Common CPAP Side Effects

CPAP side effects are caused as result of using a CPAP machine. The CPAP machine is a device used to treat the disease sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is quickly becoming a very common disease. Many people are suffering from this disease worldwide. It is a disease where patients generally suffer breathing problems while they are sleeping. There are three types of sleep apnea:   obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea and mixed or complex sleep apnea. Now sleep apnea generally is not a lethal disease but it does cause some serious complications in our daily life and well-being such as:

  • Feeling weak after waking up from sleep
  • Feeling dizzy during the whole day
  • Impaired reactions
  • Effect on short term memory and information processing
  • Aggressive behavior

The most used solution for this disease is CPAP device or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Device. In this article we will discuss in detail about CPAP side effects. It has been observed that almost 30% or more patients suffering from sleep apnea get rid of the CPAP device due to one or more CPAP side effects.  But, before we go deep into the CPAP side effects, we will get a brief idea of what a CPAP is. It is a plastic mask attached to the face which maintains the air pressure balance to a comfortable level and helps a sleep apnea patient sleep peacefully. There are many health care companies manufacturing this device and you must consult a physician first before you start using a CPAP machine.

Here are the most common CPAP side effects:

1) Face irritations, red marks or cuts are some of the major CPAP side effects. When you’re wearing a mask, while asleep it is very common to have these problems if your CPAP doesn’t fit well. This is one of the major concerns among patients.

Among all the CPAP side effects, mask discomfort is the one which drives more people away from using CPAP.

2) Sinus headache is also one of the CPAP side effects. If you have sinus headaches beforehand, using CPAP may aggravate that sinus congestion resulting in severe sinus pain when you wake up from sleep.
3) People with deviated septum may also suffer from headaches when using CPAP.
4) Nasal congestion or runny nose is another one of the CPAP side effects. The CPAP air will take away the moisture from your nasal cavity causing more mucus formation by your body which will give you runny nose in the morning.
5) The temperature of the incoming air may be not favorable to you. Sometimes patients complain about the air being too hot or too cold to their liking.

Here are some tips to avoid some CPAP side effects:

1) Don’t put on the mask too tightly. If the mask doesn’t fit, change it.
2) Contact the provider of your CPAP or consult a physician if you’re having any problems with your CPAP.

cpap side effectsTry to follow the instructions given by the doctor closely while using your CPAP and you will be free from most of the CPAP side effects.