So, I've been using CPAP for almost two months, and last week I switched from a nasal mask to the Mirage Swift nasal pillows . . . it took me a couple days to get used to, but so far so good.

And then yesterday and this morning I woke up feeling like my ears were clogged (kind of like when you fly on an airplane and they need to be popped).  I'm not sure if this is CPAP related, or if I'm in the beginning stages of an ear infection.

Does anyone here have any experience with this?  Could I be inadvertently blocking my airway (w/my tongue) in my sleep and forcing air into my ears?

skitter wrote:

So, I've been using CPAP for almost two months, and last week I switched from a nasal mask to the Mirage Swift nasal pillows . . . it took me a couple days to get used to, but so far so good.

And then yesterday and this morning I woke up feeling like my ears were clogged (kind of like when you fly on an airplane and they need to be popped).  I'm not sure if this is CPAP related, or if I'm in the beginning stages of an ear infection.

Does anyone here have any experience with this?  Could I be inadvertently blocking my airway (w/my tongue) in my sleep and forcing air into my ears?

Hi Skitter,

I suffered from that a few times, usually around the time I might have a cold.

Doctor explained to me that 'gunge' or an infection can be blown back into the inner ear by the force of the cpap air. On one occassion I had to get an ENT surgeon to clean out the ears. Your problem MIGHT be attributable to the change in interface. I suggest you talk to your doctor about it as there is no point in allowing it develop.

On the plus side (fingers crossed) I haven't had this problem for a few years now.

Daniel


_________________
The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)

Thanks, Daniel.  I have a call in to my ENT and am waiting to hear back . . . luckily I work down the hall from his office, so if he can fit me in, I can just drop by quickly and have him take a look.

I've had my ears "pop" a few times.  I know it's from the CPAP cause I was awake and wearing the cpap when it occurred.  I even had them stay that way for a couple of days.

I attribute it to my clogged sinuses.  Once they cleared up, the problem went with it.  

skitter wrote:

So, I've been using CPAP for almost two months, and last week I switched from a nasal mask to the Mirage Swift nasal pillows . . . it took me a couple days to get used to, but so far so good.

And then yesterday and this morning I woke up feeling like my ears were clogged (kind of like when you fly on an airplane and they need to be popped).  I'm not sure if this is CPAP related, or if I'm in the beginning stages of an ear infection.

Does anyone here have any experience with this?  Could I be inadvertently blocking my airway (w/my tongue) in my sleep and forcing air into my ears?

Happens to me every night the first time I swallow with my mask on... then it dissipates after a bit, until I swallow "wrong" again.

Valerie


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=^) Valerie