Hello, Joan -
Clarificaton: You are asking about the pillow mask for your AirCurve 10 CPAP machine and are wondering why your nose still is congested?
The AirCurve 10 is manufactured by ResMed. One of the support pages on the ResMed website (homepage:
https://www.resmed.com/us/en/consumer.html
has some Frequently Asked Questions on getting used to your machine:
https://www.resmed.com/us/en/consumer/support/devices/getting-used-to-your-device.html
From that web page:
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I'm experiencing a dry throat or nasal congestion while using my device. What are my options?
A.
Try using a humidifier. Using a PAP machine or other sleep apnea therapy device can sometimes lead to drying and congestion of the throat, nose, and mouth because the airflow generated by the machine is often greater than what your body is accustomed to humidifying on its own. Humidifiers and heated tubes can increase the amount of humidity in the "inspired air" (the air which surrounds you before you inhale it) and may help counteract these symptoms and help make therapy more comfortable.
Talk to your healthcare professional about a nasal decongestant. Nasal allergies and congestion may result in "mouth breathing"' during the night, which dries the throat and mouth and can negatively affect your sleep apnea therapy. Talk to your doctor to find out if using a nasal decongestant or antihistamine may help alleviate this issue.
Talk to your doctor or equipment supplier about chinstraps. Sometimes, during sleep apnea treatment, people unknowingly open their mouths during the night, resulting in a dry throat and mouth. Using a chinstrap may help keep your mouth closed while you sleep.
Talk to your doctor about switching to a full face mask. Chronic nasal allergies or other nasal problems such as a deviated septum can make breathing through your nose difficult. A full face mask, which lets you breathe through your mouth during the night, could be the answer.
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Of course you have to make sure the mask and other parts for the machine are scrupulously cleaned on a regular basis, following the user manual.
Best wishes.
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