Pacific Sleep

 

What is CPAP?

Since first being introduced in the early 1980s, CPAP therapy has become the main treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by those in the professional sleep medicine community.

CPAP therapy helps keep your upper airways open at night so you don't snore or experience apnea. With it, you wear a nasal mask and a small CPAP machine sends the right amount of air through it to your nose while you sleep.

As technology has advanced, CPAP machines have become smaller, quieter, and more sensitive. Now they can detect changing patterns in breathing caused by neurological disorder, as with central sleep apnea. CPAP machines come in a wide range of choices. You can choose between different styles, portability options or data storage features. You can also get them with sophisticated humidity controls for optimal comfort and advanced airflow delivery systems.

Types of CPAP Machines

Fixed Pressure CPAP Machines

A CPAP machine with a fixed pressure setting will provide a consistent level of pressure throughout the night.

Auto CPAP Machines

As the name suggests, Auto CPAP machines automatically regulate your level of breathing throughout the night. If changes to your normal breathing pattern are detected during sleep, the machine will correct it and keep your airway open, minimising any sleep disturbances.

BiPAP Machines

BiPAP machines have two pressure settings: IPAP and EPAP. The IPAP refers to the higher inhaled pressure while the EPAP refers to the lowered expiratory pressure

CPAP therapy is the most widely used and effective treatment for sleep apnea. Patients can receive significant benefits in a short amount of time. All sleep apnea treatments help to reduce the symptoms and do not ultimately cure the syndrome. Once you stop using CPAP therapy, sleep apnea symptoms will come back.

Common CPAP Side Effects

Although CPAP therapy is one of the most successful methods for treating sleep apnea, there are many potential side effects that will be present after long-term use. If you wear a CPAP mask and use a CPAP machine, you might have some of the following issues

Aerophagia

This is the medical term for eating or swallowing air. It can happen when a CPAP machine applies too much pressure which can cause gas and bloating.

Discomfort

Wearing a CPAP mask can sometimes make you uncomfortable while trying to sleep. The mask can seem bulky and constrictive, resulting in your trying to sleep in positions other than your back . Exhaling can also cause an issue if the pressure is too high

Claustrophobia

Many people find that wearing a CPAP mask, which fits snugly over your nose, to be claustrophobic. For some people this can be even more terrible when they wear a full-face mask, which surrounds their mouth and nose.

Mask Leak

If it doesn't fit properly or is not well cleaned, your CPAP mask can cause leakage. When there is a leakage, the CPAP machine cannot work at the preset pressure.

Dry, Stuffy Nose or Nosebleeds

Another side effect of CPAP is having a dry or stuffy nose because air from the machine has been being blown into your airway at a constant rate. This can also cause nosebleeds.

Skin Irritations

CPAP masks are usually worn for a long period of time, which may result in skin allergies and irritation. The most common side effect is pressure sores or rashes on the face while wearing the mask.

Dry Mouth

CPAP masks commonly lead to a dry mouth, which is just one of the many side effects. For those with a full-face mask, as well as patients who breathe out of their mouths with a nasal mask, this symptom can be experienced.

Infections

A CPAP machine or CPAP mask which isn’t properly cleaned regularly can lead to infections. Such examples include lung and sinus infections.

Headaches

Although headaches are a less common CPAP side effect, they can occur if the machine’s pressure is set too high or if you have a blockage in your sinuses.

Lung Discomfort

A few patients might complain of a burning sensation in the lungs. This is often a result of dry or cold air being inhaled from the CPAP mask. Warm humidification can help reduce this side effect.

Dizziness

Some report feeling dizzy after a CPAP mask is put on. Whether this is caused by the pressure change in the middle ear or not, it should only last as long as the therapy does.

Shortness of Breath

A common complaint of CPAP users is that they feel short of breath, but actually a functional CPAP machine doesn't reduce the amount of air a person breathes in. This side effect is quite sensorial.