Trigger warning: Old man, non-powerlifter post alert...

'Have a CPAP, and have used religiously for years. I'm on my second one, Resmed. I started having an insane allergy reaction when I wake up, after taking it off; sneezing, runny nose, for a good part of the day. I realize it's drying out my sinuses and my body is trying to compensate. I've had the same reaction turning up the humidifier up to max. It started when I bought a cleaner, then I got paranoid about the cleaner, but I have the same reaction on just the CPAP. With shoulder surgery recovery, I haven't been using it and my nose is fine. 'Saw the doc yesterday and he's gonna refer me for another sleep study. I'm sure I'll wind up private paying for whatever 'cause my insurance sux. I wish I could go without it, but the wife needs her sleep. (She snores too, but that's a whole 'nother issue. )

What do y'all recommend?

Been pretty happy with my Resmed. Recently changed to a mask that covers my mouth but still sits under my nose. No fancy cleaner, I just let the hose, mask, and water chamber sit in a tub of dishwashing soap for 24hrs before rinsing and letting it air dry for the next 2 days. I alternate between 2 sets of equipment.

I have two machines, a resmed 11 and a new Phillips dream station they sent after the old one was recalled. I prefer the Philips over the Resmed, it ramps up and down smoother, and the mask I use is more comfortable. The Phillips does not run out of water as fast, and seems to dry me out less. I think it may be to not having heated tubing opposed to the Resmed.

Its all about the mask.

I take a q-tip with AYR gel on it and coat the inside of my nose. Helps from drying out. I have a ResMed too . use only nose pillows. I spray the nose piece every morning with a CPAP spray. I put the headgear in with my clothes washing once a week.

Clean the hose about once a month.

Once a month?! How often do you clean your water chamber?

I guess I’m just nasty

I've also been happy with my Resmed AutoSense 10, and I used the Phillips Dreamwear under-nose mask which is actually pretty comfortable. Unfortunately, this place is so polluted thanks to China that it's tough for me to wear it with any regularity as I'm constantly congested every night.

I sanitize with a SoClean.

Once every three months or so

KEY is only using distilled water.

I use a headgear similar to the one shown above. Works great, my mouth stays shut.

I only use distilled water also, but I get sinus infections if I don't clean my equipment on my schedule. Professionals suggest daily cleaning.

Hey Creek, Best units today are Resmed S10 or S11 as Phillips Respironics are unable to sell paps until they get more of their recalled units repaired or replaced. I mention them as some patients do prefer their start up pressure algorithm. They do expect to be back in the market later this year.

About your reaction how long has it been since you changed your mask, tubing, cushions, water chamber, and filters as any of these being old can cause your issues. A couple other suggestions what are you using to wash these items with? Are there any candles or air fresheners that plug in that could be the cause? Hope one of these may help but if not shoot me a pm and we can discuss. While I am far from a subject matter expert I do have access to some that are.

I use a ResMed as well with a mask that covers mouth and rests under nose.
The app helps me to keep up with usage.

I have a ResMed Airense11 Auto Set and it works good for me. I have CPAP wipes that I clean the mask, mask holder and the quick connect with every day. I wash mask/headgear every week along with the hose, water tank and the hose to tank piece as well. Put a new air filter on every 15 days. No heated hose, but I can change the humidity setting on the machine as needed.
Gook luck.

Creek, pour some scotch in a glass and leave it by the air intake when you go to bed. Problem solved.