Chest Discomfort upon waking up

[lemonbomb]

Hi Apnea Family,

I am on my 3rd week of being on a CPAP machine and my sometimes my chest has some slight pain or discomfort. This is especially prominent when I do deep breaths. I'm assuming this is because the CPAP creates pressure and basically stretches out my lungs overnight like a balloon? This may also be because my lungs/chest is getting used to the machine still.

Just wondering if anyone out there experiences this also? And if this goes away after awhile? My APAP machine usually places my 95% Max at 11-13 FYI.

[StevesSp]

Obviously, any chest pain should be referred to your GP, if only to be sure it isn't heart-related.

One possible cause, if it is indeed only when using PAP, is aerophagia (swallowed air). It's very common among PAP users and can produce chest and back pain, rather like reflux.

[Dormeo]

This is not uncommon. Your chest muscles are doing some extra work at night now, and they are probably a little sore from the exercise. This should go away over time.

I hope things are otherwise going well for you.

[SuperSleeper]

I had some chest pain when first starting out with CPAP.  Not much, mind you, but just a small amount that disappeared a few minutes after waking. And yes, it was more pronounced if I breathed in deeply.

At some point, the pain went away.  Can't say exactly when, because it's been several years, but I'm pretty sure it didn't last for more than a week or two for me.

But, yeah, if the pain persists, definitely go to the doctor and see if something else is causing it, other than the CPAP.

[Gideon]

I would like to see your daily charts.

Step 1: see your gp today .

Chest pain is nothing to ignore. In all likelihood it is not a heart issue, but step 1 is to eliminate that possibility.

Step 2:. Assuming it is Aerophagia decrease your max pressure. Ideally I would make this based on your daily charts but eliminating the top 10% or so of your pressure. What I would choose could vary quite a bit depending on the shape of your pressure graph.

[OpalRose]

I think it’s fairly normal. If your concentrating too much on your breathing, you may be putting more effort into it without realizing. It’s the same as staring a new exercise.

I did experience this when I first started, but if I remember correctly, it went away within a week or two.

But yes, if it continues, see your doctor.

[lemonbomb]

Thanks everyone! This puts my mind at ease, if it persists I will visit my doctor. But I'll give it a month. My details to my first few weeks are in this link.

Overall my journey has been great. I've even been hitting the gym in the morning with my wife since I now have more prolonged energy throughout the day. My doctor said I have to lose about 20 lbs also so good luck to me!