Long-Term Effects of CPAP Machine Use: How to Manage Them

If you’re one of the millions of people who use a CPAP machine to treat sleep apnea, then you’re probably familiar with some of the common long-term effects of CPAP therapy. While CPAP machines are incredibly effective at treating sleep apnea, they can also have some unwanted side effects. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common long-term effects of CPAP therapy and how to manage them.

Dry or runny nose

One of the most common long-term effects of CPAP therapy is either a noticeably dry or runny nose. This is caused by the increased air pressure from the CPAP machine, which can dry out the inside of your nose. If you experience a dry or runny nose, there are a few things you can do to help manage it. First, try using a humidifier in conjunction with your CPAP machine. This will help add moisture to the air that you’re breathing and will help reduce the drying effect of the CPAP therapy. You can also try using saline nasal spray or gel to help keep your nose moist.

Nasal congestion

Another common long-term effect of CPAP therapy is nasal congestion. This is again caused by the heightened airflow from the CPAP machine, which can cause the tissues in your nose to swell. If you have nasal congestion, there are a few things you can do to alleviate it. Using a humidifier with your CPAP machine will help moisten the air and reduce the swelling of the tissues in your nose and you can also try using saline nasal spray or gel to help keep your nose moist.

Mouth dryness

Mouth dryness is another frequent long-term result of nightly CPAP treatment. If you experience mouth dryness you should keep well hydrated during the day but you might also like to consider using a saliva substitute to help keep your mouth moist during the night when the machine is in use.

Skin irritation

One of the most often-seen long-term effects of CPAP treatment is skin irritation. This is caused by the regular contact of the mask with your skin, and the resulting friction leads to irritation. If you experience skin irritation, there are a few things you can do to help manage it. First, try using a hypoallergenic CPAP mask liner. These liners will create a barrier between your skin and the CPAP mask, which will help reduce friction and therefore make your CPAP use kinder for sensitive facial skin. You can also try using a CPAP mask gel or cream to help soothe and protect your skin.

These are just a few of the most common long-term effects of CPAP therapy. If you experience any of these side effects, we’re here to help you manage them and make life with your CPAP machine easier and as effective as possible. If you have any questions or concerns at all, be sure to call one of our sleep consultants on 1800 717 566 because we’re here to assist you.