Can nasal congestion directly affect sleep apnea episodes?

Yes. And that's one of the reasons you should always ask for a CPAP machine that automatically adjusts pressure and collects lots of data. A sleep study is just a snapshot, and in reality the severity of sleep apnea varies over time. read more

If you suffer from both problems (sleep apnea and nasal congestion) it is imperative that you consult your physician about possible ways to safely clear your nasal conducts. Meanwhile you could rinse your nostrils before going to bed with a solution of table salt and warm water (warm, not hot) with the help of a small syringe without the needle. read more

Researchers from Japan found that allergies alone are not enough to cause sleep disturbances, but a combination of allergies and nasal congestion lead to increased reports of sleep difficulty. This finding isn’t surprising, since any degree of nasal congestion can aggravate your soft palate or tongue to fall back more easily when you’re in deep sleep. read more

If you suffer from nasal congestion, snoring, or suspect sleep apnea, contact your local Otolaryngology specialist. Considering the complexity of the upper airway, it is important to keep track of your symptoms and to write down what makes your symptoms better or worse. read more