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Negative Reactions to Sleep Machines

Sleep machines are called continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP machines. While using a CPAP machine provides numerous positives, there can also be a few negatives. The best way to avoid the negative side of a CPAP is to make sure the machine, as well as the equipment that goes with the machine, meets or exceeds your needs. The best way to do this is to stay in touch with the physician that ordered the sleep study and wrote the prescription for the machine, as well as the durable medical equipment (DME) company that delivered it.

  1. Poor-Fitting Mask

    • To gain the greatest benefit from CPAP, it is critical to have a properly fitting CPAP mask. If the mask is the wrong size or type, it will leak air and not provide and maintain the correct pressure. When the mask leaks and loses pressure, your airway is not getting the support it needs to stay open. When you don't get the results you expected, you will stop using the machine. If this is the case, contact your physician or the DME supplier that delivered your machine and supplies, and ask the representative to reevaluate you for a better-fitting mask.

    Dry Nose, Mouth or Throat

    • If you experience dry throat, mouth or nasal passages when you wake up after using CPAP, ask your DME supplier to attach a humidifier to your CPAP machine. By doing this, the air you breathe through the tubing is humidified, which should eliminate the dryness. As a last resort, place a high-output, cool-mist humidifier in your bedroom, near your CPAP machine. Ideally, the humidification should be within the CPAP tubing, but if that is not possible, having one in the room should still make a difference. A chin strap is also helpful if you are a mouth breather and are not using a full-face mask.

    Skin Irritation

    • If you develop a rash or redness from the CPAP mask, nasal prongs or nasal pillows, the first thing you can do is make sure your mask and tubing are cleaned after each use and allowed to air dry. Always replace the water in the humidifier every night before going to bed. Make sure the mask fits properly and that you are not tightening the straps to the point of causing irritation. Always wash your face before putting on the mask. If you are experiencing irritation from the headgear or mask straps, replace them with newer, open cell foam or gel straps.

    Headache

    • Most CPAP-related headaches are the result of a preexisting sinus condition that is irritated by the continuous pressure of the CPAP machine. If you have blocked sinuses, a cold, congestion or other related sinus problem, try using a saline nasal spray before putting on your mask. Another suggestion is to use a heated humidifier with your CPAP machine, if you are not already using one. If neither one of these remedies help, try an over-the-counter sinus medication. If the problem still persists, you should see your physician for follow-up.

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