What Are the Side Effects of Using CPAP?

CPAP is the only treatment that is 100% effective for treating obstructive sleep apnea, but a lot of patients struggle with using the device properly and using it every night.

CPAP works by blowing air into the air way to keep the airway from closing at night (this closure is called an apnea, learn more about obstructive sleep apnea here). CPAP therapy consists of a flow generation device, called the PAP machine, or blower, tubing that delivers the air to your airway and a mask that is strapped to your face at night to allow the pressurized air to flow into your airway and your exhalation to come out.

While many people have no difficulty using CPAP and report the best sleep of their lives in the first weeks after they start therapy, this isn’t the case for everyone. In this post we cover the top side effects of PAP therapy (any device- CPAP, APAP or bi-level, read about the difference between these devices here) and how you can reduce or even avoid them.

Irritation on the bridge of the nose caused by the mask and headgear

Image of different types of nasal masksThe mask is the interface between the tubing and your face and when properly fitted it ensures a seal that allows the pressured air into your airway to keep it open and prevent apneas (learn more about different types of masks here).

Making sure that your mask fits properly is the most important thing you can do to ensure comfort and proper usage. This is one of the major benefits of having an in-center titration study and/or a face-to-face CPAP set-up with a credentialed and experienced technician who can help you find the mask that fits your face the best.

Even with a properly fitting mask, because the mask is worn for 8 or more hours per night and the skin on the nose and around the eyes can be thin and sensitive, irritation may affect some patients.

To prevent skin irritation:

  • First make sure the the mask is fitting properly.
  • Check that the straps and cushion are clean and in good condition (learn about how often you should replace these items here).
  • Use a nose pad, bandaid or other soft material like moleskin to help the irritation heal and keep the mask from touching the sensitive area.
  • Prevent future irritation by using lanolin or another lubricant on the area where the mask touches your skin.

Irritation of the eyes from mask leak

Proper mask fitting is very important (read above). With every mask there will still be air leak. The goal is to minimize the air leak and ensure that the air is not causing irritation in your eyes; however, air blowing into the eyes at night can cause dryness and irritation during the day.

In order to not let this stop a patient’s CPAP therapy, opthamologists recommend using thick (gels and ointments, not thinner or less viscous teardrops) artificial tears just before bedtime. It is important to treat both sleep apnea and any resulting eye irritation properly, so you should speak to your doctor.

Irritation of the airways

Especially in dry climates, for older patients or patients taking medications that dry the sinuses, the air ways can get irritated and dry. Nose bleeds (epistaxis) can also happen. Heated humidification will help alleviate this. 

If you’re already using humidification, try these tips:

For a dry nose:

  • Use a saline spray at bedtime. 

For a dry mouth:

  • A chin strap can be used to keep your mouth closed at night if you’re using a nasal mask. You can also consider using a full-face mask which covers your mouth and nose (learn about chin straps and mask types here).

Aerophagia

Aerophagia (from the Greek “aerophagein” meaning “to eat air”) is excessive swallowing of air causing abdominal discomfort.

The esophagus is a long tube-like organ that extends from the bottom of the throat to the top of the stomach. The upper essophageal sphinctor (UES) is a band of muscle fiber that contracts or tightens at the top of the esophagus. When you swallow, the UES relaxes to allow food into your esophagus where muscle contractions move the food down to your stomach through the lower esophageal sphinctor (LES) which also relaxes to allow food into the stomach. The LES remains open for 5-8 minutes as food moves down the esophagus and then it closes, to keep food from going back up the esophagus.

Up to 30 ml of air is normally swallowed with food. The stomach swells as the air is ingested and the pressure increases. Once the pressure reaches a certain point in the stomach, the LES reflexively relaxes. This allows the air to escape out of the stomach, up the esophagus, and out of the mouth as a belch.

Image of esophagus

Air can also be swallowed without eating or drinking and is known to affect some CPAP users. It is unclar how much the pressure from CPAP is actually forcing air into the stomach. It may be that some CPAP users complaining of aerophagia have supragastric aerophagia in which air enters the esophagus but does not reach the stomach. It is also possible that CPAP related aerophagia is associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease, aka GERD, a disorder where relaxation of the LES allows gastric fluids to come up from the stomach and into the esophagus.

While there are some drugs and even a surgical option for reducing the pressure that causes aerophagia, some adult CPAP users may be able to relieve CPAP-related aerophagia by:

  • Reducing the pressure by elevating the head or avoiding eating soon before bedtime
  • Avoiding substances such as caffiene and nicotine that induce relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter
  • Reducing the pressure in the airway by using the lowest treating CPAP pressure. An auto-titrating PAP or APAP may help with that (learn more about different PAP devices here).
  • Consider using a bi-level PAP. The lower expiratory pressure may reduce the amount of air that gets into the stomach.

Claustrophobia or sensation of suffocation

Clautrophobia and anxiety about wearing a CPAP mask all night are common among poeple first starting CPAP therapy. Studies have shown that having sleep apnea releases hormones that can cause anxiety and panic. Additionally, a person who suffers anxiety in general may have more anxiety about medical equipment and procedures and may be more likely to have a panic attack at night when trying to fall asleep. 

If you know that you suffer from claustrophobia, anxiety or panic attacks, tell your sleep study or CPAP set-up technician.

There are several steps you can follow to relieve your anxiety:

  • Select the mask that makes you feel most comfortable. For some people it’s the least invasive nasal pillows mask that makes them feel less restricted because it interferes with your field of vision the least. If you’re a mouth breather, you may prefer a full-face mask to a nasal mask with chinstrap so that you can open your mouth if you need to. If possible, have a mask fitting with a technician who can assure the best mask for your face and comfort.
  • Get to know your mask. It has exhalation ports for the air that you are breathing out. They also allow room air to come in, if needed (so there’s no way you can really suffocate). It’s actually a very sophisticated device.
  • Try wearing the mask for a few hours while watching TV, reading or knitting. Slowly become more comfortable with the mask and device.
  • Try breathing exercises to relax you before going to bed and as you fall asleep.
  • Talk to your CPAP provider or your physician about CPAP desensitization or acclimitization. You can work together to determine a timeline for building up your usage of the machine over the first few weeks.

Difficulty exhaling

Some people experience difficulty exhaling against the pressurized air from their CPAP.

There are several options for reducing this:

  • The latest CPAP devices help with this by allowing a timed ramp up feature which slowly increases the pressure while you are first using the machine at night and falling asleep. The device then works at its set pressure while you are sleeping.
  • Another feature of the devices that we use is expiratory pressure relief that slightly lowers the pressure when you are breathing out so that breathing feels smoother and more natural.
  • Try using an autoset PAP device so that the pressure only increases when you need it. An autoset device is set to adjust to a minimum and maximum pressure based on your breathing each night- it only increases when you need it (like when you’re sleeping on your back or have had an extra drink before going to sleep).
  • Try using a bi-level PAP device which has a lower pressure when you breathe out. These devices are more expensive than a regular CPAP (continuous pressure) or autoset PAP device. It may be covered by your insurance if you had a sleep study and demonstrated that you cannot tolerate CPAP.

Insomnia

Insomnia may be a side effect of sleeping with CPAP, but it is also a common symptom of sleep apnea. With sleep apnea, you are waking up dozens of times per night (or even per hour) and this disruption to your sleep may cause insomnia.

Keep in mind:

  • You may find that your insomnia goes away once you use CPAP and your sleep cycles regulate.
  • If the insomnia doesn’t go away, take a look at your sleep hygiene. What is your routine around bedtime? Are you going to bed and waking up at the same time each night. Learn more here.
  • Finally, some patients need sleep aids to help them get through the first weeks of therapy. Talk to your doctor about this.

If you’ve recently started CPAP therapy and are struggle with any of these effects, you should speak with your doctor or CPAP provider. If we provided you’re device, we are here to help! Request an appointment to meet with our technicians or email us at papsuccess@sleepdr.com.

Request CPAP appt.

Dr. Said Mostafavi

Sources:

Other posts you may find interesting:

Comments

  1. J Reply

    employment?

    • Julia Rodriguez Reply

      Ha! Yes. Also: energy, focus, sex-drive… the list goes on.

      • JULIE. Voigt Reply

        I just started 2 weeks ago with cpap. I use the nasal pillows, I feel so stuffed up in the morning and my head feels like I have a sinus infection, even get light headed, eyes burn, typical allergy symptoms but when I don’t do cpap these are much milder, I have to take off cpap during night because one nostril is always plugged completely, I do have a heated humidifier on also.

    • sasha Reply

      I’m wearing the dull mask all might and it’s working for me but since I started wearing it I’ve been waking up with a stiff neck is this common if so van it be avoided

  2. Brian Reply

    I’m wearing the dull mask all might and it’s working for me but since I started wearing it I’ve been waking up with a stiff neck is this common if so van it be avoided

  3. Rene Naranjo Reply

    I have been experiencing muscle aches and tightness in the joints when using the CPAP when I stop using the CPAP these experiences go away..

  4. Cindy Shanks Reply

    I have never had allergies before using a CPAP. Since I started using a CPAP in January most mornings after about a half hour of getting up l sneeze and sneeze blow my nose every 2 minutes and right eye tears. This last from 4 to 8 hrs. I cannot figure what is making me do this allergy pills don’t seam to work.

    • Larry Furrer Reply

      Cindy,
      I have exactly the same issues. Sometimes I don’t use it for a couple days and I don’t have them. Has anyone responded to you with any kind of solution to this?
      Larry Furrer

      • James E Walker Reply

        Larry get yourself a so clean machine! I smoke and ive always had nasal problems, I bought an airsense 10 elite and a so clean 2 it deionized your mask an hose along with the humidifier. Without it you can develope a constant and worsening sinus infection. It helps me alot.

        • Albert Steve Reply

          If you have sleep apnea and were prescribed a CPAP machine, you may have noticed some of the CPAP side effects that come along with wearing it. Recognizing what these problems are can help you to find solutions so you can wear your CPAP comfortably and get a good night’s sleep.

  5. Srivari Reply

    Wonderful Blog

    • George Smith Reply

      I have exactly the same issues. Sometimes I don’t use it for a couple days and I don’t have them.

    • James Peter Reply

      The goal is to minimize the air leak and ensure that the air is not causing irritation in your eyes; however, air blowing into the eyes at night can cause dryness and irritation during the day.

      • Raleigh Avery Reply

        The esophagus is a long tube-like organ that extends from the bottom of the throat to the top of the stomach.

  6. d brooks Reply

    The cpap has made my nose miserable/ getting up at least twice in the middle of the night, , because my nose
    is so stuffy I cant breathe, and takes almost an hour to clear each time and my nose can get stuffy 3 to 4 times a day .I can’t say it has given me a healthier night’s sleep. I now have to use spay’s, a warm cloth, steam, and whatever works to clear my nose

  7. Jenn Brake Reply

    I do not have an allergy or a cold. I breath clearly all day. When I wear my mask I get nasal congestion immediately. It lasts all night as long as I have the mask on. Ultimately, I wake up at some point and I find that I have removed it. I’m only getting between 4-5 hours of sleep with the mask on and I typically end up sleeping for about 7-8 hours. It is very uncomfortable and it feels like it is defeating the purpose, like I am being smothered. I’ve tried different masks and they fit well. I’ve tried the full face mask but I’m now just using a nasal mask. It makes no difference what type of mask I use. Every night is a struggle and I even wear it for a time prior to sleep. As soon as I take off the mask a few minutes pass and the congestion subsides. I sleep propped up on pillows as well. Any suggestions you have would be appreciated. Thank you.

    • James E Walker Reply

      Humidity is the key to not being stuffy. Make gradual increases to see if it helps. I can’t stress enouph cleaning everyday helps tremendously. I own a soclean2 it works awsome. My pressure is 16 out of 20 on an airsense 10 elite. Full face mask.

      • Anton Ford Reply

        Avoiding substances such as caffiene and nicotine that induce relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter helps a lot.

  8. Sylvia Flowers Reply

    I been having throat infections and tonsils since Istarted using the cpap machine. NEVER had this problem before.

    • Jane Durham Reply

      The device then works at its set pressure while you are sleeping.

      • Felix Martus Reply

        Making sure that your mask fits properly is the most important thing you can do to ensure comfort and proper usage.

  9. Margaret Wynn Reply

    This might sound crazy, but I quit using my CPAP about a year ago due to the headaches the headgear causes. I have degenerative disk disease in my neck and I was waking up in the morning with massive headaches. HOWEVER, otherwise, I always felt great the next day after sleeping with the CPAP. I use a full face mask because at times I’m a mouth breather. Can anyone suggest anything to help? My MD said that I either have to go on O2 at night or go back to my CPAP. I would much rather use the CPAP. (I also have COPD & Asthma)

    • Faye Ville Reply

      The esophagus is a long tube-like organ that extends from the bottom of the throat to the top of the stomach.

  10. larrydude Reply

    8 months in and get nosebleeds, headaches, irritability, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, moody and after a bout 3 or 4 weeks in I get anxiety, I am assuming from sleep deprivation. The treatment is worse than the condition, but I keep soldering on. Taking a night or 2 off every couple weeks helps with the side effects of CPAP,

  11. A. K. Reply

    A family member started on the cpap and now is having sever anxiety and depression. I am fearful of his life to be honest. He is seeking help but it’s frightening. The only think that has changed in his life is the use of the cpap. Do any of you have trouble with these symptoms?

    • Christine Sanchez Reply

      This same symptom has been troubling my loved one too. Idk shag to do

  12. Pamela Harris Reply

    I’m new to the CPAP. Phillips just had a recall on some of their machines. I was told mine wasn’t one of them but still nervous about using it especially after reading the side effects experienced. Also had to pay 60 dollars and will cost
    Me 20 dollars a month. I’m on Medicare and Wellcare. Thought it would be completely covered. The company i got it from told me not to use a CPAP cleaning machine. ?? Help.

  13. Heather Reply

    After using my CPAP machine, I wake up, coughing up thick water, seemingly from my lungs and this lasts for about 10 minutes

  14. Fitness Blogs Reply

    Historical blogs. Keep writing!!

    • Charles James Reply

      Use a nose pad, bandaid or other soft material like moleskin to help the irritation heal and keep the mask from touching the sensitive area.

    • Clark Ville Reply

      A person who suffers anxiety in general may have more anxiety about medical equipment and procedures and may be more likely to have a panic attack at night when trying to fall asleep.

  15. Health and Fitness Website Reply

    Informative content. Thanx!!

    • Jerry Samuel Reply

      An autoset device is set to adjust to a minimum and maximum pressure based on your breathing each night.

    • Church Reply

      I had to get mine adjusted, but now it’s great

  16. Gale Roberts Reply

    My eyes are all bloodshot and dry. I been on it for 6-8 months and I never thought it was from the CPAk, now I seen a lot of people have this same effect. My head is all clogged up too. This is to bad, cause I sleep good but I can’t keep doing this to my eyes nose etc.

  17. Shawn Reply

    Going on my 4th night of using auto cpap and I have had the worst anxiety I have ever had 24/7
    I can’t stand the feeling the cpap gives me but I’m scared I’ll die if I don’t use it. Sleep apnea killed my Dad in year 2000
    His heart was 3 times the size of normal
    I had moderate sleep apnea at 125kg
    AHI was 27.
    I gained 13kg over 2 years 138kg and my AHI went up to 75
    I have now lost 8kg in 16 days since my AHI is 75
    Now I feel if I were to get down to 100Kg I will be cured of sleep apnea.
    Drs won’t tell you that though because they can’t make off you then lol
    I am struggling with the constant anxiety
    It’s killing me
    Self deprivation from cpap it’s absolutely destroying me quicker then sleep apnea itself.
    Please help me someone

  18. Thelma Reply

    I find after falling asleep I wake up and pull the device off as it annoys me having it on my head. I am a very light sleeper anyway and as soon as I shift position I cant get settled again. Sometime I pull it off without even realising.

  19. Braces Reply

    The CPAP mask may draw in dead cells of the skin, as well as sweat when you sleep, which could lead to the accumulation of bacteria and germs. This build-up can lead to skin irritation and acne, as well as rash and sores.

    How to Get Rid of It

    It’s essential to clean your CPAP mask using soap and water. You should also replace the cushions every two to four weeks. Even after regular cleaning, tiny tears within the silicone or foam may collect bacteria over time.
    Mask gel and mask liners will help to keep the buildup of oil and sweat and also help create a seal for the mask.

  20. Mary Scott Reply

    this is one of the major benefits of having an in-center titration study and/or a face-to-face CPAP set-up with a credentialed and experienced technician who can help you find the mask that fits your face the best.

  21. David Anderson Reply

    I agree that making sure that your mask fits properly is the most important thing you can do to ensure comfort and proper usage.

  22. supermerch Reply

    While many people have no difficulty using CPAP and report the best sleep of their lives in the first weeks after they start therapy, this isn’t the case for everyone. In this post we cover the top side effects of PAP therapy (any device- CPAP, APAP or bi-level, read about the difference between these devices here) and how you can reduce or even avoid them.

  23. veneers santa cruz Reply

    Thanks for this great information you shared, will share this with a friend who also uses CPAP.

  24. dental Reply

    I been on it for 6-8 months and I never thought it was from the CPAk, now I seen a lot of people have this same effect. My head is all clogged up too. This is to bad, cause I sleep good but I can’t keep doing this to my eyes nose etc.

  25. USAS Reply

    Wow, nice info!

  26. Jim Reply

    I have used CPAP for about 6 years now and overall it’s been great. Lately I have been suffering w Insomnia. I also notice that just when I am about to fall asleep (i.e. drift off), I wake back up and feel like I need to breathe. It’s as if I stopped breathing right in that 30-40 second spot and I wake up. I do this over and over. My only recourse is to take a walk and tire myself more. Then I seem to be able to get over it and get to sleep. Help? Has anyone else experienced this?

    • Ben S Reply

      Hello Jim,

      I have recently been experiencing this same exact thing when falling asleep. Right as I start to drift, I wake up feeling like I need to take a breath – I’m wondering if it’s possibly central sleep apnea caused by the cpap. Were you able to get to the bottom of your experience? Medications, alcohol, antidepressants, withdrawal, anxiety etc..? Any information would be super helpful as I’m really trying to understand what it is. Thank you for your post. At least I know I’m not alone.

  27. drugs Reply

    This article was written by a real thinking writer. I agree many of the with the solid points made by the writer. I’ll be back.

  28. lisa Reply

    Writing with style and getting good compliments on the article is quite hard, to be honest.But you’ve done it so calmly and with so cool feeling and you’ve nailed the job. This article is possessed with style and I am giving good compliment.

  29. lisa Reply

    Skylight Pro is the preferred choice for a full array of all skylight-related services on Long Island. Call 631.319.7888.

  30. gym Reply

    Some fundamental mathematics and figures are essential to turning into a good poker participant. But when we look at various platforms we see something else. Modifying your strategy to the different forms is easy.

  31. Yvonne Smith Reply

    This was good information but has frightened me in using the CPAP machine. I just picked it up today. I am interested in some of the supplies like mask gel and mask liners. And soclean2 is this a machine or solution that you use. Want to stay in touch just in case I start having some of these issues. So many unhappy people. I have the full face cover the nose and mouth mask.

  32. lisa Reply

    This is such a nice useful resource that you are supplying and also you meet the price of it away for forgive. I hero reward seeing websites that take at the value of supplying a setting useful resource for set wandering. it’s far the primeval what goes on the order of comes almost about recurring.

  33. Hire a copywriter Reply

    No doubt, such images are very important for us which teach us useful lessons about daily life. We can keep ourselves active by watching and sharing this sort of informative images on regular basis so I am glad to see the efforts of management of this site who share a wonderful images here.

  34. lisa Reply

    Certainly, I would be happy to provide you with more articles on this topic as I gain more knowledge. It’s great to hear that you are interested in learning more, and I am here to help in any way I can. In the meantime, I would recommend doing some research on your own as well to deepen your understanding. You can also let me know what specific aspects of this topic you would like to learn more about, so that I can tailor the articles to your interests. Thank you for your interest in this topic and your trust in my assistance.

  35. lisa Reply

    If there’s one thing that’s consistent in life, it’s change. And nowhere is this truer than when it comes to travel. Whether you’re jetting off to a new destination for work or pleasure, life always seems to throws new experiences your way. Whether you’re taking in the local culture or just soaking up some new scenery, travel is one of life’s greatest adventures. Here are five tips to help make your next

  36. BestTread Reply

    Impressive post! Well-crafted with thoughtful insights. Sharing your experiences in relation to the topic adds great value. Others will surely benefit. Keep it up!

  37. Here Reply

    Raised some good points I hadn’t thought about. Thanks for the valuable info.

  38. 3d body analyzer Reply

    Health promotion and disease prevention are crucial components of public health strategies. Vaccinations, screenings, and awareness campaigns play pivotal roles in early detection and management of health conditions. By focusing on prevention, the burden on healthcare systems can be mitigated, and individuals can lead longer, healthier lives.

  39. Landscape Design Reply

    Great info. There are so many side effects. It’s a difficult adjustment for many.

  40. Childrens Dentist Reply

    My relative began using a CPAP and now battles intense anxiety and depression. Frankly, I fear for their life. They’re seeking help, but it’s daunting. The only change is the CPAP. Anyone else facing these issues? Your experiences and advice could be crucial.

  41. Orthodontist Reply

    Great article. As an orthodontist I often get asked from patients using a CPAP if Invisalign or Braces is still an option for treatment. Understanding the side effects you mentioned and things to look out for helps me understand the difficulties these patients go through better.

Leave a Reply to James E Walker Cancel reply