What Are the Risks of CPAP?

CPAP is a safe, painless treatment. Side effects and other problems usually are minor and can be treated or fixed. Talk to your doctor if you're having problems using CPAP. He or she can suggest ways to handle or treat these problems.

Although these problems can be frustrating, stick with the treatment. The benefits of CPAP are worthwhile.

Side Effects

Mask Allergies and Skin Irritation

CPAP masks may cause skin allergies or skin irritation. If this happens, try a different type of mask.

CPAP masks come in different shapes, sizes, and materials. Some have fewer straps and less contact with your face. Certain masks may irritate your skin less than others.

If you have trouble finding a mask that works for you, talk to your sleep specialist about nasal pillows. These are small, flexible, mushroom-shaped cones that fit into each nostril.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth may be due to the CPAP itself or from breathing through your mouth at night. A CPAP machine that has a heated humidifier may help relieve this side effect.

If dry mouth persists, your sleep specialist may recommend a chin strap to keep your mouth closed or a different type of mask.

Talk to your sleep specialist if dry mouth continues. It may mean that your mask is leaking air. The air may be going into your open mouth and causing dry mouth.

Congestion, Runny Nose, Sneezing, Sinusitis, and Nosebleeds

Congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sinusitis, and nosebleeds can occur while using CPAP. A CPAP machine that uses a heated humidifier can help relieve these side effects. Also, make sure that your mask fits properly.

Some people find that using a saline nasal spray at bedtime prevents these side effects. If these steps don't work, talk to your sleep specialist. He or she may prescribe a steroid nasal spray.

Stomach Bloating and Discomfort

Stomach bloating and discomfort may be due to a problem with the air pressure setting of your CPAP machine. If you have stomach bloating and discomfort, talk to your sleep specialist. He or she may adjust the settings of your machine to relieve these side effects.

Problems With the CPAP Equipment

Mask Leaks

A number of different things can cause a CPAP mask to leak. To avoid a leak, follow the instructions that come with the mask. Try washing the mask daily. Also, wash your face and use a moisturizer so your skin is moist before you put on the mask.

It may help to adjust the mask's straps. When straps are too loose or too tight, a leak may happen. You may need to select a different size or type of mask.

When a CPAP mask leaks air, you don't get the proper amount of air pressure. Also, leaks can lead to skin or eye irritation.

Very small leaks don't stop the machine from producing the correct amount of air pressure. But small leaks can cause a shrill sound that disturbs the sleep of others in the house.

Don't use tape or grease on a mask to prevent leaks unless your home equipment provider or sleep specialist advises you to.

Air Pressure Problems

The air pressure from CPAP makes some people feel like it's hard to exhale or like they're choking or suffocating. Some people swallow air, which may cause burping.

If you have problems with the air pressure from CPAP, it may help to use the "ramp" feature on your CPAP machine. The feature allows the machine to slowly "ramp up" from a lower air pressure to the pressure that's needed to keep your airways open during sleep.

If your machine doesn't have this feature or if it doesn't help, talk to your sleep specialist. He or she may suggest a different CPAP machine. If that doesn't work, your sleep specialist may suggest another type of positive airway pressure.

Mask Removal

To get the full benefit of CPAP, you should use it every time you sleep. Some people remove the CPAP mask while they're asleep. If this happens, you may be able to solve the problem by:

• Finding a mask that fits better.
• Using a CPAP machine that has a humidifier. This might make the treatment more comfortable and stop you from removing the mask.
• Using a chin strap to hold the mask in place.

Some CPAP machines come with an alarm that sounds if the mask comes off.

Noise

Most new CPAP machines are fairly quiet. The noise that they make is soft and rhythmic. If there's still a noise that bothers you, check the air filter to make sure the machine is working right. Your sleep specialist or home equipment provider also can check the machine for you.

If the CPAP machine is working right, but the noise still bothers you, try using earplugs or a white-noise sound machine.