What are the side effects of the CPAP machine?
We know it works and we know it’s not so comfortable. We also know that it might look scary for those looking, but what else?
The average user will use the CPAP machine because he has no other choice. Let’s face it, it’s quite a big machine and you feel like being in hospital when using it. Usually, CPAP users will be overweight and suffer from sleep apnea. You go to the doctor and here it is: you need to use CPAP.
I talked to dozens of CPAP users and here is what they have to say about the CPAP and its side effects. Here are their reviews:
” I have had my machine for over a year and never used it because i cant sleep with it on. well i have had some simi major health problems come to find out its from sleep apnea. so i started using my machine again 2 nites ago. i still am tired the next day but i think it takes time to adjust. do you wake up a lot in the night? if so the mask you have might not be the right one for you. they make different ones. might want to check into that. also my dr said that if i cant sleep with my machine i should try a mouth guard that is made for sleep apnea. might check that too “
” I have been using the cpap for about 6 months and still don’t feel refreshed after a good 7-8 hours of sleep. “
” I use a CPAP machine and its not the easiest thing to get use to but after a while you tolerate it and you manage to get to sleep with it on. The trick is to persist with it and not give up on it. Sleep Apnea is not dangerous in itself but it can cause very serious life threatening illnesses and the CPAP machine helps stop that.I havne`t had a side effects with it like blocked nose which you can sometimes get its just it does take a while to get use to it and feel comfortable enough with it to be able to get to sleep while wearing it. Good luck with it! “
” it dries my mouth and throat so bad. I have been told that I should use a heated humidifier, but it will still take me up to 6 months to get used to it. 6 month!!! that a hell lot of time, I think I’ll try the book you mentioned earlier. we’ll speak soon. “
” My CPAP machine is very quiet and never has disturbed the wife. In fact she was so relieved that my snoring and moving around has practically disappeared, that she too sleeps a lot better. Says the CPAP noise is nothing compared to my old snoring and rustling around habits. “
” I have been diagnosed with mild sleep apnea. The doctor was trying to sell me a CPAP but I refused due to inconclusive tests. When I used CPAP a couple of times I did not notice any difference but rather discomfort. There are other natural ways to reduce sleep apnea such as exercising, meditation and other exercises “
well, here are the side affects I’ve been facing:
* Dry or stuffy nose
* Irritation of the skin on your face
* Bloating of your stomach
* Sore eyes
* Headaches
As you can see, some people do say the machine has worked for them, but it sure has some side effects, and i didn’t mention all the people who complained about the price and how much it is not comfort and ruin the sex life.
There is an alternative – there are other ways to stop snoring without the stupid CPAP which will cost you hundreds of dollars. Books are proven source of information for years now and they can give you the exact methods and tips on how to stop snoring.
Before you spend hundreds of dollars on the CPAP, read this post!
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Been on CPAP for 2 months now. From what I’ve read everyone feels better on it or can’t use it and still feels tired but the same, not worse. I’ve felt twice as bad since the first time with no improvement after 2 months.
If you get a CPAP it will be hard to get used to at first. Just keep using it and you will get used to it. It will make a huge difference in your life.
Exactly as you said my sleepapnea sleep disturbasnce is almost unnoticable compared to these two drugs. With these two drugs it is pretty much unbearable. I can clearly tell the difference.
Now, why did I quit cpap – well it started relatively good for about 4 months I had 4 hours in the machine many times, but it got worse later – not to discourage anyone. I beleive I developed intolerance to the machine with time. I started waking up simply because I felt that there was not enough air, and because of that I developed sleepapnea much much worse then I originaly had (without machine I rarely have daytime sleepness, physically fit, no extra wight, jogger).
The mask was “comfortgel” – pretty comfortable. Machine was set to 9. After looking at my results the doctor with not much enthusiasm recommended different machine – to my surprise he was not knowlegeable in the technical side of cpap equiment and did not explain how this might be different. At that time I was so tired of cpap that decided to take a break , and never came back.
I bought this book and will try it now. thanks.
I’ve just completed my second night with a CPAP machine. My nose is a little sore. But that appears to be the only problem.
My blood pressure this morning was 117/64, and that’s despite morbid obesity and after 48 hours since my last dose of blood pressure medicine. With my blood pressure that low, I’m actually afraid to take the stuff.
I have also noticed that my appetite has taken a nosedive, and I suspect my weight is about to do the same. Yesterday, I had a decent lunch, followed by a mid afternoon candy bar. Then I went to bed without any supper. This morning, I had some Cheerios with a banana, and a cup of green tea, and I am full. Before, I would have wanted a stack of pancakes or an omelet afterwards.
Although I appear to be getting excellent results, I am concerned about becoming dependent on a device that could break down at any time. Or I could become separated from it for any number of reasons.
I’m wondering about the possible benefits of a device that provides air at reduced pressure, so you would have to struggle to breathe. The idea is to use such a device in the daytime, to strengthen the muscles, thereby reducing the need for the CPAP.
You can actually get the same effect by simply hanging out in a swimming pool, because you are forced to inhale against the compressive force of the water’s weight on your body. I can see where a small pocket device might serve the same purpose. Plus, unlike a swimming pool, you could adjust the pressure at will.
I wonder if anyone if offering something like that.
Hey Allen,
sorry for not answering earlier, I wasn’t home.
I tend to agree with George here, I’m not a doctor and don’t know what the consequences will be. I guess you can try it for a month or two and see if you can “train” your lungs. It’s actually something I’ve never thought about and might work.
I don’t know what is your past experience with aids. Did you try other aids, like pillows, chin straps or mouth guards? I can see how much my readers love the natural way with exercising yourself to breath better and all that, maybe you should try that first, as I’ve already said it worked for most of my readers and i see no point in buying (or depending on) other aids.
Please report back. I’d love to know what’s going on.
Allen, your idea sounds great, in theory, but I don’t think there is someone here who can advice you, not even Dan. When it comes to your health you gonna need to talk to your doctor and try for yourself.
I get you when you say you don’t want to depend on the cpap machine, but after years of snoring, that’s one of the side effects you have to deal with if you want to stop snoring.
You also mentioned that you still snore even when using the cpap, and that’s not a good sign. I know you heard that a lot, but you must think of some sort of diet that can help you lose a few pounds and reduce the pressure on your internal organs.
One more thing, take a look at Dan’s post about exercises, ebooks and how to stop snoring naturally (chapter 10 in the journey). I’m in the middle of the process now and see great results already. what I like about it is the fact that I will not be depended on machines forever as I do my best to follow the program now and stop snoring for good.
I must agree with George here. I bought the ebook Dan recommended two months ago and I thanked him so many times already. I was using the CPAP for 3 years and gave it to charity.
I hope you’ll take my advice.
Wish you the best,
just a regular guy.
I am quite emphatically of the view thar. CPAP should be renamed CRAP – for that is what it is. It us uncomfortable, inconvenient and thoroughly unpleasant to use. Look at the figures relating to “non-compliance” with prescribed CPAP therapy. It’s no wonder thar some 50% of patients who start the therapy give up on it within 6 months. They are neither fools nor irresponsible “difficult” patients. Just normal people who come to realise that CPAP therapy is currently CRUDE, PRIMITIVE AND TOTALLY UNBEARABLE One of the worst so-called “therapies” that medixine has yet devised. And most of the claims made by most of the manufacturers of CPAP machimes regarding comfort, ease of use etc are RUBBISH.and bear zero rekationship to what most users will in fact experience.
This website is a bloody joke and I don’t have any belief whatsoever in its integrity. My comment has been”awaiting moderation” for well over a fortnight now. Just what sort of utter bullshit is that ? Either this is a website that genuinely publishes what readers write, or it is absolutely bloody worthless. Pathetic. Truly pathetic.
Let me first say I’m sorry, I don’t monitor this blog as much as I used to. And still, you could be little more patient.
For the past 5 years, I had had trouble staying awake during the day. I drink 5-6 cups of coffee and still nod off watching TV or even working at the computer.
Since I started using the CPAP, I get a good night’s sleep and can stay awake all day. It has given me my life back.