Headaches with cpap?

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
User avatar
Rainmom17
Posts: 212
Joined: Sat Jul 29, 2017 7:18 pm
Location: Washington state

Headaches with cpap?

Post by Rainmom17 » Sun Sep 03, 2017 1:17 pm

I've never been one to get a lot of headaches. I did not have chronic headaches with my sleep apnea, and rarely need to take any pain relievers for headaches. However, for the past 3 weeks, I've had headaches almost daily. They are mostly in my eye area. (I've had a complete eye exam and have no eye problems). I've been on cpap for 6 weeks. Wondering if anyone else out there started getting headaches on cpap? It's possible it's an entirely different cause (menopause, for example), but I thought I'd ask.

User avatar
Pugsy
Posts: 64029
Joined: Thu May 14, 2009 9:31 am
Location: Missouri, USA

Re: Headaches with cpap?

Post by Pugsy » Sun Sep 03, 2017 1:45 pm

Headaches only related to strap placement or tension.

With my neck being in bad shape the lower straps of most full face masks creates tension on the upper cervical spine...and I get a tension headache.
One of the reasons I don't do full face masks.

Another reason might simply be the straps overall are too tight. People tend to crank these suckers down in an effort to prevent leaks.

Finally...maybe your head/neck is in a bit of an awkward position due to the mask being on your face and maybe putting a bit of stress on the muscles that aren't used to be in that position?

Maybe think about changing bed pillows???

And finally... finally....we can get headaches from any number of other things...stress...whatever.

How is your neck?

_________________
Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Additional Comments: Mask Bleep Eclipse https://bleepsleep.com/the-eclipse/
I may have to RISE but I refuse to SHINE.

If you want to try the Eclipse mask and want a special promo code to get a little off the price...send me a private message.

User avatar
Rainmom17
Posts: 212
Joined: Sat Jul 29, 2017 7:18 pm
Location: Washington state

Re: Headaches with cpap?

Post by Rainmom17 » Sun Sep 03, 2017 1:55 pm

I always have a lot of neck/shoulder tension. Makes them sore but doesn't typically result in headaches. Could be my pillow. I did switch to a thinner one because I felt like I slept better with thinner. But maybe it's too thin. I did tighten my straps yesterday (at a pressure if 20) to minimize leaks I was getting when pressure goes up. But that was just yesterday, so it doesn't explain 3 weeks of headaches. And yes, it could be the pressure on my neck from wearing a FFM although the first 3 weeks I didn't really get headaches.
3 weeks headache-free followed by 3 weeks of headaches. The change of pillows does match that timeframe, so I'll look into that first. Thanks!