Headaches while using BiPAP

cpapjack · Post by **cpapjack** » Mon Dec 10, 2012 10:12 am

Hello all. I've been a long time member, but have been absent for the past few years, as my therapy is going well and life has become super busy.

I was hoping someone might have some thoughts on this problem I've been having. For probably the past 2-3 months, I've noticed that during the night, while using my BiPAP, I get a mild headache. I can't for the life of me figure out why this is. Nothing has changed with any medications I take or with my mask. All of my numbers from Encore Pro look good, meaning AHI, etc.

Thoughts, suggestions, ideas??

chunkyfrog · Post by **chunkyfrog** » Mon Dec 10, 2012 10:14 am

Do you know if your AHI has changed?

cpapjack · Post by **cpapjack** » Mon Dec 10, 2012 10:16 am

No. It's been pretty consistent for the past few years. Less than 2.

chunkyfrog · Post by **chunkyfrog** » Mon Dec 10, 2012 10:29 am

Been to the doctor lately? It is likely NOT to be related to your apnea or its treatment.
A new symptom like this may require a physician's visit.
Most of us here are not doctors, and can only share our experiences.

cpapjack · Post by **cpapjack** » Mon Dec 10, 2012 10:35 am

I have actually, but these headaches started after.

I know everyone here isn't a doctor, but I was hoping it could be something simply related to my BiPAP. I will say that my BiPAP is 6 years old in January, but I've never had a problem with it. Could it be it's giving me false readings and not actually delivering the pressures as configured?

Denial Dave · Post by **Denial Dave** » Mon Dec 10, 2012 10:46 am

When was the last time your Dr. reviewed your sleep data?

it might be time to talk about adjusting your pressures.

then again, you may just need new headgear

"I'm not a doctor, but I stayed at a Holiday Inn recently".

cpapjack · Post by **cpapjack** » Mon Dec 10, 2012 10:56 am

Denial Dave wrote:When was the last time your Dr. reviewed your sleep data?

it might be time to talk about adjusting your pressures.

then again, you may just need new headgear

It's been a few years, but I monitor my own data and know when/if there is a problem. Again, my numbers are good, so I don't think it's that. Unless my machine is going bad or something.

I was thinking that too, but I don't have any problems with my head gear. It's not broke, the straps aren't tight (somewhat loose actually), and I change the pillows every few months.

Pugsy · Post by **Pugsy** » Mon Dec 10, 2012 11:09 am

You say you get the headache in the middle of the night. Does it wake you up in the middle of the night? Still there when you get up in the AM? How long before it fades away...if it fades away?

You know you probably should talk it over with your doctor...I need to say that.
We tend to want to put all our ailments in the sleep apnea basket and sometimes they belong there but often they don't.

Couple of other ideas though....bed pillow issues maybe? Maybe cervical spine issues being a factor?

Were you think low oxygen headaches??? Do you have a overnight recording pulse oximeter to check your overnight oxygen levels for desats?

Todzo · Post by **Todzo** » Mon Dec 10, 2012 11:34 am

cpapjack wrote:Hello all. I've been a long time member, but have been absent for the past few years, as my therapy is going well and life has become super busy.

I was hoping someone might have some thoughts on this problem I've been having. For probably the past 2-3 months, I've noticed that during the night, while using my BiPAP, I get a mild headache. I can't for the life of me figure out why this is. Nothing has changed with any medications I take or with my mask. All of my numbers from look good, meaning AHI, etc.

Thoughts, suggestions, ideas??

Hi cpapjack!

Your body will change over time as will your life.

But your PAP titration...

Breathing less will raise your CO2 level - which - will open up your circulation - which - will facilitate metabolism. Most times I find myself with a headhache I also find other indicators of low CO2 - I quiet my breathing for a couple of minutes (which tends to continue to be quieted) and the headache goes away.

When you use PAP the pressure tends to make you breath more. If you add the central nervous system activation of stress in your life (excited, angry, fearfull) the combined pushes may cause you to blow off too much CO2. The brain in particular tends to dispise the resultant blood. A headache is a likely result.

For now, check stress.

In the future find a doctor who understands how CO2 maintenance and breathing volume affect Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Suggest to him or her that you try pressure a bit lower for a week or two at a time and check the results several times a week as you go. I have found this kind of titration yeilds a much more reliable result than the standard "one extremely expensive out of my nice warm bed at home shot in the dark" method.

Have a great week!

Todzo

chunkyfrog · Post by **chunkyfrog** » Mon Dec 10, 2012 12:15 pm

I had a headache the other night--dozed off for an hour without the mask (bad frog!)

Headaches while using BiPAP

Headaches while using BiPAP

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