If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, you know that a CPAP machine can be a literal lifesaver. But CPAP machine side effects are real, and they threaten treatment compliance. Here are seven CPAP machine side effects that you definitely need to know, and how to prevent them.
How does a CPAP machine help with sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a type of sleep-disordered breathing that affects an estimated 25 million people in the U.S. (with potentially 80% of cases still undiagnosed). There are three different types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): The tissues and muscles in the throat, blocking the airway until the sleeper takes a gasping breath
- Central sleep apnea (CSA): The central nervous system “forgets” to trigger reflexive breathing
- Complex sleep apnea: A combination of OSA and CSA where the sleeper’s throat muscles relax and block the airway, but the brain does not trigger a breathing response
For moderate to severe sleep apnea of any kind, the first-line treatment to keep the airway open is a PAP machine. PAP machines use a mask fitted over just the nose or the nose and mouth to provide pressurized air to keep a sleeper’s throat open at night. The most common of these is the CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine.
Other PAP machine options include the BiPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure) and VPAP (variable positive airway pressure), both of which supply air on a variable schedule or in a different manner.
For patients with severe sleep apnea, CPAP machines can save their lives, with one big caveat: they must be used every night for sleep. These machines are loud, potentially disturbing the sleeper’s partner (or the sleeper themselves), and the mask may be uncomfortable. PAP machines can also be bulky, making travel challenging.
Even if patients could get around these challenges of use, sleep apnea machine side effects may make them stop using their machines altogether.
7 CPAP machine side effects
These side effects may threaten compliance with treatment. Here are seven of the most common. When possible, we’ve given suggestions for how to avoid these side effects.
1. Dizziness
Dizziness is unusual but may result if you begin with high pressure settings on your CPAP machine.
Look for a machine with “ramp” settings that allow you to gradually increase pressure to recommended settings. This gives your body more time to adjust.
2. Claustrophobia
Some CPAP users face the fear of being confined every night when they put their CPAP mask on. If this is something that concerns you, take your time and gradually use your CPAP machine as you can. Start when you are awake, just before bed, wearing it for as long as you can. Try to gradually increase the time you use your mask.
If the problem persists and causes you to stop using your CPAP machine, talk to your doctor about CPAP alternatives.
3. Dry mouth
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a very common side effect. Whether it’s caused by mouth breathing, an ill-fitting mask, or low humidity in the air being delivered via the mask, many patients just cannot accept the sore throat and scratchiness of chronic dry mouth.
Additionally, dry mouth increases the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.
There are a variety of ways to address this CPAP side effect, including:
- Using a chin strap to keep the mouth closed
- Checking the mask fit
- Staying hydrated
- Checking CPAP humidity settings
4. Dry eyes
A result of a poorly fitted mask, dry eyes occur when air leaks from the mask where it sits on the bridge of the nose. Even though your eyes are shut while you sleep, air blowing constantly at the seal of the eyelids does eventually seep in, causing dry eyes.
The answer is not to simply tighten your mask.
A mask that is over six months old and in constant use may need to be replaced. If your mask is new, it may not fit properly and can be adjusted. If neither of these are the case, a nasal cushion or pillow can help seal the mask against leaks.
5. Headache
Headache is not a common side effect of CPAP use, but it can occur.
This is a side effect when your CPAP pressure is too high. An easy adjustment at your doctor’s office can change the pressure for more comfort.
6. Bloating/gas
Excessive air in the belly can result in waking up with a bloated feeling (and even gas). You may be swallowing air all night long, resulting in a tight, uncomfortable belly every morning.
The only solution for this problem is to change your sleeping position. Lying flat on your back without a pillow may help, as might sleeping on your side. The good news is that side sleepers often find relief from their sleep apnea as well.
7. Breakouts or acne around the nose and mouth
Over time, oils from your skin can build up on the place where your CPAP mask makes contact with your face. This may cause breakouts or skin irritation wherever the mask touches. Make sure to clean your mask’s facial cushion every morning when you remove it, or use a facial liner every night to keep your mask clean.
If skin irritation occurs with a new mask, you may be having a mild reaction to the mask’s materials. This reaction is often a result of the chemicals used in the mask’s manufacturing. Wash your new mask in warm, soapy water, then rinse and dry completely to remove excessive chemicals that may cause irritation.
How side effects can affect CPAP compliance
These CPAP challenges are problems that can usually be solved with time and adjustments. Unfortunately, these side effects (and others, like the noise and bulkiness of the machine itself) make for poor compliance. One study found that 50% of patients (even those with severe sleep apnea) stopped using their machine after just one week (with no improvement in compliance over 20 years of collected data).
If you have mild to moderate sleep apnea and struggle with sleep apnea machine side effects, you may want to consider a good alternative to CPAP therapy: sleep apnea dental devices. When used properly, dental devices are considered an excellent option for people who would otherwise not utilize treatment for their sleep apnea.
CPAP machine side effects that decrease treatment compliance can put your health at risk. Get in touch with AZ Dentist to review all of your options for a better night of sleep!
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