CPAP and Allergies

If you use CPAP equipment to treat your sleep apnea, summer time can bring about wonderful warm weather – but also seasonal allergies. This presents some unique challenges. As a CPAP user, the right equipment, proper care, and extra personal attention can make all the difference.

Symptoms of Congestion from Seasonal Allergies

If you have allergies, sometimes called hay fever, then you probably are very familiar with runny, watery eyes and nasal congestion. This is caused by pollen and other irritants in the air you breathe. When you can no longer breathe through your nose, you obviously have to breathe through your mouth. This makes breathing more difficult and tends to dry out your nose and mouth. Humidifying the air you breathe can help bring relief and comfort.

Humidifier for Allergy Relief

Having summer time allergies can be difficult for anyone, and even more so if you use a CPAP machine. Getting a machine that allows the air you breathe to be both heated and humidified can help relieve nasal congestion and assist in better sleeps. Check your machine to see if it already has settings to allow for moisture. You can adjust for the humidity levels that you prefer and account for your geographic location.

Also consider using a full face mask during prime allergy season. This helps ensure you get the full benefits of your CPAP machine even when you need to breathe through your mouth.

Preventing Allergy Symptoms

In addition to a CPAP humidifier, you can get extra relief by doing the following:

• Close windows at night to minimize pollen exposure.
• Take a cool shower before bed to remove pollen from your hair or body.
• Replace air conditioner filters.
• Wear fresh pajamas that haven’t been exposed to the outdoors.

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