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.

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Facial Swelling with CPAP

Gma2five
Gma2five
I've been on a CPAP since January, 2012. The pressure has been upped from "7" to "8" and I've changed masks a couple times. I now have one that covers just my nose.

For the past few weeks, I've had bad facial swelling when I wake up in the mornings. It's becoming a great concern because my eyes were almost swollen shut, a couple days ago. Now, I'm not only seeing swelling in my face but in my neck and stomach as well. I was told, by my PCP, that the facial swelling has to do with my mask and possibly the CPAP settings. I have an appointment with my pulmonary doctor, in two weeks.

Has anyone else had facial, or other, swelling that is contributed to Sleep Apnea? If so, could you, please, tell what was causing it? This is very concerning.
harry3333
harry3333
its unusual and suggests an allergy to the mask, is air blowing on your eyes when you are asleep?
the straps should be only just tight enough, check by pulling mask slightly away from face when in bed
Gma2five
Gma2five
That's what my PCP thinks, Harry. I've only had one mask I could wear, and it not bother me. That is the SleepWeaver mask. I switched from it because the cloth stretches out a little with each washing and doesn't go back to shape. My straps are set to where they just do keep the mask from leaking. Thanks for your response.
Gma2five
Gma2five
I don't have any air blowing in my eyes. My hose has vents, near the eyes, but I turn it downward, so it's not bothering me.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have never experienced anything quite like that. Even the blowing would not truly explain the swelling of your face. At first I thought the mask might be too tight, but then I realized that you are mentioning it is just your nose that is covered. Have you considered an allergic reaction to the mask?
Gma2five
Gma2five
I went to the doctor, last week. He was very concerned and sent me straight to my Pulmonary doctor, to set up an appointment, which I did. They're giving me another PFT tomorrow (24th). The nurse said I may have Pulmonary Hypertension. She said that would cause the pain in my lungs and swelling of my face, hands and stomach. She said it's also possible that PH is what's causing my bp to spike, then drop so low. IDK. I was also told to get a full face mask as soon as possible because the nasal mask was causing too much pressure in my nose. She saw MANY sores that were raw, deep inside. I didn't even know they were there! Once in a while I would blow clots, or even some dried blood, but I didn't really give it a thought. I have a humidifier on mine, and use it, so it was surprise that she found so many raw spots. I see my Pulmonary doctor on the 27th. I sure hope it's not Pulmonary Hypertension but it makes sense. Another bump in the road on my journey, with everything else I have.
RascalFlattsFan
RascalFlattsFan
YIKES! So sorry Gma. I've never heard of HP, I'm curious to know if a different full face mask helps you. I pray it does. I started with a full face mask and now use nasal pillows. I have stomach swelling but I attribute that to so much air going up my nose lol I've been referred to a new pulmonologist but he can't see me until the end of April. I'm very discouraged it's going to take so long. Be thankful you got in fast :) Good luck!
harry3333
harry3333
some people become allergic to the material that their mask is made from, a silicone rubber allergy happens occasionally
deleted_user
deleted_user
A Nutritarian diet enables the body to cure many diseases, including various allergies. Might be worth trying. If interested, see www.drfuhrman.com
deleted_user
deleted_user
I do not like the idea of the entire face swelling up like that it sounds like there is something amiss but I am not quite sure what it might be. I would recommend taking it back and letting them know exactly what is going on (pictures are good in this situation), that way you are able to get to the bottom of why this is happening.