CPAP Machine Side Effects And How To Address Them

CPAP Machine Side Effects And How To Address Them 

CPAP Machine Side Effects And How To Address Them

If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, you’re probably aware of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy by now. It works as the CPAP machine delivers constant air pressure to the patient’s airway keeping it open and allowing him to breathe uninterrupted while he sleeps.

Just like with any other treatments, most patients will experience some minor CPAP machine side effects which, while not usually serious, can be a source of inconvenience and irritation to the user. We will discuss some of the common CPAP side effects and the ways they can be diminished or even totally eliminated.

CPAP Side Effects: What to Look Out For!

Exhaling Might Be Uncomfortable

This is one of the most common side effects when using the CPAP machine. This is understandable since the device uses air pressure to keep your airway open - you are basically forcing against the pressure with every exhalation you make. While some patients might overcome this initial discomfort over time, there will always be others who will still find it uncomfortable even after several treatment sessions. As a result, sleeping will be difficult since you’ll find it hard to relax.

One solution to this problem is to look for a machine that has a ramp feature. With this feature, you won’t have to feel the full pressure prescribed by the doctor right away. Instead, the machine has some sort of a timer, which can be as long as 45 minutes in most models, where it will gradually increase the pressure until it reaches the level indicated in your doctor’s prescription. Since there is there is this adjustment period, you will hopefully acclimatize with the increased pressure by then. Or better yet, you will fall asleep long before the ramp period is up.

But if you have some cash to spare, an even better solution is to get a bi-level CPAP machine. This type of device tracks your breathing pace and adjusts accordingly - it uses the prescribed pressure when you inhale but eases up the pressure when you exhale. As a result, it will feel like you are breathing normally as you don’t have to exert too much effort when you breathe out.

You Feel Claustrophobic With The Mask On

It’s relatively common for people to feel confined and claustrophobic when putting the mask on. However, a majority of users will bounce back and get used to it right away. The problem is for those few users who just can’t let go of their irrational fear as easily.

As they say, practice makes perfect and one method that might help you overcome this feeling is to practice using the mask even when it is still daytime. You can incorporate desensitization training at this time and initially put the mask on for a short period like 10 minutes or so then progressively increase the duration to longer periods of time. The rationale is that by practicing it while you are still awake, you will hopefully get so used to the feeling of the mask on their face that they won’t think anything about it when therapy time comes.

Using a CPAP machine might take some time getting used to. Fortunately, its side effects are not usually serious and can be considered just minor inconveniences. However, if you still experience some problems in using the device even after trying to make some adjustments, it is best to discuss the situation with your doctor, as he might be able to help you troubleshoot the issue and make changes in the machine’s setting or your therapy parameters.