CPAP therapy is one of the most effective treatments for sleep apnea, but like any new habit, it can take some getting used to. While it helps millions sleep better and breathe easier, some people experience side effects that can make adjusting to therapy a little challenging at first.
From dry mouth and sinus irritation to headaches, bloating, or skin discomfort, CPAP side effects are surprisingly common, especially in the early weeks of use. The good news? Most of these issues are temporary, treatable, and easy to fix once you understand what’s causing them.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most common side effects of CPAP machines, explain why they happen, and show you practical ways to manage or prevent them—so you can get back to sleeping soundly and living well.
CPAP Side Effects
- Headaches
- Skin Irritation
- Claustrophobia
- Shortness of Breath
- Chest Discomfort
- Dry Mouth
- Sore Teeth
- Dry Nose
- Ear Pressure
- Dry Eyes
- Sinus Congestion
- Bloating & Gas
- Coughing
- Insomnia
- Noise Disturbances
Table of contents
What are the side effects of CPAP therapy?
Bloating & Gas
Swallowed air from high pressure or mouth leaks can cause bloating, burping, or gas pain. Pressurized air entering the stomach instead of the lungs leads to discomfort.
Chest Discomfort
Some users feel chest tightness or mild discomfort, especially when adjusting to high-pressure settings. This is usually temporary as your body adapts to the airflow.
Claustrophobia
Masks that cover the face can trigger anxiety or a panicked feeling, especially in new users. The sensation of restricted breathing or being confined can activate a stress response.
Coughing
Dry air, dirty equipment, or air leaks can irritate your throat and trigger a persistent cough. These factors dry or inflame airway tissues, making them more sensitive.
Dry Eyes
Air leaks near the nose bridge can direct airflow into your eyes, leading to irritation or crustiness. Escaping air disrupts natural tear film and dries out the eye surface.
Dry Mouth
Mouth breathing or high airflow settings can cause dehydration and leave your mouth dry overnight. CPAP air can reduce moisture in the mouth, especially without proper humidification.
Dry Nose
Low humidity or cold airflow can dry out nasal passages, causing discomfort or nosebleeds. This occurs when airflow strips moisture from delicate nasal tissues.
Ear Pressure
Air pressure from CPAP can sometimes travel through the sinuses and Eustachian tubes, causing ear popping or fullness. This is more likely when nasal congestion is present.
Headaches
Morning headaches may be caused by high pressure, sinus congestion, or overtightened headgear. These issues create pressure in the head or sinuses, especially overnight.
Noise Disturbances
Mask leaks, machine vibration, rainout, or loose parts can cause disruptive noises during the night. These sounds result from poor seals or airflow irregularities.
Shortness of Breath
Difficulty exhaling against air pressure can feel like breathlessness, especially when first starting therapy. This happens when the pressure feels too strong or unfamiliar.
Sinus Congestion & Irritation
Dry air or direct airflow can inflame the sinuses, leading to congestion, pressure, or mucus buildup. Continuous airflow can overstimulate or dry out sinus linings.
Skin Irritation
Redness, pressure sores, or breakouts can result from dirty equipment, overtight straps, or mask material sensitivity. Friction, moisture buildup, and poor mask hygiene irritate the skin over time.
Sore Teeth or Jaw
Waking up with sore teeth or jaw tension can result from dry mouth or an ill-fitting full face mask. Dryness or pressure against the upper mouth area may be the cause.
Managing CPAP side effects
| Side Effect | Signs & Symptoms | Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| CPAP Headaches | Morning headaches, sinus pressure, pain near temples | Adjust pressure, check for mask overtightening, use heated humidifier |
| Skin Irritation | Red marks, breakouts, pressure sores on face | Clean mask regularly, use mask liners, try hypoallergenic options |
| Claustrophobia | Feeling anxious or panicked in mask | Try a smaller or less invasive mask style, desensitize gradually |
| Shortness of Breath | Trouble exhaling, feeling like you can’t catch your breath | Enable EPR/C-Flex, start with ramp settings, try APAP if available |
| Chest Discomfort | Mild chest tightness, especially at high pressures | Gradually increase pressure, consult your provider for adjustments |
| Dry Mouth | Morning cotton-mouth, sore throat, cracked lips | Use a heated humidifier, try a full face mask or chinstrap |
| Sore Teeth or Jaw | Jaw tension, sore front teeth, dental pressure | Adjust headgear fit, use comfort accessories, increase humidity |
| Dry Nose | Burning sensation, nosebleeds, nasal itchiness | Increase humidity, switch to heated tubing, use nasal saline spray |
| Ear Pressure | Popping ears, pressure buildup, muffled hearing | Treat nasal congestion, reduce airflow turbulence, adjust pressure |
| Dry Eyes | Eye irritation, watering, crusty eyelids | Check for mask leaks near nose bridge, use gel eye drops or shields |
| Sinus Irritation | Congestion, sinus pain, thick mucus | Humidify airflow, rinse sinuses, switch mask if airflow is too direct |
| Bloating & Gas (Aerophagia) | Burping, stomach pain, abdominal fullness | Lower pressure, use ramp feature, treat mouth leaks |
| CPAP Coughing | Persistent cough, throat dryness, scratchy voice | Clean equipment, humidify air, check for air leaks |
| CPAP-Related Insomnia | Difficulty falling or staying asleep with CPAP | Start gradually, explore comfort settings, wear mask while awake |
| Noise Disturbances | Rattling, whistling, gurgling sounds | Check for mask leaks, secure tubing, use heated tubing |
| Rare Long-Term Effects | Voice hoarseness, facial changes, central apneas, anxiety | Adjust pressure, change mask, use humidifier, seek professional support |
Managing bloating and gas caused by CPAP therapy
If you wake up feeling bloated or gassy after a night of CPAP therapy, your CPAP machine might be to blame. This happens when air enters your stomach instead of your lungs.
These bloating and gas can be caused by:
- Breathing through your mouth
- Sleeping with your mouth open using a nasal mask
- Still adjusting to therapyCPAP pressure that's too high
- Not using expiratory pressure relief
Use a chinstrap with your nose-only masks: Sleeping with your mouth open while using a nasal mask increases your chances of mouth leaks and potentially swallowing room air. Using a chinstrap prevents mouth breathing and swallowing air.
Enable pressure relief features: Expiratory pressure relief reduces strain while exhaling.
Try a nasal or nasal pillow mask: Nasal masks or nasal pillow masks are less likely to cause you to swallow CPAP air because the air is delivered through your nose, rather than your mouth.
Try a V-Com comfort device: The V-Com pressure relief comfort accessory softens airflow when you breathe out, reducing the amount of pressurized air flowing into your throat, and making it easier to breathe without swallowing air.
Adjust your air pressure: If you cant find relief, talk to your doctor about adjusting your CPAP pressure. Using an auto-adjusting machine, like the AirSense 11 AutoSet, can help with this.
Products to help with CPAP gas & bloating
Managing and preventing CPAP chest discomfort
Feeling pressure in your chest during CPAP therapy can be alarming, but it’s often a short-term side effect that fades with use.
CPAP-related chest discomfort can be caused by:
- High pressure CPAP therapy making it difficult to breathe out against your air pressure
- Being new to therapy
- Breathing in CPAP air that is too dry
- Not using pressure relief features on your CPAP machine
Use Ramp function: Turning on your machine's Ramp feature tells your CPAP machine to begin slowly adjusting your CPAP pressure over a set period of time or until you fall asleep.
Enable pressure relief: Expiratory pressure relief lowers your machine's pressure settings each time you breathe out, making it easier to breathe more naturally without having to force it.
Increase your humidity: Using a CPAP machine without sufficient humidity can irritate your airway over time, leading to chest discomfort. Youu can fix this be increasing your humidifier settings adding a heated hose to your set up.
Try a V-Com comfort device: It softens airflow when you breathe out, reducing the amount of pressurized air flowing into your throat, and making it easier to breathe without accidentally swallowing some of it.
Relax your mind and body before therapy: Sometimes, chest pain can be a sign of distress. While this isn't always the case with CPAP chest discomfort, it can be helpful to start your therapy session feeling calm and centered to ease any physical symptoms of anxiety.
Your pressure may be too high: Speak with your doctor to discuss your pressure settings and concerns. Using an auto-adjusting machine, like the AirSense 11 AutoSet, can help with this.
Products to help with chest discomfort caused by CPAP therapy
Managing and preventing claustrophobia or anxiety caused by CPAP therapy
Some people feel anxious or trapped when wearing a CPAP mask, especially full face models. This reaction is common and often improves with gradual exposure through a process called CPAP desensitization.
CPAP claustrophobia can be caused by:
- Wearing full coverage CPAP masks
- Choosing a mask that blocks part of your line of sight
- Pushing yourself to use your CPAP machine too much, too soon
- Jumping straight into therapy without adjusting first
Practice wearing the mask while awake: Keep your line of sight open and build confidence by wearing your mask while reading or watching TV.
Choose a low-profile CPAP mask: Masks with minimal touchpoints, especially those that sit under the nose, often feel less intrusive compared to bulkier over-the-nose masks.
Use relaxation techniques: Breathing exercises, music, or meditation can help ease stress. CPAP-safe aromatherapy can also help with this.
Slowly work up to using your CPAP machine full time: Start by sleeping with your CPAP machine for just a couple of hours during the first few days, then start adding more therapy time until you work up to a full night of sleep with your machine.
Use Ramp on your CPAP machine: Ramp helps you ease into therapy, starting with a lower pressure setting and increasing as you fall asleep
Turn on expiratory pressure relief: Expiratory pressure relief lowers your CPAP pressure while you breathe out, making it easier to breathe more naturally.
Products that may help with CPAP claustrophobia
Managing and preventing CPAP cough
A dry, persistent cough can be a frustrating side effect of CPAP therapy. It’s often a sign that your air is too dry or your equipment needs a cleaning. Keep in mind, a wet, productive cough is not common with CPAP therapy and may be a sign of another underlying condition.
CPAP coughing can be caused by:
- Dry CPAP air with low humidity
- Dirty CPAP filter
- CPAP equpimpent with mold or mildew
- Air leaks drying out the airway or throat
Use a chinstrap with your nose-only masks: Mouth breathing with a nasal mask can cause air leaks. Use a chinstrap to keep your mouth closed and improve therapy.
Choose a full face CPAP mask: If you use your CPAP humidifier, a full face mask delivers mosturized CPAP to your mouth and nose, reducing your chances of experiencing a dry throat that could trigger a CPAP cough.
Prevent mask leaks with a mask liner: A mask liner covers your CPAP mask cushion, creating a more secure seal to reduce your chances of an air leak.
Increase your humidity: Sleeping with a CPAP machine that doesn't produce enough humidity can irritate your airway over time, resulting in a cough. To avoid this, increase your humidifier settings or add a heated hose.
Replace your CPAP filter: An old, dirty CPAP filter can let irritants through your machine and into your airway, causing coughing and reducing air quality during therapy.
Clean your CPAP equipment: Regularly cleaning your CPAP hose and water tank helps prevent mold, bacteria, and mineral buildup that can irritate your airways and trigger coughing.
Turn on expiratory pressure relief: Expiratory pressure relief lowers your CPAP pressure each time you exhale making it easier to breathe with your machine and less likely to trigger a coughing fit.
Products that may help with a CPAP cough
Managing and preventing dry eyes from CPAP therapy
Some CPAP users wake up with dry, irritated, or even crusty eyes after using their CPAP machine all night. Dry eyes after CPAP are often the result of your mask leaking air around the bridge of your nose.
CPAP dry eyes can be caused by:
- Air leaks around the nose
- Mask that doesn't fit properly
- Mask shifting when you change sleeping positions
Choose a low-profile CPAP mask: Dry eyes are often caused by air leaks near the nose bridge. Using a minimal, low-profile mask that seals under the nose can help prevent this.
Prevent mask leaks with a mask liner: A mask liner covers your CPAP mask cushion, creating a more secure seal to reduce your chances of an air leak, whether its near your eyes or anywhere else.
Apply artificial tears: When you first wake up with dry eyes, it can be hard to see. Keeping artificial tears beside your bed may help your eyes recover faster after waking up.
Use a CPAP pillow to keep your mask in place: A CPAP pillow supports your mask and reduces pressure when you're lying on your side or stomach. This keeps your mask from shifting out of place so it doesn't leak air.
Products that may help with CPAP dry eyes
Managing and preventing CPAP dry mouth
Some CPAP users wake up with a dry mouth, sore throat, or a sticky feeling on their tongue after a night of therapy. Dry mouth is often caused by air escaping through your mouth while you sleep, especially if you're using a nasal or nasal pillow mask.
Over time, dry mouth can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, bad breath, and a higher likelihood of mouth sores.
CPAP dry mouth can be caused by:
Mouth breathing during sleep
Mask leaks or poor fit
Low or no humidification settings
Sleeping with your mouth open without a chinstrap or full face mask
Use a chinstrap to keep your mouth closed: A CPAP chinstrap supports your jaw and encourages nasal breathing, helping reduce air loss and the dry mouth that comes from sleeping with your mouth open.
Switch to a full face mask: Full face masks cover both your nose and mouth, ensuring you get effective therapy and preventing mouth leaks, even if your mouth stays open during sleep.
Increase heated humidification: A heated humidifier or heated tubing adds moisture to your therapy air, preventing it from drying out your mouth and throat overnight.
Prevent leaks with a mask liner: A mask liner cushions the seal between your face and the mask, helping reduce air leaks that can dry out your mouth, especially if you shift positions during sleep.
Stay hydrated before and after CPAP therapy: Drinking water before bed and after waking up helps maintain overall moisture levels and soothes any CPAP-related dryness.
Avoid dehydration triggers like alcohol or caffeine: These can dry out your system and worsen the effects of CPAP dry mouth, especially when consumed before bed.
Products that may help with CPAP dry mouth
Managing and preventing CPAP dry nose
A dry, itchy, or even slightly painful nose is one of the most common side effects of CPAP therapy—especially if you live in a colder climate, use nasal pillows, or aren’t using enough humidification. If left untreated, it can lead to irritation, nosebleeds, or even sinus infections.
CPAP dry nose is caused by:
Low or no humidification settings
Cold or uninsulated airflow
Direct airflow from nasal pillow masks
Improper mask fit causing air leaks
Inadequate hydration during the day
Use heated humidity: Moist air soothes your nasal passages and prevents dryness during sleep. You can increase humidity by increasing your humidifier settings.
Try heated tubing or a hose cover: These help maintain a consistent air temperature, reducing nasal irritation caused by cold air.
Apply nasal gel before bed: Use a CPAP-safe hydrating nasal gel like NasoGEL or lanolin to lock in moisture and protect your nasal tissue from direct airflow.
Avoid using a nasal pillow mask: A nasal or full face mask delivers airflow more gently than nasal pillow masks, which can help prevent irritation.
Use saline spray before and after therapy: Spritzing with a saline mist keeps your sinuses moist and relieves the effects of dryness.
Stay hydrated throughout the day: Drinking water before and after therapy helps your nasal passages retain moisture and recover overnight.
Products that may help with CPAP dry nose
Managing and preventing ear pain due to CPAP therapy
Some CPAP users experience ear discomfort, pressure, or even a popping sensation during or after therapy. This happens when when you experience dryness in your sinuses or when pressurized air reaches your middle ear through connected sinus passages, especially if you’re congested or using higher pressure settings.
Causes of CPAP ear pain include:
Sinus congestion blocking normal airflow
High CPAP pressure forcing air toward the Eustachian tubes
Using a nasal mask that directs airflow through the sinus cavities
Dry sinus cavity
Use heated humidity: Warm, moist air can help reduce sinus swelling and ease airflow through your nasal passages.You can increase humidity by increasing your humidifier settings or using a heated hose.
Treat sinus congestion before bed: Use a saline spray or sinus rinse to keep nasal passages open and prevent pressure buildup.
Avoid using a nasal-only mask: A full face mask delivers airflow more gently to your entire airway, rather than sending air to your sinuses, which are connected to your ear passages.
Try ramp mode to ease into pressure: Ramp gradually increases air pressure as you fall asleep, giving your body time to adjust.
Talk to your doctor about lowering pressure: If the pressure feels too strong, your provider may be able to reduce your minimum setting.
Products that may help with CPAP ear pain and pressure
Managing and preventing headaches from CPAP
While CPAP therapy can help reduce headaches caused by sleep apnea, some users wake up with a different kind of pain: the CPAP headache. These typically show up in the morning and are often linked to air pressure issues, sinus problems, or tight-fitting headgear.
CPAP headaches are caused by:
- High CPAP pressure causing sinus or cranial pressure
- Sinus congestion or dry nasal passages from low humidity
- Overtightened mask straps creating tension headaches
- Worn mask cushions requiring tighter headgear for a seal
Use a heated humidifier or heated tubing: Moist, warm air helps prevent nasal dryness and sinus irritation that can lead to headaches.
Loosen your headgear slightly: Make sure your mask fits securely but doesn’t apply too much pressure—this helps reduce tension and soreness around your face or scalp.
Use sinus spray to ease congestion: Use a saline spray or rinse to reduce sinus swelling and improve airflow, reducing congestion, irritation, and pain.
Switch your mask style if needed: If you're using a nasal mask or pillows and experiencing sinus headaches, try switching to a full face or hybrid mask to ease direct airflow into your sinuses.
Talk to your doctor about your pressure settings: If your pressure feels overwhelming or triggers sinus pressure, ask if an adjustment or APAP machine might help.
Products to help with CPAP headaches
Managing and preventing CPAP insomnia
While CPAP therapy is designed to help you sleep better, the machine itself can sometimes make it harder to fall—or stay—asleep, especially during the early days of treatment. Whether it’s the sound of airflow, the feel of the mask, or just the adjustment to a new routine, CPAP-related insomnia is common but manageable.
Causes of CPAP-related insomnia:
- New mask sensations or airflow noises disrupting sleep
- Mask discomfort, pressure points, or air leaks
- Anxiety or stress from starting a new therapy routine
Use ramp mode to ease into therapy: Ramp starts your therapy at a lower pressure and gradually increases it, making it easier to fall asleep without feeling overwhelmed.
Practice wearing your mask while awake: Use your mask during calming activities like reading or watching TV to help your brain associate it with relaxation.
Stick to a consistent bedtime routine: Establishing nightly habits signals to your brain that it’s time to sleep, making the CPAP transition feel more natural.
Try sound therapy or guided relaxation: Listening to calming music, sleep stories, or meditation can help ease anxiety and distract from CPAP-related sensations.
Switch to a softer or smaller mask style: Minimal-contact masks reduce claustrophobia and discomfort that might be keeping you awake.
Products that may help with CPAP-related insomnia
Managing and preventing CPAP machine and mask noises
Most CPAP machines are designed to be quiet, but even subtle sounds—like mask leaks, hose movement, or water gurgling—can become disruptive to you or your bed partner.
Causes of CPAP noise disturbances:
- Mask leaks that create whistling or whooshing sounds
- Rainout or condensation in your tubing causing gurgling
- Loose hose connections or older parts vibrating during use
Check for secure hose and mask connections: Loose or twisted fittings can create airflow noise. Double-check everything is firmly attached before bed.
Use heated tubing or hose covers to prevent rainout: Heated hoses and tubing covers help regulate air temperature and reduce CPAP rainout, which causes water buildup that can cause bubbling or gurgling sounds.
Replace worn parts regularly: Aging masks, cushions, or tubing can leak air or vibrate louder over time. Replacing your CPAP equipment on time can make a big difference in noise levels.
Try using a mask liner to prevent leaks: Mask liners can reduce airflow turbulence and create a quieter, more stable seal.
Use a hose holder to reduce tugging and vibration: Keeping your tubing in place with a CPAP hose holder prevents movement that might pull on your mask or make noise as you shift in bed.
Products that may help with CPAP noise disruptions
Managing and preventing shortness of breath from CPAP therapy
Feeling like you can’t breathe out against your CPAP pressure is one of the most common early hurdles for new users. This sensation—often described as "choking on air"—can be uncomfortable, but it usually improves with time, proper settings, and comfort-focused features.
Causes of CPAP shortness of breath:
- Difficulty exhaling against the pressure of your CPAP
- High pressure settings that feel overwhelming
- Your body adjusting to the unfamiliar feeling of CPAP therapy
Turn on exhalation relief: These features reduce pressure as you exhale, making it feel more natural and less forced.
Try ramp mode to ease into therapy: Ramp starts at a low pressure and increases gradually, helping your body adjust without feeling overwhelmed right away.
Use a V-Com to soften pressure: This small add-on device lessens the intensity of airflow during exhalation, helping you breathe more comfortably.
Stay relaxed and distract your mind: Anxiety can worsen the feeling of breathlessness—focus on your breathing rhythm or listen to calming audio.
Use an APAP machine for personalized pressure: Auto-adjusting machines fine-tune your pressure throughout the night based on your breathing, avoiding unnecessary highs.
Products that may help with CPAP-related shortness of breath
Managing and preventing sinus congestion & irritation during CPAP therapy
Constant airflow from your CPAP machine can dry out your sinuses, inflame nasal tissues, and cause uncomfortable congestion. Over time, this can lead to sinus pressure, nose sores, or even recurring infections if not managed properly. Fortunately, there are a number of simple ways to keep your sinuses happy and your therapy comfortable.
Causes of CPAP sinus issues:
- Dry air from insufficient humidification
- High-pressure airflow overstimulating sensitive nasal tissues
- Nasal pillow masks directing airflow straight into the sinuses
- Nasal dryness triggering excess mucus production and congestion
Use heated humidification: Moist air soothes and hydrates your sinus passages, reducing dryness and inflammation.
Try a saline rinse or spray before bed: Rinsing your sinuses helps remove allergens and preps your nasal passages for therapy.
Hydrate before and after CPAP use: Staying well hydrated throughout the day keeps nasal tissues resilient and less prone to irritation.
Apply nasal gel or lanolin before bed: Hydrating gels protect and soothe sensitive nostrils, especially if you're using nasal pillows.
Switch to a full face mask: If nasal pillows feel too harsh, a full face mask delivers gentler airflow with less direct pressure.
Consider aromatherapy near your air intake: Mint or eucalyptus scents (never placed directly in the humidifier) can help open sinuses and reduce irritation.
Products that may help with CPAP sinus congestion and irritation
Managing and preventing skin irritation from CPAP therapy
If you're waking up with red marks, sore spots, or breakouts where your mask touches your face, you're not alone. Skin irritation is one of the most common CPAP side effects—especially when equipment isn’t cleaned or fitted properly.
Causes of CPAP skin irritation:
- Dirty CPAP mask with debris and bacteria build up
- Old, worn out CPAP equipment
- Humidity or sweat breaking down the skin barrier
- Allergies or skin sensitivity to mask materials
- Headgear that's too tight
Clean your mask daily: Use mild soap and warm water to remove oils, sweat, and bacteria from your mask cushion.
Use a mask liner or strap covers: Liners and strap wraps add a soft barrier between your skin and mask materials, reducing friction and red marks.
Apply barrier creams or moisturizers: Use lanolin or aloe-based moisturizers (only when not wearing your mask) to calm irritation and protect sensitive areas.
Replace old equipment on schedule: Worn cushions and stretched-out headgear can lead to overtightening, leaks, and skin breakdown.
Try a different mask style or material: If you're sensitive to silicone, consider gel or cloth masks for a gentler fit.
Products that may help with CPAP skin irritation
Managing and preventing a CPAP sore mouth or teeth
Some CPAP users wake up with jaw tension or aching teeth—and it’s usually not the machine itself, but how it fits and affects your mouth overnight. Whether it’s pressure from a bulky mask or dryness causing you to clench your jaw, there are simple ways to get relief.
Causes of sore mouth, teeth, or jaw after CPAP therapy:
- Dry mouth causing overnight clenching or tension
- Mask straps pressing along the jawline
- Full face masks pushing on upper teeth or gums
- Poor humidification leading to inflammation
Clean your mask daily: Use mild soap and warm water to remove oils, sweat, and bacteria from your mask cushion.
Use a mask liner or strap covers: Liners and strap wraps add a soft barrier between your skin and mask materials, reducing friction and red marks.
Apply barrier creams or moisturizers: Use lanolin or aloe-based moisturizers (only when not wearing your mask) to calm irritation and protect sensitive areas.
Replace old equipment on schedule: Worn cushions and stretched-out headgear can lead to overtightening, leaks, and skin breakdown.
Try a different mask style or material: If you're sensitive to silicone, consider gel or cloth masks for a gentler fit.
Products that may help with CPAP-related sore mouth and teeth
Rare long-term side effects of CPAP therapy
Most CPAP users experience few or no lasting side effects. However, in rare cases, long-term use can lead to other concerns that should be monitored.
Voice changes: Constant airflow over time may dry out or irritate the vocal cords, leading to hoarseness or a change in voice quality.
Complex sleep apnea (CompSA): In rare cases, someone undergoing CPAP therapy for obstructive sleep apnea can develop central apneas, where the brain temporarily stops sending signals to breathe. This condition is called complex sleep apnea.
Why managing CPAP side effects matter
Struggling with CPAP side effects isn’t just frustrating—it can lead people to give up therapy altogether. But stopping treatment means going back to untreated sleep apnea, which raises your risk for serious health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even early death. It can also speed up aging, weaken your immune system, and make everyday life harder with brain fog, low energy, and poor sleep.
The good news? Most side effects are fixable. And the sooner you get relief, the easier it is to stay consistent—and reclaim your health, your rest, and your life.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common CPAP side effects?
Dry mouth, nasal dryness, bloating, skin irritation, and headaches are among the most commonly reported CPAP side effects.
Dry mouth, nasal dryness, bloating, skin irritation, and headaches are among the most commonly reported CPAP side effects.
Dry mouth, nasal dryness, bloating, skin irritation, and headaches are among the most commonly reported CPAP side effects.
Dry mouth, nasal dryness, bloating, skin irritation, and headaches are among the most commonly reported CPAP side effects.
Dry air, a dirty filter, or poor mask fit can cause irritation in your throat, triggering a dry cough.
Does CPAP cause shortness of breath during the day?
It shouldn't. If you’re feeling breathless during the day, your pressure settings may be too high, or there may be another underlying issue.
What’s the best way to deal with CPAP dry mouth or dry nose?
Add humidification, use a heated tube, and consider a chinstrap to reduce air leakage if you breathe through your mouth.
How do I know if my CPAP pressure is too high?
Signs of high pressure include difficulty exhaling, bloating, headaches, and air leaks around your mask. Talk to your doctor if you notice these symptoms.
Are there long-term side effects from using a CPAP machine?
Most people use CPAP safely for years. Rare side effects include voice changes, facial pressure marks, or treatment-emergent central sleep apnea.
Final thoughts
CPAP side effects can be frustrating—but they’re also manageable. Whether you’re dealing with dry mouth, sinus pressure, or skin irritation, there are simple fixes and supportive tools that can help you stay on track.
If you're struggling, talk to your doctor or a sleep coach about adjusting your pressure, changing your mask, or improving comfort features like humidification. With a few small tweaks, most people find relief and go on to enjoy better sleep, more energy, and improved health.
CPAP therapy works—and you deserve to feel the difference.
Need help? Contact us!
- Call: 1-800-356-5221
- Email: support@cpap.com
- Chat: Connectwith a CPAP Guide through our website or app
