CPAP therapy is commonly prescribed for people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but getting used to sleeping with a CPAP machine can take some time.

Some people experience discomfort when they first begin CPAP therapy or when something changes with their mask, equipment, or therapy settings. Common concerns can include nasal or throat dryness, mask irritation, air leaks, bloating, and feeling uncomfortable wearing a mask.

Fortunately, many common CPAP side effects may be related to mask fit, airflow, humidification, or equipment maintenance and can often be addressed with help from your healthcare provider or CPAP equipment provider.

Here are some common CPAP side effects and factors that may help.

Dry Nose, Mouth, or Throat

Dryness is a common complaint among CPAP users. The airflow produced during CPAP therapy can contribute to a dry nose, mouth, or throat.

Humidification may help add moisture to the air used during therapy. Depending on your CPAP setup, this may include a traditional heated humidifier or a compatible waterless humidification option.

If you regularly wake up with a dry mouth, air may also be escaping through your mouth during therapy. Mask fit and mask style can play a role, so persistent dryness is worth discussing with your healthcare provider or CPAP equipment provider.

Nasal Congestion or Irritation

Some CPAP users experience a stuffy, runny, or irritated nose.

Dry airflow, environmental conditions, allergies, mask fit, and other factors can contribute to nasal discomfort.

Humidification may help with dryness for some users. If congestion or irritation continues or makes it difficult to use your CPAP, talk with your healthcare provider rather than changing your prescribed therapy settings on your own.

Headaches

If you experience headaches after starting CPAP therapy, don't assume that CPAP pressure is necessarily the cause.

Headaches can have many potential causes. Mask fit, sleep quality, sinus congestion, dehydration, and other factors may contribute to how you feel after waking.

If headaches are new, persistent, severe, or regularly occur while using CPAP, contact your healthcare provider. Do not change prescribed pressure settings without guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.

Gas, Bloating, or Aerophagia

Some CPAP users experience aerophagia, which refers to swallowing air.

This may lead to:

• Bloating

• Burping

• Gas

• Abdominal discomfort

If these symptoms occur frequently or make CPAP therapy uncomfortable, talk with your healthcare provider. They can help evaluate possible contributing factors and determine whether changes to your therapy or equipment are appropriate.

CPAP Mask Irritation

A CPAP mask that doesn't fit properly may cause redness, pressure marks, soreness, or irritation where the mask contacts your face.

A mask shouldn't need to be excessively tight to maintain a seal.

If you're experiencing irritation, check the mask manufacturer's fitting instructions and make sure you're using the appropriate size. Different mask styles and cushion designs may fit different face shapes more comfortably.

Regular mask cleaning and replacement of worn components can also help maintain a proper fit.

Persistent skin irritation, sores, or other skin changes should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

Air Leaks and Eye Irritation

Air escaping from a CPAP mask can sometimes travel toward the eyes, leading to dryness or irritation.

Leaks may occur when:

• A mask is positioned incorrectly

• The headgear is too loose or too tight

• The mask is the wrong size or style

• A cushion or seal has become worn

• The mask shifts during sleep

Rather than simply tightening the mask, follow the manufacturer's fitting instructions and inspect the mask and cushion for wear.

If you're unable to maintain a comfortable seal, your CPAP equipment provider may be able to help you find a different size or mask style.

Feeling Claustrophobic While Wearing a CPAP Mask

Wearing a CPAP mask can feel unfamiliar at first, and some people experience feelings of claustrophobia or anxiety.

Becoming comfortable with the equipment may take time.

Some people find it helpful to become familiar with their mask while awake before trying to sleep with it. Different mask styles also cover different amounts of the face, so another compatible mask design may feel more comfortable.

If anxiety or claustrophobia makes it difficult to use your prescribed CPAP therapy, talk with your healthcare provider about ways to make the adjustment easier.

Skin and Equipment Hygiene

Keeping CPAP equipment clean is an important part of routine CPAP care.

Masks, tubing, humidification components, and filters should be cleaned, maintained, and replaced according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Regular care can help prevent buildup of oils, moisture, debris, and other contaminants and can also help masks and other components continue to function as intended.

Always follow the cleaning instructions provided with your specific CPAP machine and accessories rather than using cleaning methods or products that aren't recommended by the manufacturer.

How to Reduce Common CPAP Side Effects

If CPAP therapy feels uncomfortable, don't immediately assume that CPAP simply isn't right for you. Sometimes the issue may be related to the mask, fit, humidification, equipment condition, or another part of your setup.

Consider checking:

• Whether your mask fits properly

• Whether the mask or cushion is worn

• Whether air is leaking around the mask

• Whether your equipment needs cleaning or replacement

• Whether humidification could help with dryness

• Whether your tubing and accessories are properly connected

Your healthcare provider or CPAP equipment provider can help troubleshoot persistent problems.

Most importantly, don't discontinue your prescribed CPAP therapy or change your prescribed pressure settings on your own because of side effects or discomfort.

When Should You Talk to Your Healthcare Provider?

Contact your healthcare provider if CPAP side effects are persistent, worsening, interfering with your ability to use your prescribed therapy, or causing symptoms that concern you.

Seek prompt medical attention for severe or unusual symptoms, including significant difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, or another symptom that may require urgent medical care.

Your healthcare provider can help determine whether a symptom is related to your CPAP equipment, your prescribed settings, another health condition, or something else entirely.

Finding a CPAP Setup That Works for You

Getting comfortable with CPAP can involve some adjustment.

The right mask fit, properly maintained equipment, appropriate humidification, and a CPAP setup suited to your prescribed therapy can all contribute to a more comfortable experience.

If something doesn't feel right, ask for help rather than simply giving up on your prescribed therapy. Your healthcare provider or CPAP equipment provider can help identify potential causes of discomfort and determine the appropriate next steps.

Important Information

This article is provided for general educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always consult your physician, sleep specialist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your diagnosis, prescribed PAP therapy, pressure settings, symptoms, side effects, and individual medical care.

Do not begin, discontinue, or modify prescribed PAP therapy or therapy settings without consulting your healthcare provider.

Always follow the User Manual, Instructions for Use, cleaning instructions, warnings, precautions, and safety information provided with your CPAP machine, mask, tubing, humidification system, and other accessories.