Is CPAP Harmful from Long Term Exposure?

by William Ressegue
(Palmdale, Ca. USA)

Just beginning my wonderful experience of living with CPAP.

Doing lots of reading on the subject and find the short list of minor side effects interesting. Yet I see no where listed any long term studies or complaints of this forced/compressed air treatment.

Knowing that divers who go deep under the ocean can suffer from the bends if the pressure on their lungs and bodies are not slowly equalized coming to the surface.

Of course a night time of CPAP may not equal the high pressure in 200 feet of water I have to wonder about the prolonged exposure to light pressure each night.

Watching a documentary about building the Brooklyn bridge and it's Caissons for the foundation supports and the problems they had with short and long term exposure to compressed air.

Is that not what a CPAP machine does? That is to force air into the lungs over and above the natural breathing?

So if this forced air pushing on the cells of the lungs keeps the lungs from expelling waste such as C02 does that not do me harm?

And isn't the real problem keeping the air way open and not the lack of air itself?

So there must be a better solution to keeping my airway open then the creation of this balloon effect in my lungs?


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Mar 04, 2022
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Cpap issues. NEW
by: Anonymous

I have read a lot of the comments here, about heart attach symptoms and waking up and being afraid they are suffocating. By far and enlarged these people are suffering from panic disorders and anxiety. Neither of which are related to a bad CPAP. This medical device would not be allowed on the scene if it induced the problems stated here. Secondly there has not been a single successful case against any CPAP maker as there is an abundance of medical documentation proving its effectiveness and zero medical evidence that a CPAP machine is harmful to your health. My best advice is for those who have these issues are these. Get phycological treatment for you panic attacks and anxiety. If you can't do that , call your mother.
Mar 04, 2022
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Cpap issues. NEW
by: Anonymous

I have read a lot of the comments here, about heart attach symptoms and waking up and being afraid they are suffocating. By far and enlarged these people are suffering from panic disorders and anxiety. Neither of which are related to a bad CPAP. This medical device would not be allowed on the scene if it induced the problems stated here. Secondly there has not been a single successful case against any CPAP maker as there is an abundance of medical documentation proving its effectiveness and zero medical evidence that a CPAP machine is harmful to your health. My best advice is for those who have these issues are these. Get phycological treatment for you panic attacks and anxiety. If you can't do that , call your mother.
Dec 15, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Non surgical alternative!
by: Dean Park

There is an alternative to the CPAP machine using appliances to correct your anatomy.
Sep 27, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		CPAP HEART ATTACK
by: Anonymous

I am absolutely perplexed by my results from trying to use my CPAP machine. I first tried to use it in the spring of 2010. I was told of all the benefits of it & how great I'd feel etc. etc.

Well after about 2 months of trying to make it work I had a Near Death Experience & my great aunt had ushered me to heaven, but was told they didn't have any paper work on me! I woke up gasping for air with the face mask on me! I thought maybe it was just a weird coincidence-perhaps even the machine saved me.

I was still scared of it so it was 3 months before I used it again. after using it 3 consecutive night & waking up dizzy & with a headache-on the fourth morning I had the dizziness-chest pressure & weird sensation when I lifted my left arm. I went to the emergency room-thinking I might of had a heart attack--sure enough my LAD was 98.8% blocked & I had a stent put in. I quit using the CPAP until sept. 2018.

MY NEW ENDOCRINOLOGIST INSISTED & MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A SLEEP STUDY SPECIALIST.

I was told I had mild to moderate sleep apnea & needed a machine. My old machine was outdated & the newer ones worked much better-I was told.

On the 7th day of using my new & improved device I had what seemed to be another heart attack. I woke up sitting straight up-gasping for air with my mask on-I tore the mask off, feeling extreme nausea & broke out in in a cold sweat, still trying to catch my breath. I ran to the bathroom throwing up 4 times & felt a little better-just very weak. I am going to get a heart test on Monday-to see if I may have had another heart attack.

There are several other devices on the market now for sleep apnea--but I know this CPAP is not for me. It may work for some people but the doctors must stop pressuring people to use it. All the facts are not revealed yet about these machines & I don't think it is the miraculous cure they advertise it to be.

You need to ask yourself--"Am I here for the machine or is the machine here for me!"
May 17, 2018
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starstarstarstarstar 		longterm complications of c-pap use
by: Anonymous

I've recently begun experiencing increasing shortness of breath with mild exertion & am currently seeking medical care. I'm a non-smoker & have been using my C-Pap nightly for 12 years.

I use nasal pillows & have been successful with c-pap use. Sleep apnea runs in my family & my brother cannot even nap without his machine. He additionally suffers from non-24 sleep issues although he is sighted. Has anyone heard of "lazy lung" from c-pap use? Or increasing shortness of breath upon mild exertion? It is incapacitating!
Apr 29, 2018
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starstarstarstarstar 		Archaic CPAP
by: Anonymous

Agreed. How measurable is CPAP? It has it's own system for eps oer hr/ per nite? People say if they can manage the archaic system they will gain rest, energy and renewed sleep. Many cannot manage. It's a system that does not address underlying cause, only addresses sleep not why anyone isn't getting good sleep to begin with. A mask is not a great fit to correct.
Mar 23, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Loss of smell
by: Musicboy

I been using the CPAP and i lost my sense of smell and it's only been not even a year,has anyone else had this happen to them before and will my sense of smell come back?
Mar 18, 2018
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starstarstarstarstar 		Buteko
by: David

I don't think it is possible to train yourself to control breathing while asleep. Most people have OSA in later years.

At this time; CPAP is the gold treatment for OSA and I would not consider or advise anyone to waste money on Buteko books or websites; Which is where this comment is trying to take you.
Mar 18, 2018
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starstarstarstarstar 		Perbaps a healthier option
by: Anonymous

My father had bad sleep apnia, but, keeping an open mind, he decided to learn the Buteko breathing method, developed by a Russian scientist.My father never looked back, his sleep apnia disappeared within a week. I used the Buteko breathing method when I got very ill with bronchial asthma.I cured myself without any medication. My doctor was stunned, believing I would have to use asthma puffers long term.There has been an active campaign to dispute the Buteko breathing method, as there is so much money to be made from CPAP machines and asthma drugs. Check it out for yourselves..it's scientific common sense.
Feb 13, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Side effects of Cpap.
by: Anonymous

I have been on my C-pap machine for 10 years now.
I was given a full face mask initially and found it
very uncomfortable, puffing my face out and was impossible to get to sleep.
I then opted for a Nasal mask which I have used to date.
The benefits were great ie: no more snoring, wide awake daytimes, more alert, and now can find it difficult to sleep off the mask( dry mouth, choking
and restless nights!!

However the benefits come at a price!

Constant flu like symptoms, sneezing all day, congestion in lungs, sunlight intolerance( makes me sneeze even more) sores on nose.

Discussed these problems with C-pap nurse and was told to turn up the humidity on my machine??WORSE!
If my machine is used dry(0.00) it causes brittle airways and nosebleeds.

If used on setting 1.0 humidity..too cold.
If used on 1.5,good sleep. but have the symptoms above.
I have tried regular cleaning of air pipes, tank
and mask also the sponge air filter!

Still get flu like symptoms.
This is my latest plan of action.
Try Ocean Saline Solution as tipped on this site.
Stop using tap water(lazy way) to top up water tank..distilled for me from now on.

Lose weight so I can then come off the damn thing.
I wrote this in between sneezing and constant nose blowing, so please forgive any errors.
Feb 11, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Anyone with this potential side-effect?
by: David, Scotland

I have used CPAP successfully for over 20 years, mostly with a humidifier. During the last year, I have often had a sensation in my chest which I can only describe as the feeling I had at school when doing cross-country running on a winter day. A sort of erratic "burning" sensation.

I can find nothing online which says having high-pressure air 6-7 hours every night over many years does or does not have an effect on one's lungs or bronchial airways as described. My intuitive feeling is that it might.

Any comments?
Jan 03, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Pulmonary Complications
by: YCK

I am 82 years old and on my fifth C-Pap, changing every 5 years. My how the technology has improved and changed over time. After I started I no longer fell asleep at the dinner table (grand kids would wake me up with "grampa are you OK"), or at stop signs or at my desk, etc.

Sleep pattern at night was great, the best sleep I have ever had. I miss my wife's elbow to my back waking me up with 45+ seconds of apnoea. Only problem I have now is I have had pneumonia each of the past 3 years same time of year in Fort Myers, FL "winter" right after the first of the new year.

Each year it is harder to get rid off and now I am on short course of steroida hoping it will do the trick. Has anyone ever had long term pulmonary problems from c-pap therapy???
Dec 13, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Central sleep apnea
by: Anonymous

One side effect of CPAP is central sleep apnea. Think I read somewhere that central sleep apnea occurs about 20% of the time AFTER starting treatment. Why is that rarely mentioned ❓ Seems they only talk about stuffy noses or skin creases
Nov 29, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Apap
by: David

Only a suggestion, but if you use an Apap and a computer program Sleepyhead or Resscan. It should give you a guide to your night's rest. Resscan identifies between obstructive and central apnea. Prior to CPAP, I was always a mouth breather but now nasal. If your problem continues you should take advice from a sleep clinic.
Nov 29, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Long term cpap
by: Anonymous

I’ve been using nasal CPAP for 4 years. Recently,I noticed that my natural breathing is different than before I had CPAP and it is happening more frequent now. EX: I would suddenly take a deep breath that is when I realized that my breathing was at standstill.

During this time I feel pressure to my chest, tiny tingling sensations to my fingers and my face, lightheaded. When I am in any standstill position, I had this situation. When I am in this situation I check myself with pulse oximeter.

It takes time to read with as low as 90% and heart rate up 105. Then SPO2 and heart rate go normal after taking deep breaths.. I feel fine 96% and up. My breathing is normal even though I’m diagnosed with asthma and allergy. I have not used my medicine for more than a year. Scary to had this twice while driving.

So I got this thought that long term use of CPAP affects my normal or natural breathing at awake time.
Nov 13, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Why is it so important to keep it on all night
by: Ms.Rhonda

Is the CPAP machine really necessary to keep on all night??
When one takes it off, one can't get up to go the bathroom at night what part does the CPAP play in preventing this from happening?
Sep 29, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		12 Years on CPAP
by: David

I am 70 with severe sleep apnoea. I'm now in my 12 year on CPAP. In 12 years I have not slept a night off of my machine. My machine is APAP. It only gives me pressure when required. I use nasal pillows and always have.

Prior to CPAP I suffered constant congestion and throat problems. Since going on it I have not had a sore throat nasal congestion or a cold. I have no side effects from using it and consider myself healthy. A couple of stone overweight but nothing else to worry about.

My advice to anyone with severe sleep apnoea is to learn to live with CPAP. I used to sit watching TV with the Mask on, read in bed with it on. My sleep apnoea is such that without it I would not be here. Get on and live with it. I don't believe there are any long term side effects.
Sep 28, 2017
Rating
starstarstar 		RE: Sinus infections with CPAP
by: Anonymous

I use Ocean Saline Solution every morning and that has taken care of any infection. So try that.
Sep 24, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		CPAP long term usage
by: Anonymous

I have been using a CPAP machine for 20 plus years. I have been great the first 15 year. I find it difficult to fall asleep without it. unfortunately I had my machine replaced 5 years ago. And two more times after that.

I believe there maybe something wrong with the new so called technology in the new machines. I have had oft and on severe sinus problems, so bad that I have lost my taste and sense of smell and have a chronic infection.

While on antibiotics the infection affects diminish, and come back right after treatment. If I stop using my CPAP for a few days I find myself sleepy but able to smell and taste. Has anybody else have these symptoms
Aug 08, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		CPAP side effects
by: Anonymous

I've used CPAP for about 1 1/2 years. Over the last few months I wake up with stiff hands and fingers,neck pain and now my feet hurt and feel bruised. I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced the same symptoms?
Mar 10, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		CPAP amd pleural thickening
by: Anonymous

I have been using a CPAP machine for about 12 years. Recently I was found to have nodular pleural thickening. At this time I do not know how advanced it is. I am wondering if there is any correlation between the thickening and long-term use of the CPAP machine. So far, I have not found anything really definitive on the internet. Does anybody have a useful comment on this?
Jan 17, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		As of today I'm no longer using the CPAP machine!!!
by: Anonymous

I have been using the CPAP machine for a little over 1 year and I have began to develop side effects from using the CPAP machine. First of all, I have developed severe sinusitis and difficulty breathing feeling as though my lungs are inefficient to work properly; although, I never had any previous problems.
I have gained an excessive amount of weight though my diet has remained the same. Furthermore, I have become completely lethargic with no energy and my memory has become totally clouded.
I truly believe that continued long term use of the CPAP machine will cause severe adverse side effects to my health that I do not dare to suffer. I think that it is very unfortunate that medical health professionals prescribe apparatuses and medication to their patients that cause severe adverse side effects that ruin people's health; for their own monetary gain. Furthermore no person's health is worth any amount of money.
And these practices perpetrated by predatory medical health professionals are utterly pathetic and people are being exploited at the Patients expense and health...

Totally pathetictic!!!
Oct 18, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Curved line logic
by: bulletproof

Your questions assume an ignorance on the research and development, as well as testing of, the devices employed for sleep apnea. It further connects 3 things that work in 3 different ways and have only moving air in common.

But ultimately, the consideration is industrial use of air flow versus medical use, and the determination that the developers of each use parameters appropriate to either exclusively.

As the comments of others demonstrate, there are side-effects.

However, even as a few of these tossed aside any use for "PAP" assistance out of one experience or the other, in all of their complaints (which I have read so far) there is, at least, the possibility of a solution: humidifier, auto-cpap versus cpap versus bipap, varying delivery methods, etc. And in the end, the question is, ultimately, does whatever risk one can Google outweigh the risk of the condition for which is the impetus of the very need for treatment.
Feb 20, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Terable side effects
by: Linda M

I have been using bipap for 4 months and have had to stop it because of the awful side effects. I wake feeling like I have been hit by a truck, chronic mental fogginess, severe cognition impacts preventing me from driving, dizziness and hyper light sensitivity completely disabling me.

I have tried stopping it for up to two consecutive nights and got much better. My settings started at 12/4 then 17/10 then auto setting. Each time getting worse.

The auto bipap gave me longer lasting impacts with pain in my neck, under my arms and in my chest like I was being crushed.

This is very much like the side effects of the bends.
Anyone else with these effects
Nov 11, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Long term effects and sinus cavity light bleeding
by: Anonymous

I've noe been sing a cpap for quite a few years, my numbers have greatly reduced to the point that it is difficult to get Medicare to cover cost of a new machine.

This is not my question, however, I am now having some light bleeding from my left sinus, have seen an ENT, with little luck other than getting some "vessels cauterized" yet it persists bleeding during my cpap use.

Thus my question is if prolonged use - even with a humidifier - has contributed to this most recent malady as it has gone on now since late spring. Any one out there have these symptoms?

Lastly, since my ahi numbers are now very low, will I be aable to wean myself off the cpap?
Mar 10, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		CPAP
by: Anonymous

It is not "compressed" air it is forced air...It is forced air that keeps the airway open
Mar 10, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Not "compressed" air
by: Anonymous

Omg, so you really think cpap is similar to suba diving with compressed air.

As a certified diver I can factually tell you NO it is not. Air is "compressed" when you take an entire homes worth of regular air (not oxygen) and "compress" it into the scuba tank, hence compressed air.

A leaf blower , well blows air and does NOT compress it, hence the same as a cpap blws air. Common sense omg. My cpap is like trying to breath by sucking on a hair dryer not a scuba regulator. Huge difference.

Also, you cannot get "the bends" by sitting in your living room breathing from scuba gear all day then immediately stopping. The bends come from the oxygen compression from underwater depth, hence water pressure.

When you swimup the water pressure is less and the oxygen in your blood expands, too rapidly its called the bends and the oxygen in your blood is lime an orange in a straw, very painful very deadly, hence stroke.
Nov 05, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		CPAP and the Bends
by: Anonymous

I think my spouse has something similar. He has the sx's of air in the joints, shoulders, neck, and muscles of the chest and back. They have reduced significantly since he stopped it, after only one pm .... anyone else?
Nov 18, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		Question
by: William

I understand the need for CPAP what my question is: what are the side effects of long-term use of forced air on the lungs and body? I guess no one has done a study. Surely not a natural state to be in even if it does keep the airway open.
Nov 18, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		Is CPAP Harmful from Long Term Exposure?
by: Terry

CPAP is design to keep your airway open not to fill your lungs with air. If your airway is kept open you breathe normally. I think the question is what illness's does sleep apnea cause if left untreated, heart failure, stroke, depression, etc, etc, etc from first hand experience I know which one I would rather do. Finally I have only been using CPAP for 2 and a half years but have never heard of anyone having complications from using a CPAP machine but have heard of heaps of people dying from diagnosed sleep apnea.

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