CPAP machine side effects include skin marks, dry nose and mouth, and bloating due to air swallowing.
These and other effects usually stem from the air pressure being pushed out or discomfort from the mask itself.
This article looks at some of the most common side effects of CPAP and how they can be managed.
Juanmonino / Getty Images
People with sensitive skin may also develop a rash or skin irritation, especially with masks that contain latex.
Mask liners and barrier creams can help, as can loosening the mask or using anew maskthat fits better.
Nosebleeds or even damage to your gums and teeth can occur due to the dryness.
If your mouth falls open, air can escape, leading to a parched mouth or tongue.
Note, however, that larger maskssuch as those that cover the nose and mouthare more prone to leaks.
This may improve over time, but the effort may also cause insomnia.
It may be necessary to reduce pressures overall.
Swallowing Air
Many people experience air swallowing, calledaerophagia(air eating).
If you wake and your stomach is filled with air, it may be due to this.
Symptoms include:
Air swallowing can be a sign of CPAP pressures that are too high.
Rather than entering your upper airway, excessive air can put in your stomach via youresophagus.
Reduced pressures may help prevent this.
This sometimes resolves in time, and it may be alleviated by simply lowering the CPAP pressure.
Newer mask styles, includingnasal pillows, may reduce this risk.
Claustrophobia
Some people feel confined or enclosed when wearing a mask.
This typically resolves over time, particularly if you take the time toadjust graduallyto using the mask.
These factors include:
Weight changes:Excessive weightis a risk for sleep apnea.
Lowering your CPAP pressure may help.Weight gain can also require a change in CPAP pressure.
If you discontinue the use of any of these substances, your pressure needs may also be reduced.
Medications: Medications such as muscle relaxants and benzodiazepines may worsen your symptoms.
Discontinuing them may reduce your pressure needs.
It can be dangerous to do it on your own.
Summary
CPAP therapy can have a number of side effects.
Losing or gaining weight, taking certain medications, and other variables may also influence CPAP machine side effects.
Most side effects can be corrected by adjusting the machines tweaks and making sure your mask fits correctly.
2017;31(6):364-369. doi:10.2500/ajra.2017.31.4482
Johns Hopkins Medicine.BiPap.
National Sleep Foundation.Aerophagia: symptoms, causes, and treatment.
Khan MT, Franco RA.Complex sleep apnea syndrome.Sleep Disord.
2018;197:A7284.
