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Does a deviated septum cause sleep apnoea? Can you use CPAP with a blocked nose? Which mask works best? Your questions answered.
Sometimes, your nose is not co-operative at night. One side fills up then flip and the other side fills up, and by 3 am you are in bed with your mouth agape, wondering why you even bother going to bed. Now when we introduce a diagnosis of sleep apnoea (or when someone suspects sleep apnoea), it becomes more complex. Does the outermost portion of the nose that is crooked have to be brought out of the way? Will it harm your CPAP?
Let's untangle that. Although both are related, not synonymous; people with a deviated septum may benefit from CPAP as well. The only thing that could be different is the type of mask you wear.What Is a Deviated Septum?
Your nose is separated down the middle with a thin wall of cartilage and bone, which is called the septum. It is most conveniently located in the center. Realistically, hardly anyone does. Just a little crooked on one side and if not much, you won't know.
The narrow side is short if it leans heavily. When you have a cold or hay fever it makes it worse as the lining becomes swollen and even less space is available.
You might notice:
- An always-stuffed-up nose
- Having to work to breathe through your nose
- Noisy breathing when you’re asleep
- Nosebleeds that occur repeatedly or are recurrently caused by dryness
- An impediment to sleep difficulty sleeping on one side
For many people, there is no need to take any action on it. Talking to your GP is a good idea if it's not sorted out or if you are having trouble sleeping.
Does it lead to sleep apnoea?
Not on its own. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a disorder of the throat. During sleep, the airway at the back of the tongue constricts or collapses, breathing ceases, and your brain rouses you half-asleep to begin breathing once again. A deviated septum is high up at the front of the nose different in location and in mechanism.
A blocked nose may cause some individuals to start breathing through their mouths at night, which can make snoring worse. But family history, age, weight, jaw and throat shape, and chronic congestion are among the other causes of OSA. If you snore, feel tired upon waking, or your partner tells you that you gasp for air in your sleep have a check-up. Don’t assume that a nasal procedure alone is going to fix sleep apnoea.
Will It Be Harder to Use CPAP With a Blocked Nose?
Possibly. CPAP forces air into your airway, which may cause it to feel constricted, and a small nostril may make it harder to effectively use a mask that forces air through the nose. This is the usual disadvantage of a nasal mask or nasal pillow mask.
It is not a dead end, however, it is not. Lots of individuals with septal deviation do take pleasure in using their CPAP. The solution is normally a change of mask and/or moisture or removal of the blockage.
When your nose is fussy, you'll definitely need a mask to make breathing easy.
No one can say what the one best mask is. The answer lies in the amount of air flow your nose has, if your mouth falls open once you are outside, and what is comfortable for you all night long. You can experiment with a few styles, it's normal.
Which Mask Works Best With a Deviated Septum?
This is one which is limited to covering your nose. If there is enough resistance to air entering the mask, a nasal mask will suffice for a patient who has a bent septum. Refrain from judging within 10 minutes of sitting on the couch. The important thing is if your nose stays up at 4am.
The minimalist option. Two soft cushions, just at your nostrils and not much mask on your face. It's preferred by those who wear glasses or make book-in-bed like statements.
The downside? The air goes straight up the nostrils, and if the side is too small, the Nasal pillow mask can be strong or uncomfortable. There is no nose in a smaller mask.
Covers nose & mouth. It's convenient if you lack adequate airways through your nose, or if you are a mouth breather while sleeping. If you've got a blocked or congested nose, this style can work for you.
It won't touch the septum, mind you. It only gives a second entrance to the air.
Is CPAP causing my nose to be worse?
This can make it seem like that. Very common complaints during the first couple of weeks are sore, blocked noses. This is due to a leaky or poorly-fitted mask, and can usually be resolved with a heated humidifier. Checking the fit of the mask and to alert health care providers to the continued presence of symptoms.
What to Do If You Have a Blocked-Up Nose
This will depend on the cause. There are many allergies or swellings that will be treatable and your GP or pharmacist can suggest on what treatment is suitable for you. The following will help keep the nasal passages clear and help alleviate congestion.
If it is per se the shape of the septum, it is ENT business. A specialist will have the ability to inspect your nose and elaborate your choices. Don't begin or discontinue any nasal sprays or other medication due to CPAP use. The following may only be used for short courses please check first.
Will Surgery Be an Option?
Sometimes. Treatment with Septoplasty corrects the septum to allow for easier breathing, and is typically recommended for patients who are having actual difficulty breathing due to a deviated septum.
However, it is not a treatment for sleep apnoea either. For some people, having a blocked nose is only a part of their OSA treatment; for a few people who have OSA and a blocked nose that can be fixed, correcting the nasal obstruction is part of their entire treatment plan. you can includes nasal surgery as a treatment option. It may be suitable for you, if both conditions are fairly mild, but this will require a conversation with your doctors.
Does the CPAP need to be discontinued?
No. Don't despair if you have a deviated septum, just because. If you find difficulty breathing through your nose or you are not getting along with CPAP, tell your sleep/respiratory team. The examination of all masking, humidification and nasal symptoms can be performed.
If people quit on their own, the higher risk is that they don't receive the treatment for sleep apnoea. CPAP is a widely-used treatment for the condition, according to the NHS, and should be avoided if it is uncomfortable or difficult to use.
A Short Checklist to Have on Hand
Look at the fit. The problem is worsened by leaks and pressure spots.
Browse CPAP Masks at CPAPstudio
Frequently Asked Questions
May cause nasal obstruction, but this is not necessarily the reason for sleep apnoea. There are several factors to OSA, which need to be considered as individual components.
Yes. This doesn't rule out therapy. The most appropriate mask will vary based on your breathing through your nose and if you breathe with your mouth open at night.
Not always. If nose/mouth breathing is a problem for breathing, it can help, however many people can breathe just fine with the nasal mask. All of them are important: fit, breathing pattern and your prescription.
Yes, a deviated septum can be corrected with CPAP.Absolutely, a deviated septum can be treated using CPAP.
One is due to the limited ventilation. Can be exacerbated by leaking, dryness, congestion and mouth breathing.
Not necessarily. It can help the air get through the nose of a person with a blocked nose due to a deviated septum, but usually sleep apnoea is caused by more than one issue.
Moisturizes and soothes dry and irritated skin. Not a corrective surgery for a deviated septum and if there is still a blockage, seek a health care provider!
But only after talking with your health-care providers first. They will be able to observe your mask, humidification and the rest of your treatment.
Final Thoughts
If you have a deviated septum it might make it difficult for you to breathe through your nose, but it will not be difficult for you to breathe because you have sleep apnoea. The real question is for the majority of CPAP patients, which mask will work best for an obstructed nasal passage.
If nasal breathing is satisfactory, then nasal masks and Nasal pillow masks will often suffice. If you have a very blocked nose, or breathe out of the mouth, you should try a full face mask. Talk to your GP, sleep specialist or ENT specialist if the nosebleeds are persistent, the blockage remains or if the CPAP doesn't seem to be working for you. Treatment depends on the cause of the symptoms and your sleep apnoea treatment.
This article provides information only. It is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment, from a qualified healthcare professional. Sleep apnoea and nasal breathing problems can have causes. The best treatment depends on your situation.
If you are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnoea a deviated septum, ongoing nasal blockage or difficulty using CPAP therapy talk to your GP sleep specialist or another qualified healthcare provider. Do not stop using CPAP therapy or adjust your pressure settings without seeking professional guidance.
