Continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, is a respiratory treatment that uses air pressure to keep the airways open, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. It is used to treat people who have breathing difficulties such as sleep apnea. CPAP treatment consists of a mask that fits over the mouth and nose, a tube that connects the mask to the CPAP machine and a tube that blows air into the mask from the machine. While complications are rare, there are some risks associated with the treatment.
Gas
People who use a CPAP machine may experience stomach discomfort and gas, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association. The pressurized flow of air through the nose and mouth can cause air to accumulate in the stomach resulting in stomach pain and gas upon waking. Stomach discomfort and gas can be alleviated by aligning the head with the rest of the body or by elevating the head by placing bricks under the headboard or sleeping with a wedge pillow. Sleeping with several pillows can cause the head to tilt forward blocking the airway and causing breathing difficulties. In severe cases, the air pressure may be lowered to ease the gas, but a lowered air pressure can interfere with the machine's effectiveness.
Discomfort
A common risk associated with a CPAP machine is mask discomfort. Mask discomfort occurs when the mask that covers the nose and mouth does not fit properly either because it is too tight and places pressure on the face or it is too loose and air escapes the mask causing facial irritation. The American Sleep Apnea Association states that a CPAP mask should fit snug on the face in order to avoid any air leaks, but at the same time the mask should not be so snug or tight that it feels uncomfortable or causes pressure or pain. There are a variety of masks available to fit every kind of facial structure so if the mask does not fit correctly exchange it for one that has a better fit.
Nose and Throat Irritation
People who use a CPAP machine on regular basis may experience nose and throat irritation upon waking. Many times, the constant air from the CPAP dries the nasal passages triggering an increased production of mucus in order to compensate for lost moisture in the nose, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association. Increased mucus can cause nasal congestion, runny nose, irritation, burning and/or sneezing. Throat irritation can occur when the continuous airflow through the mouth dries the airway passages causing sore throat and/or a dry mouth, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The moisture can be replaced simply by using chinstraps, nasal salt-water sprays or a heated humidifier along with the CPAP machine.
