Bilevel positive airway pressure, or BiPAP, machines provide breathing support to people who suffer from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a medical condition in which an affected person abnormally stops breathing at sporadic periods during the night. Use of the BiPAP machine can help ensure that people with sleep apnea receive the correct amount of air pressure needed to sustain normal breathing patterns throughout the night. Before beginning to use this machine, people should be aware of BiPAP machine side effects.
Throat and Nasal Irritation
People who use breathing devices, such as the BiPAP machine, commonly develop throat and nasal irritation as a side effect of treatment, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. The air that passes from the BiPAP machine into a person's nose or mouth can dry out the nose, mouth and throat. If this occurs, affected people can complain of a sore throat or dry mouth. Nasal irritation can also result in an increase in nasal congestion, which can be bothersome and may cause runny nose side effects. Use of a saline nasal spray or humidifier can help limit the severity of throat and nasal irritation in people who use the BiPAP machine.
Nasal Skin Lesions
Use of the BiPAP face mask can cause nasal skin lesions to appear across the bridge of a person's nose, warn Dr. James Warren and Dr. Shiv Sharma in a March 2006 article in the journal "Anesthesia and Analgesia." These skin lesions can appear as open skin sores that are red, irritated and painful. Proper use of a fitted, cushioned BiPAP mask can help prevent the development of nasal skin lesions in certain people.
Stomach Bloating
Excess amounts of air can be inhaled by people using a BiPAP machine. If this occurs, affected people can experience gastric distention, or stomach bloating, as a side effect of the BiPAP machine. Stomach bloating can be uncomfortable and can contribute to abdominal cramping or a decreased appetite in certain people. If this BiPAP machine side effect is bothersome, an affected person should consult a doctor for further guidance.
Ear and Eye Complications
Uncomfortable ear or eye complications can arise as side effects of BiPAP machine use, according to the "BiPAP AVAPS User Manual" published by Respironics. Ear discomfort can lead to hearing difficulties or may disrupt a person's ability to sleep through the night. Certain people can develop an eye infection called conjunctivitis as a side effect of BiPAP machine use. Eye infection symptoms can include eye pain or discharge; or blurred or cloudy vision. People who experience unusual eye or ear pain should consult a doctor as additional medication may be necessary to adequately resolve these side effects.
