Dangers of using the CPAP?

I have just come across this great forum and decided to read about all of your experiences since my DH has recently started the treatment.

I am now worried since I have read a post that mentioned that the CPAP could be potentially dangerous.

There is not much I can find online on this topic so if anyone knows information about the dangers of using a CPAP machine please do share.

Thank you very much!

Not sure I've ever heard about any dangers. Now if you need it and are not using it that could cause problems

The danger is in not using it ... it only blows a very little bit of filtered room air into your mouth or nose to help open your airway... what could go wrong?

Of course if someone set the pressure to a much higher level than you need, then you'd be uncomfortable and eventually could develop (it's rare tho') central apnea, but the likelihood is pretty slim for that to occur without your knowing it. And it wouldn't happen overnight. We almost all do our own pressure settings once we know what to do anyway, so it's even less likely to happen.

Thank you so much for the reply and that is relieving.

This is mentioned in one of the forums.

"Because it can be difficult to adjust to the cumbersome CPAP (CPAP, AutoPAP, BiPAP) treatment for OSA (obstructive sleep apnea). About half the people who start CPAP therapy fail, and failure increases their risk for heart attack, stroke, car accidents, and diminished quality of life."

I am guessing they mean 'not using the machine' by "failing". Any thoughts?

CPAP therapy is most certainly not dangerous. Not using CPAP when you need it quite likely is. What's your specific concern?

Tahera1979 wrote:Thank you so much for the reply and that is relieving.

This is mentioned in one of the forums.

"Because it can be difficult to adjust to the cumbersome CPAP (CPAP, AutoPAP, BiPAP) treatment for OSA (obstructive sleep apnea). About half the people who start CPAP therapy fail, and failure increases their risk for heart attack, stroke, car accidents, and diminished quality of life."

I am guessing they mean 'not using the machine' by "failing". Any thoughts?

Yes, that's what they mean. People that don't treat their sleep apnea are at risk for those things. CPAP can be difficult to get adjusted to, and some give up on it as a result.

Thank you very much Linuxman, I am glad to hear that.

I am really happy that we ended up getting the machine and I am hopeful that we won't give up on it. It gives me hope to see you all successfully using the machine.

The night my husband went to the sleep clinic he came home full of energy, it was almost like a different person.

I am hoping that we will end up getting the same results at home once adjusted.

Tahera1979 wrote:I am really happy that we ended up getting the machine and I am hopeful that we won't give up on it. It gives me hope to see you all successfully using the machine

your support can help him to want to use it more.

get him to register here on the forum, and we can help him make the best of the treatment, since it's often not set up right by the doctors.

Yes, like diabetes, you have to OWN it and TREAT it in order to SURVIVE it.

The only CPAP fatality I'm aware of is a single incident where a CPAP fell out of a window and landed on somebody's head.

Aside from what was already mentioned, persons with particular lung or heart diseases should talk with their doctor to see if their particular diagnosis merits consideration of the best machine type for them. Doesn't necessarily mean one can't use CPAP, just need to be in tune to the details. If it would help put your mind at ease, he could ask his doctor if he has any diagnosis that needs to be considered in relation to CPAP use. I think most won't have a complicating health issue, but never hurts to ask.

Thank you for the comments! I am much more relieved and I will try my best to have my DH sign up on this website. I am not hopeful though but let's see.

I think it needs some getting used to but I hope that it will be fruitful. I sincerely hope that we will get the mask issues and his snoring under control so we can focus on the benefits of the machine. Fingers crossed!

It's really great to see that we are not alone.

You can still sign up here even if your hubby doesn't want to.
We have had some members here who were representing their spouses for any number of reasons.
If you do just put his equipment in the equipment profile and just make sure when you post to remind us that you are the spouse until we get to know you.

Tahera1979 wrote:Thank you for the comments! I am much more relieved and I will try my best to have my DH sign up on this website. I am not hopeful though but let's see.

I think it needs some getting used to but I hope that it will be fruitful. I sincerely hope that we will get the mask issues and his snoring under control so we can focus on the benefits of the machine. Fingers crossed!

It's really great to see that we are not alone.

It's more important that he adheres to therapy than that he sign up for the forum.

BTW, you stated anxieties about the therapy in your original post, but you did not state what you were afraid might happen.

The one thing that wasn't mentioned is that if he takes medication for blood pressure or blood sugar, they can go too low with CPAP. If that happens, a doctor will need to adjust the medication, not the CPAP therapy.

I'm a new CPAPer - and I guess in the back of my mind I do wonder if somehow the body becomes 'accustomed' to the breathing aid and therefore without the machine, the apnea would get even worse. Ie - no specific downside to using it but perhaps can a greater dependence develop? Has any research been done on this to anyone's knowledge?

I only have moderate apnea and can certainly sleep fine without it. But, my doc says I should use it, so I've been trying to.