Important Things To Know About CPAP Side Effects

CPAP side effects differ from person to person. One of the most common CPAP side effects is discomfort caused by the mask itself. People have reported “red marks” on their face or soreness on the bridge of their nose. This is usually caused by the headgear straps being too tight. To compensate for this side effect, many different masks are being developed. There are also mask pads available or masks that only attach at the nostrils.

Another CPAP side effect is nasal congestion and dryness of the nasal passages. The main reason nasal passages dry out are from the lack of humidification. The constant air produced by the machine is an irritant that can cause the nasal passages to become dry and possibly bleed. The body’s way of protecting the nasal passages is to produce more mucus and congestion is often a result. By adding a heated humidifier you can reduce or eliminate the irritation.

Sores inside the nose are another problem. These are generally caused by poorly fitting nasal prongs or nasal pillows. Whether you are using the nasal prongs or nasal pillows, the reason for the discomfort may be as simple as your nose being too sensitive and needing time to get used to the product. A solution is to try switching back and forth from the nasal prongs or nasal pillows to the mask for a while until the discomfort subsides.

Facial break outs are another CPAP side effect. These are usually caused by one of three things: facial oils are building up under the mask; the mask is too tight; or the material in the mask is causing an allergic reaction. Most masks are made of silicone, which is an inert substance, but the chemicals in which the mask is manufactured are what some people are allergic to. Soaking or washing the mask can reduce or eliminate the problem, but it can also reduce the life of the mask itself.

Some people report waking up feeling bloated. That’s a sign that air is being swallowed. The medical term for this is Aerophagia, which literally means to eat air. This can cause gas in the stomach and belching. There is no real medical treatment for this side effect. If symptoms of this occur, it is advised to remove all pillows from the bed and try sleeping completely flat. If this does not work try changing the position in which you sleep. If nothing works please consult your doctor.

Not all CPAP side effects are negative. A positive CPAP side effect that has been reported is an initial burst of energy, also known as a “CPAP high”. Due to finally being able to get into a deep and restful sleep people find that this affects the rest of their day in positive ways. They tend to be in a better mood and have a greater ability to focus and concentrate. They also see improvement in their work performance and in their day to day relationships with friends, family, and loved ones.

Regardless of the CPAP side effects that one may face, there are many solutions out there to help ease any discomfort and or questions. The benefits of using CPAP as a form of treating sleep apnea far outweigh any of the side effects that may occur.