April Showers Bring May Flowers and Allergies!

Tips to using a CPAP during allergy season.

“April showers bring May flowers” means that it’s time for fun outdoor activities with friends and family. But for people who live with seasonal allergies and sleep apnea, the first sign of spring can mean the beginning of restless nights, nasal congestion, and challenging CPAP therapy.

The following tips can help you get the most out of your CPAP during the changing seasons:

• Keep your CPAP equipment clean at all times. – Regular cleaning and sanitizing your CPAP supplies to limit bacterial growth that can occur from even the smallest pockets of moisture, is a must.

• Switch to hypoallergenic filters. – Use hypoallergenic filters to prevent the smallest particles from entering your airways and causing an increase in your seasonal allergy symptoms.

• Use a full-face CPAP mask during allergy season. – Try switching to a full – faced mask. During allergy season, when your nose is clogged, and your mouth is doing most of the breathing, a nasal CPAP mask is not the most optimal option to receive the full benefits of using a CPAP machine.

• Wash your pillow cases, animals and your hair regularly. – Invisible dust particles and other allergens that land on your pillowcases, pets and you can increase your seasonal allergy symptoms. Regularly wash your pillow cases, pets and your hair and consider purchasing hypoallergenic pillowcases to decrease your allergy symptoms.

• Transfer your plants outdoors. – Remove plants from your sleeping area as they often harbor mildew which can make your allergies worse at night.

• Quit smoking. – Smoking, sleep apnea, and seasonal allergies is a very dangerous combination. In order to dramatically improve your overall health and get the restful sleep your body needs, put down the pipe or cigarette and get rid of the ash trays.

• Close your windows and doors. – As the season brings warmer weather expect increased pollen counts. Keep windows and doors closed at all times in order to keep pollen out of your home while reducing seasonal allergy symptoms.

• Consult with your physician about using decongestants. – If you have made al the changes suggested and are still struggling with nasal congestion caused by seasonal allergies, talk to your doctor about using over-the-counter or prescribed allergy medications to help manage your symptoms.