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CPAP Machine Effects

Apnea, a temporary halt in breathing, can occur during sleep when a blockage interrupts airflow. The body reacts by waking up enough to breathe, interrupting the normal sleep cycle. "Continuous positive airflow pressure," or CPAP, refers to machines used to treat sleep apnea. The machine forces a continual flow of air into the nose and throat, which relieves the problem. Use of a CPAP machine has several other effects.

  1. Positive Effects

    • The CPAP machine weighs about five pounds and is small enough to fit on a table next to the bed. It has a mask that is connected to the machine by a tube. The machine sends a constant flow of air through the tube into the mask, which is fitted onto the face of the sleeping person. This airflow has several positive effects. One is a normal night's sleep. Instead of waking more than 10 times an hour to restart breathing, the person stays asleep. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, other benefits are a result of a good night's sleep: daytime alertness, better mental capacity and concentration, a better mood and increased productivity.

    Mask

    • The use of the mask on the face causes several effects. An improper fit may irritate the skin. Some people are allergic to the materials in the mask and develop rashes. Sores can develop over the bridge of the nose if the mask is too tight, while a mask that is too loose will leak air. The key is to get a mask that fits well. The user may have to go through several masks and adjustments to find the proper fit.

      Some people are claustrophobic wearing the mask. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, some people remove the mask while asleep without realizing it, as a reaction to discomfort. To receive the benefits, the mask must be worn and the machine used every night, as each night's sleep depends upon the constant use of CPAP.

    Nasal Problems

    • Many users of CPAP report nasal congestion, runny nose and dryness in the nose and mouth. These are caused by the air from the machine drying out the nose and mouth. One remedy is a humidifier, as part of the machine, to keep moisture in the air.

    Air Pressure

    • The air pressure needs to be adjusted for the user. Too much pressure can cause the person to feel that she is suffocating. According to The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, a CPAP with a "ramp" feature can help solve this problem. This feature starts the air pressure low, and slowly increases it after the user falls asleep. The body then has the opportunity to adjust to the higher pressure. A side effect of the higher pressure involves air that ends up in the stomach, causing bloating that induces burping.

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