Solutions For Your Ear Problems
So if you have obstructive sleep apnea and are prone to ear problems, what can you do? The first thing to make sure of is that you're treating your sleep apnea condition optimally. If your CPAP pressure is too low, or your dental device is undercalibrated, or your UPPP procedure was only partially effective, then you'll still have residual obstructive sleep apnea and are still feeling the effects of intermittent obstructions and arousals.
Second, make sure that your nasal breathing is optimal. By definition, your nasal passageways will be either narrowed, inflamed, or both. Having a chronically stuffy nose can create more of a vacuum effect downstream, which allows the tongue to fall back more often when in deep sleep, due to muscle relaxation. If you're using CPAP, then it's likely that your pressures may be too high, which can make it uncomfortable, and even blow air into your ears. Whether through vigorous saline irrigation, allergy avoidance, medications, or surgery, it's important to make sure you're able to breathe well through your nose.