This happens because a sleep apnea patient doesn’t cough up the mucus from the lungs. The following explain those issues that can often be addressed and corrected so you can have a more comfortable sleep experience. Mildews, mold, and bacteria can easily be harbored in your machine. Thus if you use a CPAP machine you can rest in peace in the knowledge that … CPAP Machine Side Effects. Your CPAP mask may leave marks on your skin if it doesn't fit properly, possibly leading to sores or even ulcers, especially along the bridge of your nose. Claustrophobia usually occurs in patients that have just started their CPAP therapy, so they can also develop serious anxiety and even panic attacks if they don’t get used to the mask and the noise coming from the machine. But, there have been reports of CPAP causing headaches in patients who didn’t have them before. The use of a nasal saline spray prior to bed can also help. Let's learn how to resolve these annoying problems: The Most Common CPAP Machine Side Effects CPAP Esophagus Side Effects - Nausea, Vomiting, Acid Reflux The same goes for people experiencing sudden ear pressure issues caused by CPAP therapy. CPAP machines are overall a safe machine to use, and outside some initial discomforts and reasonable adjustment periods, are incredibly effective in their treatment of sleep apnea. Side effects of CPAP machine use may include: Sores and irritation from wearing the mask; Congestion; Headaches; Runny nose; Dry mouth; Nosebleeds; These side effects often occur during early treatment with CPAP. When the CPAP machine pushes air, there can sometimes be more of it than sleep apnea patients can handle, so the air is misdirected down the esophagus. As a matter of fact sleep apnea is a condition that has been shown[1] to be a factor in car crashes, diabetes, pregnancy complications, high blood pressure, and heart disease. In sleep apnea patients that have a BMI of 30 and higher, the chance of cardiac issues is significantly higher than in sleep apnea patients with a normal BMI. For many sleep apnea patients, nasal or sinus congestion is one of the most common occurrences and CPAP side effects. Then, the sleep apnea patient needs to seek medical assistance or over-the-counter medication. It is pretty common for a constant flow of air to create a drier atmosphere. Ignoring ill effects can lead to some unwanted complications. Air Swallowing Or Aerophagia. You can have problems such as a sore throat, runny nose, lung irritation, congestion, eye irritation, sneezing, and more from a dirty CPAP machine. Obstructive sleep apnea -- disruptive snoring -- is linked to conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease and other hazards to your health. Upon passing the gas or even changing the sleeping position, the air swallowing effects become tolerable or pass completely. Luckily, most machines come with a RAMP adjustability feature which allows you to set a control on the machine for a gradual increase of airflow over a period of time. However, in some cases, skin irritation, rashes, or redness seem to be persistent and translate into a different form of dermatitis and skin allergies. Common problems with CPAP include a leaky mask, trouble falling asleep, stuffy nose and a dry mouth. That is why claustrophobia is a frequent occurrence in sleep apnea patients that get CPAP treatment. Here are the effects of not cleaning it. CPAP therapy is proven to keep your air passageway open, deliver pressurized air continuously. A clean, dry machine is not a good host to things that like to inhabit dark, moist environs, so be sure to dry your machine out well before putting it back together. As mentioned, there are many different styles – some of which are less constrictive than others, so be sure to speak with your doctor. The most common problems are the wrong size or style mask, dry nose, feeling claustrophobic, dry mouth, difficulty falling asleep, leaky mask, skin irritation, and so on. What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your CPAP … This way, the stomach is filled with air, which leads to the aforementioned complications, like gassing or bloating. And don't forget about the very well-known benefits of CPAP therapy - benefits that far outweigh the dangers of using it. Having this information can help you make decisions about how you use it, maintain it, and troubleshoot any issues you may be having. The CPAP machine functions in a way that pushes ait through the upper airway and sends it to the lungs. Sinusitis is the name used to describe the inflammation of the lining of the sinus cavities. These side effects may threaten compliance with treatment. Using a CPAP machine. The main choice of therapy is a breathing device called a CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure machine. The heated humidifier is attached to the CPAP machine and heats the air as it travels to your nose and lungs. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. What Are The Bad Side Effects Of Using The CPAP Machine? Think I read somewhere that central sleep apnea occurs about 20% of the time AFTER starting treatment. 1. Suggestions to treat with surgery, rather than a machine, have been suggested. Air swallowing is considered to be a minor side effect. CPAP equipment shouldn’t be neglected. Another way is to change the mask itself and opt for a mask that is tight-fitting and that doesn’t move during sleep. There are a few side effects--some positive, some negative--associated with long-term CPAP use. Your email address will not be published. This should prevent further air leakage. Bacteria accumulation and contamination of the CPAP machine parts might be one of the leading causes of the therapy side effects. Mildews, mold, and bacteria can easily be harbored in your machine. There are a few side effects of CPAP therapy such as possible leakage of air, dryness in the nose or mouth, skin marks, breathing discomfort, etc. So, what’s the deal with this? CPAP therapy can sometimes cause congestion in ears and sinuses, which can also cause serious headaches, and acute symptoms of a cold, for example. Positive Effects According to an article published in the "European Respiratory Journal" in 2000, long-term advantages noted in a one-year study showed that CPAP users had decreased sleepiness during the day, increased reaction times, better memory and improved driving ability over their pre-CPAP testing. Nasal congestion can be extremely annoying, and in some cases very persistent. Learn about whether you might be at risk of infection, including sinus infections and pneumonia, from using a CPAP machine. Although it is a safe machine that is considered to be used, it has a number of common side effects – especially for a new person. This does not influence our opinions, but we believe in transparency so you can make informed choices. Submerge and soak mask, headgear, tubing, and any connectors in a basin of mild, soapy warm water. Studies (published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal) show that CPAP treatment, together with sleep apnea can increase the risk of pneumonia. The CPAP equipment should be cleaned after every use, which means that the majority of sleep apnea patients should be cleaning their CPAP devices every day. One way sleep apnea patients can prevent such issues is by applying artificial tears before going to bed and placing the CPAP mask. Keeping your mask clean will also help with irritation and a proper seal. 5 Most Common Side Effects of CPAP Treatment 1. Dry Nose and Congestion As far as Sleep Apnea machine side effects go, this one is easy! Often, mask leaks, irritation, or discomfort is caused by the wrong size mask. This is why almost all machines either come with a built in warm air humidifier, or an optional humidifier, in order to moisturize the air you breathe in. Just like any treatment device, the CPAP machine has its advantages and disadvantages. CPAP therapy is usually supposed to deal with the headache issue in sleep apnea patients. CPAP machines are considered very quiet and run under 30 dBA. A sleep apnea machine, though helpful, has some side effects too, some of them which are not at all harmful, while on the other hand, others, though not entirely harmful, need to be treated with caution. Severe sinusitis is marked by a more chronic condition, and can turn into bacterial meningitis when left unattended. An ill-fitting mask can cause some serious issues and side effects, as mentioned previously. Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) machines are the most effective treatment for sleep apnea, a potentially dangerous sleep disorder that is defined by a continual starting and stopping of breathing through the night. Your CPAP machine is made up of many parts: the main CPAP machine, humidifier, humidifier water chamber, tubing, and mask. Ear pressure issues can cause serious headaches and in some cases even hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo. And if you have been sick, those germs may also linger and attack your immune system once again. You also should replace tubing annually, or even more frequently if you feel it has become difficult to clean, or has been compromised. People with sensitive skin may also develop a rash or skin irritation, especially with masks that contain latex. It is believed that the constant pressure of a CPAP machine creates additional pressure and erosion on these sinus cavities when inflamed, and increases the risk of bacterial meningitis occuring. One way sleep apnea patients can prevent nasal congestion is by having their specialist order a cold water humidifier with their CPAP machine order. Available only by prescription, you must first be diagnosed with sleep apnea to receive this treatment. Some common warning signs that this has become a problem is if you keep getting sick or are suffering from headaches on a regular basis. Patients can often choose between different types of masks, like a full-face mask, partial masks or nasal masks (cover only the nose and the mouth), etc. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. CPAP Filters: 7 Things To Know Before Buying. This can be done using CPAP machine cleaners, mask cleaners, or CPAP mask wipes. There can also be an issue with poor-fitting masks, which can cause red marks on the skin and skin breakage. Read More: Is A CPAP Humidifier Necessary? By Mayo Clinic Staff. For those who already have a humidifier with their CPAP machine, you might need to change it for a heated humidifier. Sometimes the mask barriers come in the form of hypoallergenic tapes, which can also be useful for preventing skin irritation and rashes. Obstructive sleep apnea seems to have caused such issues due to transient nocturnal hypoxia or oxygen saturation known to occur in sleep apnea patients. Often, there are even cases of glaucoma due to the dryness of the eye and nerve damage, or episodes of conjunctivitis. If you find that you are unintentionally removing the mask through the night, you may want to invest in a machine that has an auto on/off feature and alarm to draw your attention to the problem. If you smell anything that is not fresh smelling, smells like mildew, or is otherwise not pleasant, look to the pathogens that are most likely growing in your machine. All CPAP machine parts that come into contact with water vapor — created by either your humidifier or your breath — can become a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and yeast when not regularly disinfected. When it comes to the “cons” of using a CPAP machine, side effects seem to be more related to the design and size of the device. This can acclimate you to the feeling and many times people will already be asleep before it reaches its maximum level. Skin issues can vary in severity; if treated on time, or prevented, skin marks and rashes tend to go away quickly. No doubt that the CPAP machine is one of the best options for people who are suffering from sleep apnea and snoring, but it has its share of negative effects too. The side effects are mainly due to the incorrect usage of the mask or wrong flow or pressure of air. As with any other medical intervention, it’s not without side effects – but in the case of CPAP, the pros most definitely outweigh the cons. Upper respiratory side effects from the forced air occasionally bother CPAP users. Most of the side effects of CPAP treatment are caused by the humidifier. When mask problems and mask leakage continues and isn’t handled, eye irritation can translate into serious ocular diseases or corneal abrasions. It is usually when your machine has not been cleaned or maintained that dangerous situations may occur. side effects of cpap use are usually minor and may include: *feelings of confinement from the face mask *sore or dry mouth *nasal congestion, runny nose, sinusitis, or nosebleeds *irritation and s Air swallowing is one of the most common side effects associated with CPAP treatment. Waking up with a dry nose or congestion are both common side effects of CPAP use and usually just indicate a simple lack of humidification. A CPAP machine pipes humidified air through the nose, which creates air pressure to keep your throat open while asleep. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But if these symptoms continue to occur they can become severe and increase the risk of throat infection, sinus infection and conjunctivitis. Be sure to regularly wash your machine parts and replace filters and hoses as suggested, and allow everything to air dry to ensure a clean healthy machine environment. So make sure to use CPAP therapy regularly and save yourself from any of the above conditions. But, why does CPAP cause air swallowing or aerophagia in the first place? However, we have something known as trachea, where an opening leads to the esophagus and stomach. You can clean your CPAP device using CPAP cleaners, or using products like cleaning brushes for the tubing, surface cleaners, and sprays, or cleaning wipes. Rinse out humidifier tank (if there is one) with warm soapy water and allow to air dry. Hopefully, you’ll become more familiar with the disadvantages of CPAP therapy, and you can discuss more with your doctor or medical professional. By Susan Scutti, CNN Updated 1:24 PM EDT, Wed April 19, 2017 Story highlights. Suffering from sleep apnea poses much higher risks, such as brain damage due to lack of oxygen and an increased likelihood of heart attacks and strokes. 9 CPAP Alternatives We Recommend For Sleep Apnea. CPAP is currently one of the best treatment options for patients with obstructive sleep apnea. This is especially true for new CPAP machine users. Although considered a safe machine to use, it does have some common side effects worth knowing about – especially to a new user. You can also wipe down masks quickly after each use with a gentle soap and water wipe to avoid dirt and oil buildup which can contribute to skin irritation. Sleep apnea’s CPAP machine doesn’t cut heart risks, study says. If you have any questions or concerns with mask fit, noises, or machine use, be sure to talk to your prescribing doctor to help troubleshoot any issues you may be having. Some people even think the mask and the hose will strangle them in their sleep or cause suffocation. Those who suffer from sleep apnea may have up to 100 interruptions a night, and these machines are very effective in reducing, or even stopping, these incidents from occurring altogether. Learn more from WebMD. The natural oils and dirt from skin can also build up over time- so knowing what to do for basic machine care is very important. Some people cannot tolerate the feeling of air being blown towards them, which may increase irritability or even feelings of claustrophobia. CPAP therapy can usually cause issues with humidification, which then results in nasal congestion because there is insufficient moisture in the nasal passages. Studies show that CPAP therapy can affect the middle ear and increase pressure in this area (the middle ear cavity). There are multiple types of masks to address both your needs and comforts, as well as various styles and models of machines for both technology and transport. The humidifier will heat the water as well and create more moisture, which should prevent nasal congestion, dryness, and irritation. It draws in room temperature air and pressurizes it for a continual flow to provide what is needed to keep breathing obstructions from occurring. Luckily, eye irritation and dryness can be handled before any of the serious eye diseases occur. You may be interested in: How to Use a CPAP Machine. 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