Weird CPAP Side Effects

Solutions to problems no one seems to talk about. | Please add CPAP@CPAP.com to your contacts | [View it online]( [CPAP.com Logo]( [1-800-356-5221](tel:800-356-5221) [CPAP Masks]( [Machines]( [Accessories]( 6 WEIRD CPAP SIDE EFFECTS AND HOW TO HANDLE THEM Side Effects Image As a CPAP user, you’re probably familiar with some common CPAP side effects, but there are some lesser known side effects that can hinder your compliance with CPAP therapy. These may seem like minor annoyances, but they’re side effects you don’t have to deal with and hopefully with these remedies, we will have you snoozing soundly again with your CPAP machine. Headaches in the Morning Headaches are not common in the way of CPAP side effects, unless they’re caused by sinus related issues or your pressure is too high. Quote Image If your sinuses are blocked then the air pressure from the CPAP machine can create pressure between your sinus cavities, leading to a headache. Adding a [heated humidifier]( could help open your sinus passageways during treatment. Another option would be to add some [CPAP Sinus Blasting Aromatherapy](. If you’ve tried these solutions and still have no relief, it may be time to contact your ENT for further advice. Dry Mouth If you’re waking up with a dry mouth, it’s likely you’re sleeping with your mouth open which can reduce the effectiveness of your CPAP treatment. Luckily, there are 3 easy solutions for CPAP dry mouth you can try right now. - Check your mask for leaks. If your mask is over 6 months old and leaking, you may want to [replace it](. If it’s brand new and still showing signs of a leak, try adjusting your fit. - If you see no signs of a leak, consider a [heated humidifier]( to add moisture and relieve your dry mouth. - Try using a [chinstrap]( to keep your mouth from dropping open as you snooze. Dry Eyes Dry eyes may not seem obvious when thinking about [common CPAP problems]( but it can happen. If you’re waking up with dry eyes, you may have a leak in your mask at the bridge of your nose, which could cause air to blow around your eyes causing excessive dryness. This means it’s time for a mask adjustment! We don’t recommend tightening your mask, but rather adding a [nose cushion or nasal pillow]( to help keep your mask flush to your skin. If this doesn’t work, you may need a smaller size CPAP mask for your face. Bloating & Gas If you feel bloated first thing in the morning from air in your stomach, you may be swallowing CPAP air when you sleep. Adjusting your sleep position may help. The first position we’d recommend is laying as flat as possible – even without a pillow. If this doesn’t work, try sleeping on your side or elevated, whichever is different from your current sleeping position. If changing your position doesn’t work and you’re still feeling very bloated, speak to your doctor about lowering the pressure in your CPAP treatment. While this may slightly increase your number of apnea episodes in a night, the relief it provides to your bloated stomach may be worth it! Dry Nose & Congestion Waking up with a dry nose or congestion are both common side effects of CPAP use and usually just indicate a simple need for [humidification](. CPAP air is an irritant and can cause them to dry out or bleed. Dry or cracked passages are definitely uncomfortable, but can also put you at a higher risk of infection. Your nasal passages may also try to protect themselves by producing excess mucus, leaving you congested. Quote Image For both of these CPAP side effects, a [heated humidifier]( can add moisture to your nasal passages and reduce or entirely eliminate the irritation and congestion. If you’re already using a heated humidifier, try out a higher setting. If this doesn’t work, you can also try using a [soothing nasal gel](. Breaking Out Around Nose If you’re finding redness and bumps around your nose after using your CPAP, here are 3 things that could be happening and the solutions for each: - Facial oils are building up under your mask. Make sure you’re washing your face prior to putting on your mask at night. In the morning, when taking your mask off, make sure you’re cleaning the facial cushion so oils don’t sit on the mask and end up back on your face. If, after a while, you’re still getting breakouts, try out a [nasal pillow mask]( that is designed to have less direct contact with your skin, or a [mask liner](. - Your mask is too tight on your face. The pressure of this tightness will create sores and possibly a bruise, even open sores if left untreated for too long. If you’re over tightening to prevent a leak, you should consider switching masks. When adjusting your mask, make sure to make small and consistent adjustments, working clockwise around the mask, to prevent uneven tightness. - You’re having an allergic reaction to the mask material. Your skin could be having a reaction to the chemicals used to manufacture your silicone mask. Most of the time, these chemicals degrade over time and eliminate the problem on their own. However, the easiest solution is to soak your mask in warm, soapy water to help remove the chemicals prior to use. This method works with all types of masks and can be used with replacement parts as well, but prolonged soaking could reduce the lifespan of your silicone. We hope these solutions to less common CPAP side effects help ease your discomfort. Remember, your CPAP therapy is worth a few minor inconveniences. For more information check out our [Frequently Asked Questions]( on the website. [Shop CPAP.com] We maintain a strictly opt-in newsletter. You are free to [unsubscribe]( at anytime. 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