Headaches and mask

[bonmac]

Since I have had my cpap for the past two months I have had recurring headaches, They are much like sinus headaches. I have increased the humidification to prevent dryness.

I have seen my PC doctor who thought I had a sinus infection even though I have no discharge. He put me on Medrol and augmentin for two weeks. He also ordered a CT scan which showed nothing.

This morning the pressure and pain were measurable. Could this be because of my mask? It is a Philips DreamWear under the nose nasal mask. It does press on sinus areas when I sleep. Should I take it off for a couple of nights to see if that helps?

Any advice??

[Gryphon]

How tight do you have your mask now?

If you clamp down on the head gear you could be creating a pressure issue that could be causing your pain.

Does the problem appear worse in the morning right after you take your mask off? or is it more a constant thing?

Depending on the severity of your Sleep Apnea if it's mild you could try going with out for a little wile and see if that is the cause but that is a choice you will have to make.

The first thing I would check though is how are you fitting your mask now? do you have the straps fairly tight and can you try loosening them and see if that helps before stopping cpap all together instead.

[FairwayGirl]

I have had headaches as well, and I think the shape of the mask could cause it. If it presses on the sides of your face and presses up on your nose. So far it is the only mask I can stand to use, but, it is causing me headaches. My headaches go away shortly after I get up in the mornings. If I sleep without my mask I do not have a headache. hopefully you feel better soon!

[Mudrock63]

I don't know how many masks you have tried, either of you. Many DME's will try to fit you with several different types, some are not so competent. Unfortunately, changing out masks can be an expensive proposition if you have to go through several versions to find one that works. But I suggest you keep trying. There are usually company-sponsored fitting videos that might be helpful. I have to keep mine strapped fairly tight because I am on high pressure. But they are designed....supposedly....to float on your face. So for folks at moderate or less pressures, the fit should theoretically NOT be causing headaches or other major discomfort. Everyone's face is different, so your mileage may vary. But it sounds like a fitting issue. If I go without treatment, I have a far worse headache than anything caused by my mask. But that is me.

[bonmac]

Thank you all!

I really don't think my mask is too tight - it tends to ride up in the back during the night. I do feel most pressure/discomfort when I first get up, which can take me most of the day to get rid of - sometimes it does not go away totally.

My mask does press up on my nose and along my sinus area. It may be waking me too early, as it did this morning, with the pressure. It always feels good to take the mask off.

I have very mild apnea -my pressure is set at 5. I will call my doctor to see what she thinks. I would like to try no mask for a couple of days to see how that works.....

[Julie]

Bonmac - whether you have mild or severe apnea has no connection to how high or low your pressure is... that's set according to how much pressure is needed to keep YOUR airway open, and that has nothing to do with how many events you have or don't have.

[bonmac]

oops! Guess I am still learning! Thanks!

[Stickbow99]

I have these symptoms also . Not at first but the last 20 m onths . Severe pressure in my sinus ares and headaches . Checked out many doctors and no sinus infections. Doctors cant help me . Life has no quality at all and it seems to be getting worse. Some days worse than others. I have been using a CPAP full facial mask for almost 5 years now. Feels like my face area around my eyes is swollen but looks okay.

[Julie]

Bonmac - could neck straps of gear be too tight, causing cervical problems?

[bonmac]

Last week I saw my old sinus doctor who gave me an injection of steroid and some nasal spray. The injection helped, but I can tell it is starting to wear off. She said it sometimes takes two rounds of steroid to get relief (this was my second round). Hopefully, the returning discomfort I noticed today will not last. The doctor was concerned that I am just very sensitive and the mask is adding pressure and making everything worse. I actually came away believing that she thought the mask might have to go.?????

I have had pinched nerves in my neck in the past year, but it is a totally different sensation than the sinus pain, The pinched nerve sends shock-like tingling down my arm, and was managed by some therapy and treatments. That was a piece of cake!

Funny, I just connected my Dreammapper to watch my sleep activity. It shows my mask fit is 100%. but I am having some apneas during the night, so maybe giving up the mask is not so good...... Nothing is simple, eh??