STRUGGLING WITH YOUR CPAP? DOCTORS SHARE 5 WAYS TO SNOOZE EASIER WITH SLEEP APNEA TONIGHT
A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine is widely regarded as the gold standard treatment for sleep apnea, but it's not perfect. While highly effective, the device can have a few drawbacks. Here, leading doctors share the most common CPAP machine side effects-and offer simple, practical strategies to make using it more comfortable and effective, so you can sleep more easily.
Is a CPAP machine right for you?
If you've been diagnosed with sleep apnea-a partial or complete blockage of your upper airway during sleep-your doctor has likely prescribed a CPAP machine. This device delivers pressurized air, usually through a nasal mask, to keep your airway open and reduce snoring.
The catch? CPAP isn't right for everyone. "People have a wide range of feelings about it," says Dylan Petkus, MD, MPH, MS, author of Sleep Apnea Solution: Less Snoring, Less CPAP, Just Sleep.
"Some hate it, some tolerate it-and some love it so much they include it in their will," he says with a laugh. "A spectrum is really the best word to describe it."
Unfortunately, CPAP is well-tolerated by only about 30 to 40 percent of people, he notes. "Others may try different therapies, surgical options or alternative treatments. And some people just manage as best they can."
5 common CPAP machine side effects
The good news is that most CPAP side effects can be resolved with adjustments to device settings or a properly fitted mask, adds neurologist and sleep physician Brandon R. Peters, MD, author of The Sleep Apnea Hypothesis.
"Finding a properly fitting mask is like finding the right pair of shoes: it's not one-size-fits-all," he says. If the mask isn't comfortable or properly aligned, it can lead to common problems, including:
- Dry mouth: Chronic dry mouth may further contribute to gingivitis and, in severe cases, tooth loss, Dr. Peters explains.
- Dry eyes: Air leaks from the machine may blow onto the eyes, causing irritation.
- Nasal dryness or congestion: This can lead to nosebleeds or nasal discomfort.
- Air in the stomach: When excess air reaches the stomach, it can cause bloating, abdominal distention and gas, often accompanied by belching or flatulence, he says.
- Skin irritation: A poorly fitted mask, he notes, may cause facial pain and pressure ulcers, while skin irritation may also lead to a rash.
5 risk factors that can lead to issues with a CPAP
If your airway is already sensitive, it's more likely to become irritated during CPAP use, adds Dr. Petkus. This is especially true for people who already have irritated airways, due to:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Sinus issues or nasal polyps
Another group at higher risk for CPAP side effects includes people with conditions that can cause drier mucosal surfaces, he adds. Examples include:
- Autoimmune conditions (such as hypothyroidism)
- Hormonal changes (like menopause, which can make the mouth and airway more prone to dryness and irritation)
5 ways to make a CPAP more comfortable
If you're having issues with your CPAP, discussing other options with your doctors and experimenting with different types is key. But rather than throw the CPAP out with the bathwater, trying different therapies alongside the machine may help ease side effects, advises Dr. Petkus.
"A sleep medicine doctor-or even a dentist, which is another common provider-can give recommendations on what can be done," he says. A few options that he says can help reduce sleep apnea symptoms by 20 to 40 percent include:
Positional therapy
As its name implies, this strategy simply means experimenting with different sleeping positions. "You can try sleeping on your side-basically, lie on your belly with one knee slightly to the side-or slightly face down," Dr. Petkus suggests. "These positions have been shown to be helpful."
Another part of positional therapy is raising the head of the bed to help keep your airway open, he continues. You can use extra pillows, a wedge pillow or even incline the entire bed to achieve the lift."
Breathing exercises
Many people with sleep apnea have a faster breathing pattern, reveals Dr. Petkus. "It's kind of like when you drive with the window down and the papers you have on the driver's seat are flapping in the wind-that's what happens when you breathe too fast. Your airway becomes unstable and floppier."
The fix? Breathing exercises that help you slow down and take deeper, more controlled breaths. Watch a short video of Dr. Petkus demonstrating a simple breathing exercise you can do to help stabilize your airway.
Mouth guards
These can range from a $40 over-the-counter option from Amazon to a $4,000 custom device from your dentist, he shares. "The goal is the same: to position your jaw in a way that makes it less likely to collapse during sleep."
How to Stop Mouth Breathing While You Sleep-Experts Share Simple Fixes
Palate expanders
The device literally stretches the upper arch-the top of your mouth-working to expand it by sometimes up to a centimeter. That might not sound like much, but it can make a noticeable difference, promises Dr. Petkus, explaining that the more space there is in the mouth and nasal passages, the easier it is for air to flow during sleep.
Surgical options
There are other options, like surgery, though that's very individualized and usually considered a last resort, confirms Dr. Petkus. "We're really talking about the more extreme approaches here, because there are plenty of simpler things someone can try in addition to CPAP."
The bottom line on preventing CPAP side effects
While they can occur, there are plenty of ways to ease or even prevent side effects, assures Dr. Petkus.
"For example, I often see comments on social media from people who say, ‘I was struggling with my CPAP, then I realized I could just try sleeping on my side.' Something that simple can make a big difference."
More strategies to ease sleep apnea
Doctors Reveal the Best Sleep Apnea Self-Care Tips + the 1 Thing You Should Never Do
Is Sleep Apnea Hereditary? 4 Genetic Risk Factors Doctors Say You Shouldn't Ignore
Misdiagnosis of Sleep Apnea: What Every Woman Over 50 Should Know About Her Sleep Health
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan. 2026-01-24T07:06:08Z
