British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association

I've been using a CPAP machine for just a week now. It wasn't the cureall I'd hoped it would be, well, not yet, anyway! I have two main problems:

In the mornings my sinuses are really aggravated. I've now got a humidifier and, while it seems to make a little difference so far (day two), it hasn't stopped the blocking and irritation and very VERY puffy eyes!

I also have an excrutiatingly sore back/chest/all round my trunk(!) during the night. This has happened every night since I got the machine. The sleep apnoea nurse thought it was because I'm sleeping deeper than usual and therefore in one position more than usual and just feeling stiff. To me, it feels more like I've been sleeping in an awkward position (trying to keep the mask off the pillow) and reminds me of times I've slept on the floor at parties in the past! It passes once I'm up and moving around.

I'm interested to know if anyone else has either of these problems, especially the back pain. And if anyone has any tips for getting rid of them. I am sleeping more deeply but these two issues really mar my sleep.

Thanks!

Thanks for the welcome.

I have a Ultra Mirage Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear. I did wonder at first about the mask being too tight but, along with the sleep apnoea nurse, I've worked on it and it doesn't seem to be the case. The mask I have can be shifted outwards at the nose to reduce the pressure.

I forgot to mention I have allergic rhinitis (though, after 30 years of an allergy diagnosis, the goalposts changed and my diagnosis is now just "sensitive nasal passages"!). I read somewhere that CPAP can give people rhinitis so I guess mine is just severely aggravated.

I'm not at all keen to have to use a nasal spray on a regular basis - I've tried them in the past and they've never worked - but I guess I'll give it a try if I can't fix it otherwise.

I've only just got the humidifier - two nights so far - and started it at 2.5, as recommended by the nurse. I think I'll try it at 3 tonight and see how it goes.

I sleep on one side and then the other and end up on my back to ease the aching. I can't sleep on my stomach (too fat!) so I don't have any other positions to sleep in! I've not had the stomach cramps you speak of. I assume that's because you're swallowing air?

I've been looking at pillows for CPAP users on the internet but am too broke at the moment to get one. Might just try making one myself though!

I am hoping it's all just teething problems, as you say. I actually find the mask comforting - associated with sleeeeep! - so will certainly persevere.

The aching trunk is the worse of it, really (though I'm struggling very much with the effects of the sinusitis during the day), it's excruciating during the night, I can barely move and it - ironically - keeps me awake! I'd really like to hear if anyone else has experienced that too...

Thanks for the reply.

try putting a drop of alibus oil in the humidifier tank, it may help to open the air passages a bit when you breath, I must admit though the sleep position with cpap and mask is a trial and error situation, and one of the main issues I had was postioning the tube so the mask did not leak, or it getting trapped under me if I turned over.

Also when on your side try and put a pillow between your thighs you may have some twisting of your spine taking place, thus causing muscular aches, or have you had it checked out for other more sisnister things.

Do you mean "olbas oil"? I'm sure I read somewhere that you shouldn't use oils with CPAP machines?? Will need to see if I can find the reference.

My passages aren't blocked at all when I'm using the mask - no problems at all while I'm using the mask, only once I'm awake/up and about. The congestion is higher up than that and results in a constant drip down the back of my throat during the day, a general foggy head, plus the puffy eyes for the first couple of hours in the day. I've assumed it's sinusitis but perhaps I'm wrong.

I do have a prolapsed disk but the pain I'm experiencing isn't associated with that, I'm sure. I know the pain associated with the disk!

I have experienced this pain / stiffness on occasion before I started on the CPAP machine but have never worked out a reason for it.

Thanks for trying to help me solve it.

Sounds like sinusitis I have for years used albus oil, to inhale, and several have made coments to the same on this site, sorry about the miss spelling, only thing I could think of if affecting or cpap and humidifier, can be a staining of tank.

But if not a problem on a night time not an issue, I use to suffer chroniclly with sinus issues, one definate test if they are inflamed when bending over do you feel as if your head is goig to fall further and or hurts more? The medics use to say we need to inhale hot steam 3 to 4 times per day, but for no more than 5 days, as the dilating of the passages can do more damage if continued. also I use to massage the soft tissue above my eyes with vick as that could help to relief the pressure, also there are such sprays that gives relief for utpo 8 hours.

With regards to your back it sounds as if you have run the mill with that and having disk probelms, very painfull.

keep your pecker up.

Hi Tightrope....My sinus problems were solved last Feb, when I started using jala neti.....
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=751&p=6097&hilit=#p6097

My back problems which used to keep me off work were solved in 2002 when I took the advice of this Australian lady, and did spinal decompression using a wooden backblock..
http://www.sarahkey.com/index.cfm

Read the customer reviews for this book..
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sarah-Keys-Back ... 401&sr=1-1
I do the exercises once a week, they take me about 10 minutes, but I have not suffered with any backpain ever since 2002! I'm not saying they will work for everyone, but I think if they are done properly they will! Ken

Is there a natural alternative to antibiotics to treat sinusitis? I have occasional bouts with sinusitis and sinus infections from flying and traveling from one climate to another within days. This causes face pain, headaches and dizziness as a result of fullness in the ears. The only option physicians seem to offer is antibiotics (up to fourteen days' worth at a time) and decongestants. I understand though that taking antibiotics too often can wear down the natural immune system. Any alternatives?

there are two suggestions I can make plus some tips

1) inhalations of pure essential oils either using the old fashioned "towel + bowl of hot water" or a humidifier. I recommend eucalyptus, rosemary and peppermint. 3 to 5 doses per day, 5 minute inhalation - for 10 days or so. Non toxic, immune response stimulating and cheap. Just dont do it too clost to bedtime as it is stimulatory. I suffer with sinusitis but since using this method it is under control. I attack the virus with it at the first sign

2) use of colloidal silver has been reported to have good results - you will have to research this.

3) do not use over the counter inhalers like Vicks Cinex. These are intended for short term use only and can iritate the sinus membranes and make the problem worse. There is an excellent prescription only spray called Dexa-rhinospray which your doctor can subscribe - very good for clearing blocked passages but it is not a cure.

The aromatherapy solution is best as it helps you fight the infection and become more immune.

all the best