Morning Headaches

[hestes1]

I was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea about 10 months ago. I have a cpap with and oxygen concentrator.
I still struggle with the mask as far as keeping it on all night. I'm told this is not unusual.
I however have been experiencing frequent morning headaches and I mean headaches. Could this be because I'm not keeping the mask on?
Does anyone have any suggestions as far as techniques, tricks to helping to get used to the mask?
Thanks in advance!

[Enoch Choi, MD]

If you're taking it off yourself, you need to find a way not to feel suffocated.  Talk to your doc!

[Sam888]

From my experience it could be either from CPAP or because of your apnea events.  If you have a heated humidifier, use it and increase the temperature to what you feel is comfortable.  At work I often get headaches when the fan is blowing at me.  I had the same experience with xPAP.  Adjust your mask, palpate the bridge of your nose or your forehead, are  you tender?  If so, adjust that part of the mask.

Also, consider using another machine if possible where the XPAP exhalation pressure is reduced so you won't feel suffocated.  All too often xPAP users buy their equipment from a DME that specializes in just one brand.  Stay away from those.

[hestes1]

Typically I will wake up in the middle of the night feeling suffocated and take the mask off myself. It's a matter of getting used to having it on I think.

Thank you for the reply

[Enoch Choi, MD]

Morning headaches can be from fatigue if you're not getting enough sleep, since the mak won't stay on all night.  How does it come off?  Simply dislodged?  There are different kinds of straps to keep it secured.

Dr. Enoch Choi, MD
Palo Alto, CA