Living with Sleep Apnoea

Rhinitis or nasal congestion. These are the main problems associated with CPAP use. They can be reduced by using a humidifier but sometimes they require more specific treatment.

Skin lesions. These are caused by the mask adjustment straps. Liquid Vaseline® or special plasters often help patients get used to and tolerate the mask. It is a good idea to wash and hydrate the face with a moisturiser every morning. In any case, patients are recommended to consult with the pulmonologist.

Accumulation of air in the stomach (aerophagia). Patients should raise the head end of the bed slightly and sometimes they may need to take a specific medication. In any case, patients should talk with their pulmonologist.

Eye discomfort, conjunctivitis. This is normally due to leaks from areas where the mask is in contact with the skin, so the mask should be readjusted for a better fit.

Noise. Patients and their partners tend to complain about the tonal change during inspiration and expiration while wearing the mask rather than the noise produced by the actual machine. This problem can be remedied by wearing earplugs or moving the tube away from the CPAP machine.

Cold sensation. Trying passing the tube under the bed linen and placing the CPAP machine near your feet or using a thermal humidifier together with the CPAP.

Dry throat. This occurs because snoring and apnoea cause water loss through the soft palate. It usually stops of its own accord. In some cases, the dryness disappears with CPAP use and in others, however, it is the actual CPAP airflow that provokes the dry throat. If it prevails for more than 4 weeks, contact the CPAP supplier so they may connect a humidifier to the machine.

Nosebleed. Although they are not very common, nose bleeds can hamper the application of CPAP. To prevent them, humidify the nasal mucous membrane by drinking fluids, flush with physiological saline solution or seawater, use room humidifiers or connect one directly to the CPAP and turn the heating down to avoid drying the environment. Systematic application of nose ointments may be very helpful in cases of nasal dryness.

Headaches. The cause remains unknown, but they usually disappear with normal painkillers and stop after a few days of use.

Insomnia, claustrophobia. These are very uncommon side effects that improve after a period of adaptation. If there is no improvement after a few weeks, you should talk to the pulmonologist.