CPAP Side Effects and Solutions | Dry Mouth, Dry Eyes, Aerophagia and More!

Side Effects of CPAP therapy can cause discomfort, even when therapy is improving your lifestyle as a whole. There are many CPAP Side effects such as,
Nasal Congestion or Dryness: The flow of air can dry out the nasal passages. This can be mitigated by using a humidifier with the CPAP machine.
Mask Discomfort: Finding the right mask that fits well is crucial, as an ill-fitting mask can cause discomfort, skin irritation, or sores.
Claustrophobia: Some people may feel claustrophobic wearing the CPAP mask. Gradually getting used to the mask can help.
Air Leakage: Air can leak from an ill-fitting mask, reducing the effectiveness of the therapy and causing dry eyes.
Difficulty Exhaling: Some people find it hard to exhale against the flow of air. Modern CPAP machines have features to reduce this problem.
Noise: While newer models are relatively quiet, some noise from the machine can be bothersome to some users or their bed partners.
Aerophagia: Swallowing air can lead to bloating or gas.
Dry Mouth: This can occur, especially in those who breathe through their mouth while sleeping.
Skin Irritations: This includes rashes or pressure sores from the mask.
This video goes over the major complaints and side effects of CPAP therapy.

[@marcus_ohreallyus]

Lowering my pressure from 9 to 6 helped a lot. At 9, the tape on my mouth was getting blown loose.

[@JBrakas]

Great teacher!

[@thecpapstore]

Does CPAP therapy work for you? Leave a comment! - Tristan

[@sportshistorybuff319]

I have been using CPAP and corrective mouth pieces for 8 months. According to my machine data, my sleep stoppages have been hugely reduced from 50 per minute to under 10 per minute. Great news, but I have got no relief in how my head feels when I wake up. My brain feels cloudy, heavy, foggy, like waking up after taking a powerful sleeping pill. And this uncomfortable feeling is staying with me 24/7. It is just as bad as when I am not using the CPAP at all. Sort of defeats the purpose of these tools when there has been no improvement in the quality of my mind when I get up. My eyes are as dry as a desert, and my head feels the same way...baked. Is it more likely caused by the machine (leakage) or a problem which the CPAP isn't addressing, like obstructive apnea or another brain issue altogether?

[@noconspiracytheoriesplease.745]

Sorry to hear that. I'm about to start therapy. Has your doctor not provided some suggestions for additional measures to improve your symptoms? Do you have other challenges related to sleep hygiene/habits or insomnia, for example?

[@sportshistorybuff319]

My doctor is one of the most renowned sleep neurologists in our province, but I can only see him every six months owing to his heavy case load. Only seen him twice so far and he is baffled as to why my head is unclear when I wake up. There are no issues with my sleep situation. My last brain scan was a year ago and it revealed nothing problematic with my brain. It's frustrating when I don't know whether the problem is the machine or a separate undiagnosed brain problem, or even my high blood pressure.

[@Izzybauble]

I’m sorry you’ve got this happening. I’ve experienced something similar and in my case the respirologist I see recommended increasing my air pressure and a new mask. The result was fewer sleep events per hour and for the most part I feel better when I waken. It’s still a work in progress with my events not always under 5 (my ideal spot) but I keep plodding on. Hope you can get some answers and wishing you all the best!

[@user-pn3bw2wg9e]

what are corrective mouth items

[@wallychambe1587]

The air goes through my sinuses drying my eyes not mask leak!!!!