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Side Effects - Printable Version

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Side Effects - Tom Whit - 10-23-2016

Are there any members discussing possible side effects of a CPAP Machine? I have experienced two serious side effects that I am fairly sure are a result of my machine. My eyes have dried out to a point where my eye doctor has me using drops several times a day and a Gel in my eyes before going to sleep.My periodontist has found that I have had a serious increase in bacteria since I started using the machine. I will deal with these effects, but I am curious if anyone else has encountered similar symptoms.


RE: Side Effects - chill - 10-23-2016

Those are not side effects of CPAP. Those are side effects of a poorly fitting mask (leaking a stream of air into your eyes) and of mouth breathing (leaking a stream of air out of your open mouth/lips). Fixing those issues will both address the problems you are experiencing and improve the results of your therapy.



RE: Side Effects - robysue - 10-23-2016

I'd like to add one thing to Chill's answer:

The dried out eyes can also be the result of the intentional exhaust venting bouncing off your bed covers and back into your eyes. The fix for this is to put something over the eyes when you are sleeping.

A simple plain old sleep mask of the sort that travelers use on airplanes is fine for most people. They cost less than $10 and are available at places like Target.

If a simple sleep mask doesn't protect the eyes, there are some specialized goggles that can be used to protect the eyes.

As for the mouth problem: This may indicate that you are doing a lot of mouth breathing at night. If you are not using a FFM, switching to a FFM might help. At any rate, you should also make sure you brush your teeth and tongue very thoroughly every night AND every morning right after you get up. Be sure to brush your tongue as well as the teeth since a lot of stuff gets trapped on the tongue.


RE: Side Effects - trish6hundred - 10-23-2016

Hi Tom Whit,
WELCOME! to the forum.!

Good luck to you with your CPAP therapy, hang in there for more responses to your post.


RE: Side Effects - NorthernGuy - 10-24-2016

Just a suggestion from my own experience - use the humidifier all the time and keep it turned up! Even with a full-face mask I woke up a lot of mornings with a dry mouth. (I believe it was due to the constant air flow through the mask.) Long-term dry mouth contributes to oral problems according to my dentist and doctor, so they per-emptively recommended the integrated humidifier year round. Definitely helps with the dry mouth with a full-face mask.