CPAP Side Effects: What You Need To Know

In continuing with our recent theme of offering up some tips for first-time CPAP users, today’s blog concerns potential CPAP side effects. We’ll address a few of the most commonly believed side effects before we discuss how much truth there is to each.

While we aren’t doctors with a specialty in sleep apnea by any means, we at CPAP Liquidators do have plenty of industry knowledge and experience when it comes to making sure our customers get the right kind of CPAP, BIPAP, or other PAP machine. We offer free shipping on all orders and Live Operator Support 24/7! If you are looking for affordable CPAP machines for sale (both new and used), we’ve got name brand units with a wide range of features which can be specified for any individual.

So, because today’s blog is all about providing tips for those new to the world of CPAP devices, we thought we’d kick it off with a very important one — that CPAP Liquidators is your one-stop-online-shop for new and used CPAP machines for sale! We are one of the top Certified CPAP suppliers in North America for good reason, so give us a call at your convenience and put our customer service to the test!

CPAP Side-Effects & What You Can Do About It

Below, we dive into the actual meat and potatoes of today’s blog. We want you to know, first and foremost, that there is no cause for alarm when it comes to the risks of CPAP machines. These devices are modern, well-tested, and are only dangerous in the vast minority of circumstances. By and large, CPAP machines are safe, effective, and essential for the health and wellness of millions of people around the world.

If you have any questions about what we discuss below, remember that you can always give us a call or ask your doctor if you require further clarification!

The Feeling Of Claustrophobia

This is not an uncommon feeling for first-time CPAP users. It makes sense, after all, when you think about what you are actually doing; you’ve probably been sleeping without any headgear or tubes for the entirety of your life, up until this point, so it’s logical that there would be a period of adjustment.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t really matter how long or to what extent you’ll feel claustrophobic — any degree of the feeling needs to be addressed. Fortunately, it’s a feeling that most people can get over with little to no trouble after a bit of practice. To do so, you should practice wearing your mask while you are awake.

Start by holding it up to your face without any of the tubes, headgear, or additional accessories you might have. Next, add the straps, then use the mask with the attached hose on, and then do the same thing with the CPAP machine actually turned on. Then, use the straps, and finally, you should be ready to use the machine while you are sleeping.

Head Pressure & Headaches

A far less common issue (when compared with an initial feeling of claustrophobia) is that of head pressure and headaches. Still, a CPAP machine that causes its user headaches and feelings of intense pressure is no good, but keep in mind that you probably won’t need to replace your unit if you try one or two of these ideas.

The issue is that you need to allow a way for the pressure to vacate your body. For most people, this happens through the ear, but not when they have a cold or flu. So what can be done? You should ask your doctor if there is any decongestant medication you can take so that you can use your CPAP machine while sick. Otherwise, you might have to suspend the use of your CPAP device until your ears are unclogged.

A Dry Throat & A Stuffy Nose

For those of our readers who have actually used a CPAP machine in the past, it should come as no surprise when we tell you that the air your device produces will be very dry. In fact, using a CPAP device that doesn’t have a humidifier has been described by some as the equivalent of sleeping in the desert after you’re used to sleeping in a damp jungle.

Moderate to severe symptoms include scabbing and even nosebleeds. Luckily, all you need to do to solve this particular issue is purchase a CPAP device with a humidifier. Some have them built in, while others can be purchased as an attachment. We’d recommend going the route of the former, however, because fewer moving parts means fewer complications when it comes to maintenance and cleaning.

We’d also suggest you ask your doctor about taking some allergy medication to help relieve the congestion.

Accidentally Removing Your CPAP Device

The final “side effect” we’ll discuss in today’s blog is something that can happen fairly easily. In our experience, we’ve found that it’s one that will go away after a short period of time — if you know how to address it.

It’s completely normal to wake up in the middle of the night to find that you’ve, somehow, managed to remove your CPAP device accessories. The easiest fix is to switch to a full-face mask to keep it in place. You might find that you are accidentally pulling off the mask because you are stuffed up. If this is the case, you should probably start shopping for a CPAP machine with a humidifier.

A final suggestion is to set an alarm, or several of them, in order to check to make sure your mask stays attached.

Shop CPAP Liquidators

Whether you are looking for a CPAP machine with a humidifier, a travel CPAP machine, or you aren’t sure where to start, we’ve got you covered at CPAP Liquidators. We are one of the top CPAP suppliers in the USA for our price point, selection, and world-class customer support. Don’t hesitate to give us a call for Live Operator Support. We’d love to hear from you and make sure you are set up with the right CPAP or BIPAP machine for your unique needs!