Sleep Apnea Support Group

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. People with sleep apnea partially awaken as they struggle to breathe, but in the morning they may not be aware of sleep disturbances.

984 Members

1,450 Posts

0 Online

mmrrzz 09/10/2012

I'm find I'm waking up with dry eyes since I've been using my CPAP machine (approx 7 weeks). I use the Swift LT nasal pillows and there are no leaks. In the morning, after I wash my face my eyes return to normal. I do not suffer dry eyes at any other time of the day. There is a tear duct connection with the nose, is it possible that air is forced upward from the nose to the eyes? The mask exhaust is not directly on my face. Has anyone had experience with this situation?
Thanks,
Mitch

Tez62 09/10/2012

Mitch, I use a full face mask and get some leaks but do get the dry eye, I think it's one of the things we have to put up with. I use eye drops in the morning and at night sometimes, they do feel better after I wash my face.

mmrrzz 09/10/2012

Tez, Thanks for the info. What type of eyedrops do you use? I intend to ask my Dr about it but I wanted to be armed with some 'real world' input first.
Mitch

Tez62 09/10/2012

Mitch, I'm in Australia so probably have different brands, I just bacially went to the Pharmacy and asked them. I did just get the cheapest because they are only supposed to last 30 days or though you can get longer lasting drops but cost more. In Australia there is also a gel but I have never tried it.

harry3333 09/14/2012

tear ducts usually have a 1 wAY VALVE WHICH CAN BECOME ERODED BUT ITS RARE
usual cause is air leaking from top of mask with eyes not fully closed
yes some do sleep with eyes partly open
try taping over 1 eye

mmrrzz 09/14/2012

Thanks Harry but I feel weird enough wearing the mask and chin strap. I look like Hannibal Lechter with mumps. I'll check with my doc about eye drops when I see her.
Mitch

harry3333 09/15/2012

really, we shouldnt care how we look, our health should be most important to us

barbarame 10/21/2012

What pictures you paint !! LOL

Join the Conversation