)...look for a 3 digit model number on a sticker...if it says x50...that is 50 series...if it says X60...that is 60 series and there is a heated hose option for that machine.

Not everyone needs humidifiers - I havent used one since the first month. I do use a hose cozy for moderately cool rooms and a heated hose for very cold weather.

I had some issues with the heat/humidity settings initially. One of the first times I used the machine I had a runny nose (I think it's always allergy season here in town) so I decided to turn off the heat/humidity completely. I was still getting used to the machine and woke up soon after and one problem was my nose was freezing so I decided to turn the heater back to the middle setting (suggested by the DME lady). I had asked my sleep doc about my allergy issues and using nasal pillows. He said that my nasal allergies should settle down while breathing through the machine due to the HEPA filtered air. I've found that this is true in that my runny nose dries up through the night, even with using heat/humidity.

Today my nose is red and runny, it's really annoying!

I'm not sure I'm following all of the advice- I understand the advice about getting either a heated hose or warmer. But what is the advice for the runny nose? Turning up the humidifier?

melindy wrote:But what is the advice for the runny nose? Turning up the humidifier?

Some people need more moisture...so turn up the humidity.
Some people need less moisture...so turn down the humidity.

We don't know which way you are going to be because this is a highly individualized need. This is something you will need to play with to see which way your body is going to lean.

What setting are you using now?

Ok thanks. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something besides find what's right for me.

I'm using a 2 currently and my nose isn't cold during the night. Just all day. And extremely runny.

melindy wrote:I'm using a 2 currently and my nose isn't cold during the night. Just all day. And extremely runny.

A setting of 2 on the PR S1 machine in the default new humidification mode is going to be delivering a relatively small amount of added moisture.
With your runny nose...I would try 3 or 4 setting and see if it gets better or worse with more moisture.

It might take a couple of days to notice a change to the better but worse should be pretty evident.

Also...go get something like Simply Saline spray and use it during the day...if the nasal mucosa are dried out...it will help rehydrate and it won't hurt things. Might help the runny nose go away quicker.

I found when I dried my nasal mucosa out by accident (forgot to fill the tank and it went dry) that it took about 3 days for my nasal mucosa to forgive me and get back to normal.

I've been using a 3 the last few days and its not too bad.

I am at a conference and not sleeping nearly as well as I was at home with it but I think the runny nose is better at least.