People with obstructive sleep apnea often use a continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machine to treat their sleep disorder. Sleep apnea occurs when individuals relax their muscles as they fall into sleep, allowing their airways to narrow or even close completely. As a result, they spend their nights snoring, experiencing pauses in their breathing known as apnea, gasping and choking and then awakening to start the cycle all over again. While CPAP machines do a good job of treating sleep apnea, they create bothersome side effects.
Types
CPAP machines have three parts: an air compressor that sends out a column of air at a prescribed pressure, an interface that covers the nostrils, nose, mouth or face, and a hose that connects the other two components. According to MedlinePlus, it takes time to adjust to the sight, sound and feel of the equipment in the bedroom. As the column of compressed air passes through the nostrils, it dries out delicate mucous membranes in the eyes, mouth and nose. Some people experience headaches and ear pressure after a night on CPAP, states the American Sleep Apnea Association.
Features
People vary in their ability to adjust to the CPAP equipment. Some feel claustrophobic when they try to wear a nasal or face mask, while others are bothered by the noise from the air compressor unit or the column of moving air. As the lining of the nostrils dries out, individuals may experience nasal congestion, runny nose or sneezing. This combination of unpleasant side effects can keep people from falling asleep and staying asleep.
Prevention/Solution
Most CPAP side effects are related either to the mask or the column of air created by the machine, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Machines that incorporate a built-in cool water humidifier moisten the column of air before sending it through the hose, effectively reducing eyes, nose and mouth dryness. Some people find that cool mist is not sufficient, and they need a heated humidifier to warm the pressurized air. Finally, it's critical to have a well-fitting mask, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association.
Considerations
With the number and variety of CPAP interfaces on the market today, sleep care professionals can help individuals with sleep apnea find just the right product to minimize side effects. Options include triangular nasal masks in various sizes and styles, larger full-face masks that cover both the nose and the mouth and nasal pillows that fit inside the nostrils. Various products are designed to address specific concerns.
Tips
The National Sleep Foundation advocates desensitization training for people who find CPAP masks claustrophobic or unbearably uncomfortable. Patients are advised to start by wearing the mask for brief periods of time during waking hours while engaging in a distracting activity and gradually build up the wear time. Many people are able to adjust by starting with 10-minute sessions and building up to long durations.
