What are CPAP Allergy Symptoms?

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What are CPAP Allergy Symptoms?

CPAP machines works amazingly for people with sleep apnea, but we rarely hear about its negative side effects. In this article, you will learn all about CPAP machines and if it has any risky disadvantages.

What are CPAP allergy symptoms? CPAP can possibly trigger allergies.

  • Here’s a short list of 5 symptoms due to allergic reactions from CPAP.
    1. Swollen lips
      • It can be due to a mask leak or what material the mask was made of
    2. Skin irritation
      • Areas touched by the CPAP mask or other parts might become itchy or irritated if it triggers an allergy
    3. Reddening areas
      • This is very rare to happen, but it can occur along with skin irritation.
    4. Red spots
      • Similar to reddening areas, the red spots might occur along with it and skin irritation. Rare, but possible
    5. Dry skin
      • It is usually due to a mask leak which can lead to dry skin and can be a sign of allergic reaction for some people that usually don’t have dry skin

Usually, the CPAP machine can only trigger allergy symptoms due to a few things.

It is rare to happen, but there’s a possibility.

The CPAP machine is a successful medical equipment that doesn’t have much risks unlike other healthcare machines. For it to trigger an allergic symptom, it is usually caused by an indirect reason.

If you know how to properly take care of your CPAP machine, experiencing any symptoms of allergic reaction can be very rare.

Unless the materials that the machine or mask is made of is causing the allergy, a person cannot be directly allergic to CPAP itself. There must be other factors that can trigger an allergic reaction.

When you have a sensitive health, it’s important to know if you have any allergies used for developing products like CPAP machines or the masks to avoid experiencing allergic symptoms.

But what exactly causes these allergy symptoms? How can you avoid it? Don’t worry, you will find the answers as you read on.

What causes CPAP allergy symptoms

To understand why there can be allergy symptoms when using CPAP, one should also know what can possibly cause it in the first place.

  • Here’s what can cause CPAP allergy symptoms:
    1. Pollen accumulation
      • The machine can accidentally accumulate pollen or other small particles floating around the room where the machine is placed in, causing allergic symptoms.
    2. Dust or unfiltered air
      • CPAP can easily gather dust and other small particles inside the room where it is placed in and trigger allergic symptoms.
    3. Unclean water
      • The CPAP machine uses water to provide the air pressure and using filthy water can lead to other health problems, not just allergic reactions.
    4. Unclean room
      • Wherever the machine is placed in, the air inside it will be the one sustaining your breathing. If the air is dusty or full of other small elements, it can trigger allergies.
    5. Unmaintained CPAP machine
      • Not cleaning the CPAP machine will leave it exposed to accumulated dust or other dirt, which can definitely cause an allergic reaction once it is used

How to avoid CPAP allergy symptoms

The first step to avoiding an allergic reaction when using CPAP is verifying whether you do have any allergies or not.

Speak to your doctor to find out by conducting the right steps.

  • Tips how to avoid CPAP allergy symptoms
    1. Consult your doctor
    2. Verify if you have allergies
    3. Change CPAP machine
    4. Replace your CPAP mask
    5. Clean your CPAP machine
    6. Move the machine
    7. Clean the room
    8. Take medication
    9. Use clean water
    10. Consider alternate treatments

It is very rare for someone to be allergic to materials used in the CPAP machine, for example, the mask can be made of silicone and there are people that might be allergic to it, but it’s very rare.

Like what is shown in the first parts of this article, what usually causes allergic symptoms with CPAP are other factors not the CPAP itself.

If anything, there are only other complications a CPAP machine might have that you might want to learn about. Don’t worry, it will be mentioned later on.

What are CPAP cons aside from allergy problems

Instead of worrying about allergy symptoms when using the CPAP machine, you should be more concerned about the other disadvantages a CPAP machine might have.

Here’s a list of cons a CPAP machine might have.

  1. Drying the skin
    • The CPAP machine can, without a doubt, dry the skin with the air pressure it gives along with the humidifier. Try using skin lotions in the morning or after bathing to counter this effect.
  2. Lack of comfort
    • CPAP masks are usually attached to the machine using a wire or a cord that is sometimes, not long enough to let the users move freely. This is one of the top complications of using CPAP.
  3. Dry and stuffy nose
    • Similar to the skin, the CPAP machine can dry out your nose too. It can cause nasal congestion or a runny nose.
  4. Not good for claustrophobic patients
    • Claustrophobic users might have their phobia triggered.

      Even those who are not claustrophobic may feel “suffocated” when wearing the mask and have the short cord that limits their movement.
  5. Skin irritation
    • The air pressure can cause the skin to be irritated or pressured. If the machine is also not properly maintained, it can lead to severe irritation that may spread out.
  6. Triggers certain allergic reaction
    • Depending on the materials used to fabricate the mask and other parts of the machine that makes contact with your skin, it may or may not trigger specific allergic reactions.
  7. Loud noises
    • Just like any typical airing device, the CPAP machine makes loud noises whenever it is on. This can make it harder to sleep or for anyone that can hear it.
    • You may read about “How to Quiet Down a CPAP Machine” for some tips.
  8. Dry mouth
    • Not only your nose, but the CPAP machine can also dry out your mouth. This may lead to infection if the machine is also not properly maintained.
  9. Difficulty falling asleep
    • Every person is different, not everyone can easily get used to sleeping with a mask on that is attached to a loud machine with a short wire. It can be very challenging or even stressful.
  10. Accidentally unplugging the machine
    • Due to the short cord that some CPAP machines are designed with, when the user falls into sleep and unconsciously moves around, they may end up unplugging the machine.

These complications are not common and very rare to occur. Using a CPAP machine is normally safe, secure and provides a lot of health benefits.

What causes CPAP cons aside from allergies

Usually, the things that causes complications when using a CPAP machine are very limited.

  1. Wrong air pressure
    • Sometimes, the air pressure may be too low or too high that can lead to complications. Get the right air pressure by consulting your doctor.
  2. Incompatible mask
    • Different people need different types of masks. It can depend on the facial structure, the sleeping habits or more.
  3. Leaky, worn out mask
    • An old mask may no longer stick to your face properly and will not be properly “sealed” and cause leaks.
  4. Incorrect humidifier setting
    • Some people also use a humidifier along with their CPAP machines. Using the wrong humidifier settings can end up worsening your condition.
  5. Unmaintained CPAP machine
    • Companies suggest users to clean the machine and its equipment on a daily basis, but ideally, cleaning it weekly is also acceptable. Not doing so can lead to complications.
  6. Improper setup of the machine
    • It is possible that the machine is not properly set up, the cord may not be attached properly or the machine is placed in a room with not enough air or such.
  7. Defective or fake CPAP machine
    • The risk of buying without a doctor’s prescription is buying a defective machine that may lead to complications. A legitimate product is always safe and guaranteed to work perfectly.
  8. Old or worn out CPAP machine
    • CPAP machines can last up to 7 years if properly maintained. If you’ve been using a very old CPAP machine, it may no longer work the way it should and might cause complications.

      You should also avoid leaving the machine on if you’re already done using it. The average hours of sleep you should get using the machine should be 6 hours, so turn it off after that.
  9. Sharing the CPAP machine
    • It is not recommended to use someone else’s CPAP machine or share it with someone. This can further complicate your health and potentially lead to more health risks.
  10. Insufficient water level
    • The CPAP machine also uses water to help filter the machine and when the water level goes down, the machine may end up not working and can lead to other complications.

Most of these examples are very small possible causes and may not happen at all, but it’s still important to be educated about it.

Related Questions

Can I sleep on my side with a CPAP machine?

Yes, you can sleep on your side with a CPAP machine but you may need a special type of mask that stays on despite your sleeping position.

Sleeping on your sides can actually help control the effects of sleep apnea, but the CPAP mask may not cooperate with this which is why you can try using a special mask or a mask liner that can tighten the seal.

A mask that fits under the nose versus a full face mask will make things more comfortable for side sleepers.

Does a CPAP really work?

Yes, CPAP really works. They have to fit properly and used correctly in order to work. It is one of the most commonly used and most effective treatments for sleep apnea.

However, depending on each person, treatment can be different since sleep apnea can have different causes. Consult your doctor whether you need CPAP, a different equipment or maybe even a surgery.