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The Disadvantages of Using a Breathing Machine

Physicians are quick to suggest their patients use a breathing machine if sleep apnea is affecting their health. While it may help patients alleviate many symptoms of sleep apnea, there are many negative effects to using a breathing machine. Following are some of the disadvantages to using a breathing machine to help with the symptoms of sleep apnea.

  1. Wearing a Mask

    • Many breathing machines require the patient to wear a heavy mask that covers their entire face. Additionally, many of these masks require the patient to wear a breathing apparatus in their nose, which is quite uncomfortable. This mask can often impede the patient from sleeping through the night.

    Electricity Bills

    • Because breathing machines help people breathe continuously throughout the night, the machines must constantly be plugged into an outlet. This can cause your electricity bills to substantially increase, as the machine requires a lot of electricity that must be sustained for the duration of the night.

    Dry Mouth

    • Breathing machines push air inside of your nose, and if your mouth is open while you sleep, it is possible that leaked air will escape through your mouth. Your mouth may be open due to nasal congestion, or it could simply be a sleeping habit. If air is leaking out of your mouth, this will not only make your mouth dry and uncomfortable, but it will also render your breathing machine therapy useless.

    Loud Noise

    • The noise a breathing machine makes can be very loud. Breathing machines usually make a loud humming noise that never stops. Not only can it keep the patient awake, but it can also alienate their spouse and other members of the family. If the patient travels, it can also be a distraction to others around the patient. This can cause feelings of shame and discomfort.

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