View Full Version : Froze my uvula off!
TrailH4x
01-30-2012, 20:17
well, almost... It's all swole up and tender as heck. Anybody have suggestions on keeping sinuses warm and moist without saturating your bag?
It's not often that we drop to the 30's or lower here in south Louisiana. When we do though, you can bet that the air is way drier than our sniffers and throats are used to. Used to not be much of an issue as I would just snug down fully within my synthetic bag. I've converted to down now, so playing hide and seek from Mr. Frost doesn't sound as inviting. Gimme some smarts!
How would you advise us guys who's sinuses are used to 80' temps and 90%+ humidity?
Saline nose spray, I think one brand is Ayr. Keeps the nasal cavity moist. Can also use a qtip to put neosporin or just vaseline in the outer part of the nose if that is getting dry and irritated. But the saline goes all the way back.
MrClean417
01-30-2012, 20:33
That happened to me the last time I was hanging out. I had the sniffles going in. Woke up choking. Leaned forward and the darn thing flipped forward and landed on my tounge. Ewwwww.
I've actually had that problem before and a quick trip to the Dr. got me a Z pack, half week later I had a basic sore throat and the darn thing was about normal. Week later it was a nasty memory.
Wearing a Balaclava or a stocking cap to bed seems to do the trick for me when the temps dip below freezing. If it's a stocking cap, I pull it down over my eyes and nose.
Of course, the latter tends to cause me to oversleep...
The moisture from my breath gets caught by the fabric and helps with dry sinuses.
I pull my balaclava over my mouth and nose. Gets moist but warm. Takes a little getting used to but cold inspires that.
Shug
nothermark
01-30-2012, 20:46
I have been known to use a fleece jacket to create a mini climate over my face. Essentially I make a tunnel. Condensation will wet the fleece and keep the humidity up a bit while the air exchange warms incoming air a bit. You can get some interesting frost if it's below freezing. ;-)
OutandBack
01-30-2012, 22:08
I like the disposable painters masks with the little plastic valve for X-haling.
I know, sound dumb but they work and keeps your nose and face warm to boot.
mrmike65
01-30-2012, 22:09
Similar to using a balclava, what about one of those dust masks? I was working with one the other day in cold temp and there was all kinds of moisture in there.
JohnSawyer
01-30-2012, 22:42
breathe through a piece of loosely woven fleece or tuck your head under something. maybe a "head blanket" or make a hood that covers your face and nose.
Of course, in sub-freezing temps, you could end up icing-up... never been that cold, personally.
Even in spring, I hate breathing cold air.
MrClean417
01-31-2012, 07:21
Oh so wait, I wasn't sick? This is a known problem that hasn't been published? Maybe it's something you folks up North are used to that us middle and lower states guys don't have to worry about normally?
A buff up over your mouth and nose may help. :)
adkphoto
01-31-2012, 08:04
I'll use a neck gaiter pulled up over my nose and mouth. There are fleece and wool versions available like this (http://www.rei.com/gear/feature/search/Google/rei%20neck%20gaiter?s_kwcid=TC|13030|REI%20neck%20 gaiter||S|p|8723675653&cm_mmc=ps_google-_-REI_BrandTerms_May2007-_-rei_brand_apparel-_-REI%20neck%20gaiter%20sp2sp10&gclid=CJPfg8Gp-q0CFQhgTAodFGjbnA):
Peace,
David
nothermark
01-31-2012, 08:07
Oh so wait, I wasn't sick? This is a known problem that hasn't been published? Maybe it's something you folks up North are used to that us middle and lower states guys don't have to worry about normally?
Probably you aggravated an incipient condition. Cold air is essentially dry air. That is why hydration is an issue in cold weather. This is why any technique that builds a micro climate around your breathing will help keep you healthier.
TrailH4x
01-31-2012, 08:46
Think I found something...
BillyBob58
01-31-2012, 08:47
Lots of good ideas here. Balaclavas,masks,neck gators etc. Most all of that would be too much for me in the 30s, and I'm next door to you in (north) MS. So I'm not used to much either.
Then there is the PeaPod. If I am down inside that, even with a vent opening of several inches, I find the air surrounding my face is going to be a lot warmer than out side. And the smaller the vent the greater the difference. I suppose then it is also more humid.
It is down, so the worries you have about burying your head in your current down insulation still applies. Still, I have never had any problems with any apparent dampness or condensation, even fully close for a couple of hours at about 10F. Some others have also reported getting away with this, but YMMV.
But all of this pod stuff is just for general discussion of how to solve this problem, as you already have your non-pod down set up. To a lessor degree, I get the same effect with a thick down hood I use, when cinched down enough to form a breathing vent. But, probably for me most of the time, it is my old neck gator from skiing days if not in the PeaPod.
TrailH4x
01-31-2012, 08:56
This is my second round. My first bought was on a work vessel where the temp was kept at like 40'ish something in the living quarters. I do NOT want this to happen a third time. Not fun.
Oh so wait, I wasn't sick? This is a known problem that hasn't been published? Maybe it's something you folks up North are used to that us middle and lower states guys don't have to worry about normally?
I am right there with you. My sinuses have gone to crap this past weekend, the temp dropped. We boys down here are used to some moisture in the air. I have an under armor balaclava and a buff. When its cold out I used one or both and it helps. I also can't stand a cold nose.
Maybe a top cover or pod to create a micro climate inside?
Think I found something...
Dude that is awesome
Cranky Bear
01-31-2012, 11:07
I use a balaclava which I have two a lighter weight one and a heavier fleece one and they do the trick for me, sometimes if it's real cold and dry I add a bandanna or another piece of fleece! It all basically traps the warm exhaled moisture so as you breath in the air is not as dry as it would be without it! JMO and YMMV though!
Think I found something...
Thats hilarious but I have to say the original thread title got a double take from me. Ever glance at a word initially and the constenent catches your attention first and makes the word something totally different?
balaclava + a beanie pulled down to the eyebrows would do the trick
bacon_grease
02-26-2012, 16:25
http://www.aerostich.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/448x/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/h/e/head_tent_1a.jpg
http://www.aerostich.com/head-tent.html
I know, it's a tent and therefore evil. But, not to worry, the good people at Aerostich are working on a hammock version.