Q&A #9 Does Wearing a CPAP Machine Hurt ?

Trying new things can seem scary at first. But once it’s said and done, you realize it’s not that bad. In the same way, a CPAP machine can seem scary to use. But once your body gets used to it, your concern becomes just a dream. (Get it, dream?)

Now, a common misconception about the CPAP is that it hurts to use, but at worst it just causes you inconvenience rather than actual pain. To break the stigma that CPAP machines hurt, let’s call those uncomfortable moments that may arise with a CPAP machine nuisances. Good news! Nuisances usually only arise during the adjustment period.

Adjusting to the CPAP Machine

Adjusting your lifestyle is only part of living with sleep apnea. The other part is adjusting to your CPAP machine. Some of the nuisances that come from the CPAP machine are just signs that your body is adjusting. And remember, you definitely don’t have to start using the machine for nine solid hours every night right off the bat.

You could feel discomfort from the pressure of air opening up your airways. You could feel claustrophobic with a mask covering your face. You could feel stiff or sore from sleeping in a new position. You could have a difficult time falling asleep with the mask on or keeping the mask on during the night.

Developing a tolerance to the mask is important to getting you sleeping again. A helpful way to adjust to sleeping with the CPAP machine is by wearing your mask for a little while during the day. This will help you consciously get used to the feel of it.

Oh, and if you aren’t wearing your mask correctly or if it’s the wrong size, that’ll make it really hard to adjust to wearing it at night. These nuisances are all things that your body will get used to in a few days or weeks.

Other Nuisances

Making sure that your mask is adjusted properly is very important. If you have a leaky mask or if it’s not fitting properly, it could cause your nose, eyes, skin, or mouth to dry out. Adjusting the mask can help with the dryness, but there are other remedies for these discomforts, too.

Nose

If there is a dry nose issue, you can use a heated humidifier or a nasal spray to help moisturize your nose.

Eyes

Dry eyes usually occur when a leak in the mask pushes air toward the eyes. Using a nasal pillow or different straps can help lock in the air.

Skin

Leaks can also irritate your skin, making it dry out and crack. (That’s why it’s important to make sure your mask fits properly.)

Mouth

Lastly, if you are a mouth breather when you sleep (as most snorers are), a CPAP machine may intensify the dryness in your mouth. You could use a chin strap to train yourself to breathe through your nose.

Even though there are some nuisances caused by sleeping with a CPAP machine, your body will build a tolerance to these inconveniences and you can be on your way to sleeping better. These side-effects, especially dryness, may be annoying, but don’t give up on using your CPAP machine. And don’t worry that it’ll hurt you. Building that tolerance takes a bit of endurance at first, but it is all worth it in the end.