How To Breathe Through Your Nose For More Comfortable CPAP Therapy

© 2024 Super Sleep MD

All rights reserved. All information presented on this guide is for informational purposes only and is not

intended to serve as medical advice. The content here is not intended to replace a relationship between you and your medical provider.

These are Dr. Wells' recommendations for a DIY kit to keep your nose open--and your mouth closed! Nasal breathing makes CPAP therapy more comfortable.

All of these items can obtained from your CPAP supplier or your local pharmacy. Generic versions of medications can save money.

ALLERGY MEDICATION Allergy medications that cause drowsiness (such as diphenhydramine, or Benadryl) can give you a hangover effect. May need oral/eye lubricant with decongestant versions.

Cetirizine (Zyrtec), fexofenadine (Allegra), levocetirizine (Xyzal), and loratadine (Alavert, Claritin).

DECONGESTANT MEDICATION Contains pseudoephedrine. Use as needed for nasal congestion. May need oral/eye lubricant with decongestants.

CAUTION: For all medications, consult your doctor or pharmacist for drug interactions, contraindications, and side effects.

CHIN STRAP Can use regularly or as needed for mouth opening during sleep. A chin strap is flexible and soft. It may take some getting used to- using it consistently is key.

EYE (ocular) GEL or OINTMENT Compared to eye drops, lubricant gels and ointments last longer and are better for nighttime use. You may need these products for eye dryness or for use with a decongestant medication.

© 2024 Super Sleep MD

All rights reserved. All information presented on this guide is for informational purposes only and is not

intended to serve as medical advice. The content here is not intended to replace a relationship between you and your medical provider.

NASAL SALINE SPRAY OR RINSE Good for loosening and removing nasal mucus.

It's a saltwater solution, so you can use it as needed or regularly, even several times per day.

Works well for nasal hygiene during allergy season to wash out irritants and pollens from inside your nose.

HOW TO USE A NASAL SPRAY

1

Gently blow your nose or use nasal saline to clear out mucus.

STEROID NASAL SPRAY

2

Tilt your head forward.

A topical steroid spray reduces nasal swelling. This is best for chronic or seasonal nasal congestion.

3

Hold the spray bottle upright as shown above.

Need to use consistently for at least 2-3 days to be effective.

4

Insert the tip of the spray bottle just inside one nostril.

One spray in each nostril (with chin to chest) at bedtime or twice daily.

5

Apply one spray as prescribed.

Breathe in as you spray.

Brush teeth or rinse mouth after use.

Fluticasone (Flonase), triamcinolone (Nasacort AQ), budesonide (Rhinocort AQUA), or generic.

Repeat the steps for the other nostril.

OXYMETAZOLINE SPRAY Use sparingly.

Not to exceed 2 doses/24 hours for 3-5 days!

Works fast to reduce nasal swelling. 2-3 drops or sprays per nostril before bed.

Afrin, Duramist Plus, Dristan 12 Hr, Cheracol Nasal, Duration, Genasal, QlearQuil 12 Hour Nasal Decongestant Moisturizing Spray, Sinarest 12 Hour, and Vicks Sinex 12 Hour.

© 2024 Super Sleep MD

All rights reserved. All information presented on this guide is for informational purposes only and is not

intended to serve as medical advice. The content here is not intended to replace a relationship between you and your medical provider.

NASAL STRIPS Breathe Right or any other brand. Follow package instructions for application. You can use nasal strips with your CPAP mask to open your nose.

MOUTH (ORAL) LUBRICANTS Many versions and brands. Use regularly for dry mouth (promotes gum health) or as needed.

Biotene, Xylemelts, others.

MEDICAL GRADE TAPE Can use regularly or as needed to keep your mouth from opening during sleep. Not for bedpartner use to avoid nighttime conversation.

EXTRA CPAP FILTERS Remember to check your CPAP filters regularly and replace as needed, since dirty filters can contribute to nasal congestion.

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"Dr Wells is an expert in sleep medicine and CPAP therapy. She is very detailed and thorough in her knowledge and teaching. I highly recommend her for anyone who has sleep apnea. I learned more from her than the three other sleep specialists I went to beforehand."

-Audrey F. © 2024 Super Sleep MD All rights reserved. All information presented on this guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice. The content here is not intended to replace a relationship between you and your medical provider.