CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR CPAP/Bi-Level PAP:

Studies have shown that the following pre-existing conditions may contraindicate the use of CPAP/Bi-Level CPAP therapy for some patients. Should you have any of these conditions, your physician will determine if CPAP/Bi-Level CPAP therapy is appropriate for you.

* Bullous lung disease

* Pneumothorax

* Pathologically low blood pressure due to or associated with intravascular volume depletion

* Severe cardiac arrhythmias or coronary artery disease

* Stroke

* Seizures

* Pneumocephalus has been reported in a patient using nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.

Caution should be used when prescribing CPAP/Bi-Level CPAP for susceptible patients such as those with: CFS leaks, abnormalities of the cribriform plate, prior history of head trauma, and/or pneumocephalus. (Chest 1989;96:1425-1426)

* Life-threatening or potentially life threatening epistaxis may represent a contraindication or relative contraindication to nasal positive pressure therapy.

CPAP/Bi-Level CPAP therapy may be temporarily suspended if a patient exhibits any of the following condition:

* Sinus or middle ear infection

* Severe ear discomfort

* Conjunctivitis

* Skin abrasions associated with CPAP

Over-The-Counter (OTC) medications to relieve nasal congestion and excessive secretions:
(Contact your sleep physician or family doctor before taking or using any OTC medications. Follow patient directions for all OTC medications)

* Sudafed (Tablets, take orally) Take as directed on the label, one (1) hour before bed time. Do not exceed recommend dosage. If conditions persist, contact your sleep physician.

* Afrin (Nasal spray) One (1) spray only in each nostril at bed time only. If conditions persist,contact your sleep physician.

Over-The-Counter medications to relieve nasal dryness:

* Ayr (A saline gel with aloe vera) Apply to the vestibule of the nostril with a Q-Tip. If using with nasal pillows, apply a very thin coating of gel to pillow.

* Salinex (Nasal spray) One or two (1 or 2) sprays in each nostril before bedtime.

* Ocean (Nasal spray) One or two (1 or 2) sprays in each nostril before bedtime.