My husband has developed severe allergies that have lasted off and on for about 9 months. Runny nose, sneezing, etc... for 2 weeks at a time, then a few days off, then the symptoms come back. He has been using the cpap machine prior to this for about 2 years. After ruling out that it was seasonal allergies, and trying both traditional and alternative healing modalities, he is still experiencing terrible allergic reactions, with no sure cause. It can happen anywhere, any time, with no consistency. He was tested for allergies, and he does have sensitivity to dust, and pet dander, but again....he can go for a week with no symptoms, and then they come back for 10 to 14 days and go away eventually. Anybody experience this? No one seems to be able to help him and he is getting very depressed. I think this cpap machine is the culprit. Any thoughts?
Did some searching on other cpap forums and found out that a lot of people who never ever had allergies, start having them after using the cpap machine. Some, abandon the machine altogether, and some regulate their hydration to avoid sneezing and nasal congestion upon awakening. There seems to be little recognition from the cpap suppliers as to the prevalence of this disorder, nor do Drs. seem to be aware of this problem. We have spent 9 months, going to a family physician, nutrition therapist(natural foods, herbal immune therapy), ENT specialist, and currently with an allergist MD, and have not gotten any relief from the constant symptoms of sneezing, runny and or stuffed nose with post nasal drip. After reading about all the people that have the same problems, and are cpap users, we are stopping the cpap use, and seeing if he improves. Our dilemna is, that he has severe apnea, and we know that he will be harming his health by not getting adequate oxygen, as well as the loud snoring will require us to sleep apart. We are investigating, various other mouth inserts, both prescribed as well as the Aveo tsd, which is fairly cheap ($150) and has had pretty good reviews, with no harmful results.
Last edited by qwerto; 02-01-2011 at 08:39 AM.
Reason: found out after searching, that on several cpap forums, allergic symptoms are very common in cpap population.
The Following User Says Thank You to qwerto For This Useful Post: mojo65 (07-26-2012)
I am having the exact same trouble; could have written this post myself. Have you had any luck finding help? I am desperate and have a return visit to the allergist, but I know he won't be able to do anything. I did have my machine cleaned and got some new equipment, but it doesn't seem to be helping. My sinus' are so sensitive, they hurt when I go out in the cold or put any type of nasal spray in them. I really would like to know if you've been able to get any help.
Hi in the past when in cold with sensitive nose breathing into a mittened hand instead of direct cold air was helpful to be more comfortable. I would not worry about how it looks since we have bodies we must live with.
My husband has developed severe allergies that have lasted off and on for about 9 months. Runny nose, sneezing, etc... for 2 weeks at a time, then a few days off, then the symptoms come back. He has been using the cpap machine prior to this for about 2 years. After ruling out that it was seasonal allergies, and trying both traditional and alternative healing modalities, he is still experiencing terrible allergic reactions, with no sure cause. It can happen anywhere, any time, with no consistency. He was tested for allergies, and he does have sensitivity to dust, and pet dander, but again....he can go for a week with no symptoms, and then they come back for 10 to 14 days and go away eventually. Anybody experience this? No one seems to be able to help him and he is getting very depressed. I think this cpap machine is the culprit. Any thoughts?
Did some searching on other cpap forums and found out that a lot of people who never ever had allergies, start having them after using the cpap machine. Some, abandon the machine altogether, and some regulate their hydration to avoid sneezing and nasal congestion upon awakening. There seems to be little recognition from the cpap suppliers as to the prevalence of this disorder, nor do Drs. seem to be aware of this problem. We have spent 9 months, going to a family physician, nutrition therapist(natural foods, herbal immune therapy), ENT specialist, and currently with an allergist MD, and have not gotten any relief from the constant symptoms of sneezing, runny and or stuffed nose with post nasal drip. After reading about all the people that have the same problems, and are cpap users, we are stopping the cpap use, and seeing if he improves. Our dilemna is, that he has severe apnea, and we know that he will be harming his health by not getting adequate oxygen, as well as the loud snoring will require us to sleep apart. We are investigating, various other mouth inserts, both prescribed as well as the Aveo tsd, which is fairly cheap ($150) and has had pretty good reviews, with no harmful results.
I have restarted using the CPAP machine about 2 months now and suddenly yesterday I woke up with severe allergy - sneezing, watery eyes and constant nasal dripping nonstop. I took several meds including a zyrtec, an allegra, a benadryl, alkaseltzer tabs, homeopathic allergy cure, tricholoro and yet I am still dripping on the second day. SYmptons have improved a little. My CPAP has a humidifier. I am wondering what could have gone wrong. This also happened in the past a few times. ANy suggestion would help.
Greetings! Well this is not a promise of anything only things to consider. A mask and tube change might have been needed. A latex allergy or chemical allergy to the chemicals of plastic manufacture might be a problem. Habits of cleanliness and keeping hands away from face may help a bit with any potential germ difficulties.
I might try a warm face cloth 3 minutes followed by 30 seconds of cold and repeat this 3 times finishing with cold dry well and go to bed for the night. I might do this once a night for a few days to see if it helps. Medicines in the long run may simply load the kidneys and liver with difficulties and obviously did not seem to help the body at all and the problems seems to be there anyway in my opinion. Of course everyone makes their own health care choices in life and a naturopath or doctor who specializes in upper respiratory care might be able to help if desired Peace, sjb
Last edited by sjb; 02-08-2013 at 03:27 PM.
Reason: additions and disclaimer
This may be much to obvious, but I will add it anyway. I wash and dry my hose and mask daily, and change filters about twice as often as recommended. I use my humidifier as well. I can imagine how frustrated this can be.
cpap machine and allergies 
