Living with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is challenging in and of itself, so why is CPAP therapy riddled with its own trials and tribulations? Well, we have listed 8 of the most common CPAP machine side effects and how to treat them, so you don’t need to worry! From monitoring airflow to attaching humidifiers, we’re sharing solutions; including our regular CPAP machine maintenance schedule.
Table of Contents
- Common Side Effects and Treatment Options
- 1. Bloating, Air in Stomach, or Aerophagia
- 2. High Apnea-Hypopnea Index
- 3. Difficulty Exhaling
- 4. Dry Mouth
- 5. Red Marks on Skin
- 6. Skin Irritations, Rash, or Acne
- 7. Claustrophobia
- 8. Allergic Sinusitis
- BONUS: CPAP Machine Maintenance
- Resting Well with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Common Side Effects and Treatment Options
1. Bloating, Air in Stomach, or Aerophagia
CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure, and it’s important to have that air pressure personalized to your needs and symptoms. If you wear a full face mask or oral mask and your air pressure is set too high, the air may enter your stomach instead of your lungs. This can cause discomfort in your stomach, hiccups, and excessive belching and is indicative of aerophagia—the medical term for swallowing air.
The Fix: Have your CPAP machine’s air pressure adjusted by a doctor or sleep specialist. Never adjust air pressure yourself, even if you have a CPAP machine with auto pressure settings; like the ResMed Airsense 10 AutoSet.
2. High Apnea-Hypopnea Index
Alternatively, if you are being affected by lower pressure, then you may be suffering from a high Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). Hypopneas, or partial blockages of air, may be slipping past your CPAP machine. This means your CPAP therapy is not as effective as it could be.
The Fix: Once again, have your CPAP machine’s air pressure adjusted by a doctor or sleep specialist. If that doesn’t work, you may also want to look into mask leaks. Watch this video of Michelle Worley, Director of Clinical Operations at Aeroflow Sleep, troubleshoot CPAP machine air leaks:
3. Difficulty Exhaling
Fixed-pressure CPAP machines only provide a steady stream of pressurized air, which may make it difficult to follow your body’s natural breathing rhythm. If you try to exhale while air is continually being forced into your lungs, it feels like you’re suffocating. Not an ideal way to get some shut eye.
The Fix: Try your machine’s exhalation relief (may be called EPR, c-flex, a-flex, smartflex, etc.)
4. Dry Mouth
Finding your type of CPAP mask is an integral part of CPAP therapy, because each CPAP mask has its own benefits for CPAP users. For example, a nasal mask may cover the nose completely, or it may use nasal pillows, which are flexible inserts for your nasal passages. If you are a chronic mouth breather and wake with dry mouth, a nasal mask probably isn’t right for you.
That said, if you insist on wearing a nasal mask, there’s always the option of a chinstrap. Since dry mouth is the primary complication of sleeping with your mouth open, a chinstrap attachment will hold your jaw firmly in place whenever you use your CPAP mask.
Another attachment to consider when impacted by dry mouth is a humidifier. Dry mouth directly relates to your sleeping environment, and a dry environment means dry mouth for mouth breathers or even nosebleeds for CPAP users wearing oral masks. From nasal congestion to increased mucus or phlegm, humidification can assist sleep apnea patients who complain of several environmentally-driven respiratory symptoms.
The Fix: Change to an oral, hybrid, or full-face mask or use a humidifier or chin strap. As always, consult your doctor before altering your CPAP therapy.
5. Red Marks on Skin
After wearing your CPAP mask all night, you may wake up to find red marks on your skin. Circulation is cut off to the surrounding skin when your CPAP mask is too tight, so the blood pools in one area. These red marks are the result of that, making it extremely important to try your mask on and understand how your mask fits in the presence of a doctor or sleep specialist.
The Fix: Readjust your CPAP mask while lying down or try alternate cushions; like memory foam.
6. Skin Irritations, Rash, or Acne
Sebum is your body’s natural oil that coats and protects the skin. An excess amount of sebum combined with sweat, dirt, and bacteria can produce skin irritations, rash, or acne. Now add a CPAP mask to the mix, where all of that build up festers beneath your headgear and chin strap overnight, and you have a recipe for disaster!
The Fix: Wash your CPAP mask with warm, drinkable water and non-toxic soap daily. You may also want to try CPAP wipes for easy cleaning. Or you can use a mask liner, which seals your CPAP mask cushion to your face and requires less-frequent rinsing.
7. Claustrophobia
7. Claustrophobia
The first week or two of CPAP use may make you feel uncomfortable, stuffy, and truly claustrophobic. This does improve for most over time, especially if you choose to follow compliance minimums; however, if claustrophobia is a known concern of yours, that feeling of confinement while wearing a CPAP mask may be an ongoing issue.
The Fix: Talk to your doctor about treatment options for claustrophobia, if you need to seek professional help. Or, simply change your CPAP mask to one with minimal contact, such as the Fisher & Paykel Evora.
8. Allergic Sinusitis
8. Allergic Sinusitis
Seasonal allergies and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) don’t mix. The last thing you want with a sore throat is air from your CPAP machine blowing on it, causing dryness and irritation. Plus, nasal congestion exacerbates everyone’s ability to breathe; especially those with OSA. You may also have a runny nose, dry eyes, or even a sinus infection if left untreated; all of which will keep you up at night.
The Fix: Consider using a heated humidifier; warm, moist air can break up nasal congestion and relieve inflammation in the sinuses. Always remember to regularly clean and replace your CPAP filters too!
If symptoms persist or worsen, ask your doctor about a nasal saline spray, over the counter allergy relief, or—in severe cases—prescription antibiotics and steroids.
BONUS: CPAP Machine Maintenance
Treatment options may vary, both by person as well as by symptom, but regular CPAP machine maintenance is a tried and true practice that can help many of these common problems. We recommend following this replacement schedule for CPAP supplies:
- Every 2 weeks: Replace cushions, pillows, and disposable filters
- Every month: Replace full-face mask cushions
- Every 3 months: Replace masks and tubing
- Every 6 months: Replace headgear, chinstraps, non-disposable filters, and humidifier water chambers
Sign up with Aeroflow Sleep and be comforted knowing we will contact you by phone, text or email whenever you are eligible for supplies. All you have to do is confirm your order, then sit back and wait for fresh supplies to be shipped straight to your door!
Need Fresh CPAP Supplies?
From CPAP machines and masks to tubing and filters, Aeroflow Sleep covers your sleep apnea essentials up to 100% through insurance. Plus, you'll be paired with a dedicated Sleep Specialist, get access to our user-friendly patient portal, and receive world-class resources like our AI mask-fitting technology.
Resting Well with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
So, how are you feeling? Are you breathing easier now that you’ve seen how easy it is to transform your CPAP therapy? We know you’ll breathe easier once these solutions are implemented! Always remember that treatment options are available for your CPAP journey, and we are committed to helping you rest well with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). If you continue to have CPAP machine side effects, please contact your doctor or sleep specialist. We’ll take care of you.
