Imagine waking up feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to tackle the day ahead. For many people, this scenario feels like a distant dream, especially if they suffer from sleep apnea.
A sleep disorder that causes pauses in breathing during sleep, sleep apnea can disrupt your night’s rest. That, in turn, can leave you feeling exhausted during the day.
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines have emerged as a beacon of hope for people with sleep apnea. These devices, designed to keep airways open and facilitate uninterrupted breathing, have become a lifeline for many sleep apnea sufferers.
But amidst the promise of better sleep, a question lingers: Are there any risks associated with CPAP machines?
Today, we’ll discuss everything people with sleep apnea should know about the potential dangers of CPAP therapy. Let’s get started.
Understanding CPAP Machines: How Do They Help With Sleep Apnea?
CPAP machines have transformed the landscape of treatment of sleep apnea. They help people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is the most common type of sleep apnea.
These devices work by enabling a continuous flow of air through a mask. People with sleep apnea can wear this mask over their mouth or nose – or both – during sleep.
The operation of CPAP machines involves pushing air into the sleeper’s mouth or nose (or both) through a tube, thereby applying pressure to the airway.
This pressure lowers the possibility of airway collapse and obstructed breathing in people with sleep apnea, allowing for a good night’s sleep. Most CPAP machines are made up of components like a mask, mask straps, tubing, and a motor.
Some CPAP machines also come with a humidifier attached to them, and here is how all these components work in unison:
Mask: The mask is the interface between the CPAP machine and the user’s airway. It is worn over the nose, mouth, or both, depending on the type.
Once in place, it creates a seal to ensure that the pressurized air delivered by the machine effectively opens the airway and prevents breathing interruptions.
Motor: Lying at the heart of the CPAP machine, its motor draws in air from the room and pressurizes it to the prescribed level. This pressurized air is then delivered to your mask through the tubing.
Tubing: The tubing serves as the conduit for delivering the pressurized air from the CPAP machine to the mask.
It is typically connected to the machine on one end and to the mask on the other, forming a sealed pathway for the airflow. It is flexible and lightweight, allowing for ease of movement during sleep.
Humidifier: Many CPAP machines include a built-in humidifier to prevent dryness and irritation in your nose, throat, and mouth. The humidifier accomplishes this by adding moisture to the pressurized air before it reaches your airway.
Potential Risks Associated with CPAP Machines
Having explored the functioning of CPAP machines, we can confirm that they’re certainly good at their jobs – improving your sleep quality by treating apnea.
However, like most medical devices, they come with some risks attached as well. By being informed of these risks, you can take measures to prevent them from affecting your health.
Here are some of the potential risks:
Discomfort and Skin Irritation
It is quite understandable that wearing the CPAP mask overnight can cause you discomfort. This is especially true if it’s too tight or ill-fitting.
The pressure points that the mask exerts on your face can lead to skin irritation, redness, or sores. To avoid this risk, it is vital to pick the right mask size and style for yourself, ensuring proper fit.
Dry Mouth, Throat, and Nose
The dryness of the mouth is a common side effect of continuous CPAP therapy. In some cases, it can even extend to your throat and nose.
CPAP-related dryness of the mouth can be caused by a series of potential reasons.
People who wear masks covering both nose and mouth are most vulnerable to the drying effect, due to the steady flow of pressurized air. Those who prefer nasal masks stand a risk of air leaking through their mouth, which can dry it up.
Mouth-breathing, which is highly common among people with sleep apnea, is also a potential cause of dry mouth. Lastly, CPAPs could also interfere with your mouth’s moisture levels.
Their changing pressure levels can disrupt the normal saliva production triggers, leading to the risk of dry mouth.
The Long-Term Side Effects of CPAP Machines
While the aforementioned risks of CPAP machines can be managed with specific approaches (we’ll discuss them below), their long-term side effects are more problematic.
As these machines become a part of your daily life, it’s important to understand the risks they pose to your health and well-being. One such risk is of toxic gas release.
Some CPAP machines, that were made with polyurethane foam (PE-PUR) – a polyester-based foam, were linked to the threat of toxic gas release over time.
TorHoerman Law notes that the PE-PUR foam inside these machines was prone to deterioration over time. Once broken down, the foam could release harmful gases into one’s lungs through the machine’s tube.
The use of PE-PUR foam led to the recall of millions of CPAP machines by Philips Respironics – manufacturers of CPAP, BiPAP, and ventilator devices in 2021. In light of the mass recall, the consumers harmed by these machines filed a Philips CPAP lawsuit against the manufacturers.
The lawsuit – later becoming a class action lawsuit – was settled for $500 million, with each plaintiff receiving up to $2,000 for their recalled machine.
Following the lawsuit, the FDA investigated other approved CPAP manufacturers in response to the growing concern among the public. The investigation was concluded with no evidence of PE-PUR foam being used by any other manufacturer.
Navigating Safety with CPAP Machines
Safety is paramount when it comes to using CPAP machines for treating sleep apnea. While CPAP therapy is generally safe and effective, it’s essential to be aware of potential safety concerns and take measures to ensure a safe experience.
Here’s how you can navigate safety with CPAP machines:
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
The regular cleaning and maintenance of CPAP machines is essential for maintaining hygiene, preventing health issues, and ensuring the effectiveness and longevity of the equipment.
CPAP manufacturers recommend the users of these machines clean their components daily. Forgoing that, you must commit to a weekly cleaning at the minimum.
Not only are unclean CPAPs linked to serious illnesses, but they can also cause coughs and congestion. Take these as a sign that your respiratory system is suffering because of your poor hygiene.
Cleaning CPAP machines is fairly straightforward. You have to start by disassembling its components, and then cleaning it with warm, soapy water.
Go for a mild, unscented soap with moisturizing ingredients for this process. Once the components are clean rinse them with cool water and put them on a soft towel to air-dry.
Proper Mask Fitting and Adjustment
Ensuring that your CPAP mask fits correctly is crucial for both the comfort and effectiveness of therapy. A poorly fitting mask can lead to air leaks, discomfort, and skin irritation.
Here are a few practices that can keep them at bay:
- Take time to adjust the straps and headgear of your mask to achieve a secure but comfortable fit.
- Avoid overtightening, as this can cause pressure sores or discomfort.
- Check your mask for signs of wear or deterioration periodically.
- Replace worn-out parts as needed to maintain a proper seal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does CPAP therapy make your lungs stronger?
Yes. CPAP therapy is known to improve your lung’s gas exchange and functional residual capacity by reducing the expiratory collapse of small airways.
Why am I more tired after using CPAP?
If you feel tired after using CPAP, it’s a sign that your machine’s pressure needs some readjustment. Finding the right setting for yourself can take some time; it’s a trial-and-error process.
Is sleep apnea completely curable?
While there is no absolute cure for sleep apnea, there are multiple approaches to treating it that can prevent apnea events or reduce their frequency.
In the end, we can all acknowledge the fact that CPAPs are a miracle solution to facilitate restful sleep for people with sleep apnea. Despite their indispensable role in CPAP therapy, there are also some risks associated with these machines, which you must be aware of as a user.
We’ve explored some of the risks above and provided their solutions. As long as you practice them with your CPAP, the path to your uninterrupted sleep will be safe and sound.
