CPAP Side Effects and How to Solve Them

CPAP therapy remains the gold standard for treating sleep apnoea, helping millions of people enjoy restful, uninterrupted sleep. However, some users experience CPAP side effects that make it difficult to adapt to treatment, particularly during the first few weeks. The good news is that nearly all these issues can be resolved with the right equipment, small adjustments, and good daily habits.

At SelfiMed UK, we help patients find effective CPAP solutions — from masks and humidifiers to tubing and cleaning accessories — so that therapy remains both comfortable and effective.

Common CPAP Side Effects and Practical Solutions

1. Dry Nose and Mouth

One of the most common CPAP side effects is dryness in the nose, throat, or mouth. Continuous airflow can reduce natural moisture levels in the airway, leaving you uncomfortable during the night.

Solution:
Attach a heated humidifier to your CPAP machine to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Heated tubing also helps maintain consistent humidity. If you tend to breathe through your mouth while sleeping, consider switching to a full-face mask, which provides better air distribution and prevents mouth dryness.

2. Mask Leaks

Mask leaks can disrupt sleep, reduce treatment effectiveness, and even cause noise that disturbs your partner.

Solution:
Make sure you’re using the correct mask size and style for your facial structure. Avoid over-tightening headgear straps — a snug but gentle fit seals better and avoids pressure marks. Over time, silicone cushions wear down, so replacing them regularly is key to avoiding this common CPAP side effect.

3. Aerophagia (Swallowing Air)

Some users experience bloating or mild stomach discomfort due to CPAP side effects like aerophagia, caused by swallowing excess air during therapy.

Solution:
Never adjust pressure settings without medical advice. If your prescribed pressure feels too high, discuss it with your clinician. An auto-adjusting CPAP (APAP) machine, which adapts pressure throughout the night, often reduces this issue and increases comfort. Practising relaxed breathing before sleep can also help the body adapt to airflow.

4. Skin Irritation and Pressure Marks

Another frequent CPAP side effect is skin irritation or redness caused by mask friction or trapped moisture. This is particularly common for new users adjusting to nightly wear.

Solution:
Use soft mask liners or apply a thin layer of skin-safe barrier cream before bed. Cleaning your mask daily with approved CPAP wipes prevents oil and bacteria build-up. If irritation persists, try a different mask shape — for example, a nasal pillow mask or hybrid style can relieve pressure around the cheeks and bridge of the nose.

Reducing CPAP Side Effects Through Better Habits

Consistency and proper equipment maintenance play a major role in preventing CPAP side effects. Clean your mask, tubing, and humidifier chamber regularly, replace filters as recommended, and always ensure your equipment is functioning properly.

SelfiMed UK offers a full range of accessories, replacement parts, and cleaning supplies to make routine maintenance easier and more affordable. With good habits, CPAP therapy becomes not just tolerable but life-changing.

Conclusion

Experiencing CPAP side effects is common, especially in the early stages of therapy, but they shouldn’t discourage you from continuing treatment. With the right setup, humidity control, mask fitting, and cleaning routine, most patients quickly adapt and start sleeping better within days.

At SelfiMed UK, we’re here to support every step of your sleep apnoea journey — providing reliable machines, accessories, and expert advice to make CPAP therapy as comfortable and effective as possible.