Whether you're someone who is just starting out with your CPAP therapy or someone who has been using therapy for a while, it's not uncommon to run into issues or unwanted effects that can interrupt your treatment or discourage you to even want to use your CPAP. It can take some time to adjust to a new sleeping routine using a CPAP and any frustrating issues that arise can make it harder to cope with your sleep apnea treatment. It may be within the first few days, a week in or maybe further into your therapy that you might experience any secondary effects associated with CPAP use. These side effects can make sleep apnea therapy difficult for anyone, but the good news is that you're not the only one who's had to deal with these issues.
You should always consult with your healthcare provider and/or sleep specialist regarding any side effects and problems that you experience regarding using your CPAP machine. To help make sense of why or how you're experiencing any of these issues, here are some common side effects and ways you can manage them.
- Dryness or Congestion in your Nose and Throat.
How to Manage:
- Use the humidifier with your CPAP machine to reduce dryness.
- In colder or more frigid temperatures, the use of temperature regulated tubing or heated tubing (like the ResMed ClimateLineAir10 or ResMed ClimateLineAir11) in conjunction with the humidifier can help alleviate dryness.
- Keep your sinuses clear.
- Rinse your sinuses or use a nasal spray.
- Skin Irritation, "Red" Markings or Pressure Sores from the Mask.
How to Manage:
- Ensure your mask fits properly and is snug, but not too tight.
- Keep in mind that not every person has the same facial shape, structure, features, skin type or spacing between facial features. Finding a mask that compliments your individual facial features and shape is essential not only to creating an effective air-tight seal for therapy, but potentially alleviating skin irritation and reducing "red" marks or sores.
- Try a different mask or go to your sleep specialist/supplier for a mask -fitting.
- Use a mask/cushion made of a different material that can be less irritating to your skin. (silicone, memory foam, cloth, etc)
- Clean your mask and replace them regularly as recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Feeling Claustrophobic or Uncomfortable Wearing the Mask.
How to Manage:
- Practice wearing the mask during the day (during regular relaxing household activities i.e. watching tv, reading) to get used to it before bedtime.
- The idea is to feel relaxed with the mask on.
- If you're able to, use a nasal or nasal pillow mask.
- Wearing a mask that covers both your mouth and nose can bring on fears of suffocation for some who are claustrophobic. Wearing a nasal or nasal pillow mask can be an option that is a less invasive method and does not cover your mouth.
- Aerophagia, Feeling Bloated or Experiencing Stomach Discomfort.
How to Manage:
- Aerophagia or the swallowing of air, can result in burping, stomach discomfort, abdominal distention and flatulence.
- The air pressure from your CPAP may be too strong, forcing air into your stomach and bowels. See your healthcare provider or sleep specialist to have the pressure of your CPAP readjusted.
- Adjust your sleeping position. Sleeping on your side rather than your back can decrease aerophagia.
- Sleep at an inclined position. Inclining your head when sleeping can reduce the amount of air entering your esophagus.
- CPAP Cough
How to Manage:
- When your throat is feeling dry, drinking water can ease any dryness.
- Increase humidity in your settings to add more moisture to your airway.
- Air may be losing moisture as it moves through the tubing. Use temperature regulated or heated tubing…or a hose cover to prevent any loss.
- If using a nasal mask, wear a chin strap or mouth tape to keep your mouth closed and prevent air/moisture loss during CPAP use.
- Air Leakage
How to Manage:
- Adjust your mask to make sure it snugly fits, but not too tight, and the mask cushion is contacting the surface of your skin to create an effective air-tight seal. High pressure can cause an air leak from the mask.
- Check your CPAP set up from the machine to your mask and ensure all components are connected securely. Run the air and check for any leaks along the set up.
- Wear and tear of your mask and tubing. Over time the integrity of your mask and tubing will decline. Make sure your are resupplying and replacing your tubing, cushions and headgear as recommended.
- Type of mask. It may be that the mask you are using doesn’t adhere to your facial contours. The mask cushion may be the wrong size, or the shape of the mask cushion may not compliment your facial contours.
- Explore a different mask option with your sleep specialist.
- Having to Use the Bathroom at Night.
How to Manage:
- Rather than dealing with the hassle of taking off your headgear whenever you feel the need to use the bathroom at night – instead of removing your mask, disconnect it from the CPAP machine and just plug it back in when you return to go back to sleep.