Head Strap Excruciating Pain

barbann120 · Post by **barbann120** » Tue Feb 23, 2016 1:08 pm

I have just started using my ResMed CPAP machine and I love it! My sleep has improved so much - but, in the last month I have experienced terrible pain in the back of my neck down into my shoulder caused by the bottom strap. I have tried everything! I've put cotton pads, socks, thick headbands, anything I can find to relieve the hardness of the strap. I feel like the "princess and the pea".... I have loosened it - but it's not that it's tight. I believe it is the pressure or thickness of the band. It almost feels like it is pressing up against a nerve and it goes down my neck into my shoulder. It is so painful I don't want to use the machine - but I have to because it lets me sleep. But all day I have this horrid pain in my neck and shoulder. I've tried Ibuprofen and anything to get rid of the pain.... What to do???? What to do??? I need help!!!! (Also, I have started breaking out on my face where the mask lays on my skin - and experiencing bags under my eyes that look like water bags.... But I love my CPAP!!!!) I am so delicate at age 68!!! LOL!!

OkyDoky · Post by **OkyDoky** » Tue Feb 23, 2016 2:13 pm

What mask are you using? Check with your DME about mask exchange options. With cervical neck issues that strap can irritate that area so see if they will help you find one you can be comfortable using. If you have no other problems with the mask there might be other headgear that would fit it. Look at the masks here and see if you find one that you feel would not hit the area you are talking about. https://www.cpap.com/cpap-masks.php If you can use a nasal mask the P10 has minimal headgear.

Lucyhere · Post by **Lucyhere** » Tue Feb 23, 2016 2:15 pm

Hi Barb... hey, we are all delicate flowers no matter our age.

Which Resmed machine are you using... the exact machine, please. Also, which mask?? There are mask liners (and other things) that can help with the face issue, but it sounds like the strap issue is the biggest prob right now. So, name of mask, please?

GettingBetter · Post by **GettingBetter** » Wed Feb 24, 2016 2:37 am

barbann120 wrote:I have just started using my ResMed CPAP machine and I love it! My sleep has improved so much - but, in the last month I have experienced terrible pain in the back of my neck down into my shoulder caused by the bottom strap. I have tried everything! I've put cotton pads, socks, thick headbands, anything I can find to relieve the hardness of the strap. I feel like the "princess and the pea".... I have loosened it - but it's not that it's tight. I believe it is the pressure or thickness of the band. It almost feels like it is pressing up against a nerve and it goes down my neck into my shoulder. It is so painful I don't want to use the machine - but I have to because it lets me sleep. But all day I have this horrid pain in my neck and shoulder. I've tried Ibuprofen and anything to get rid of the pain.... What to do???? What to do??? I need help!!!! (Also, I have started breaking out on my face where the mask lays on my skin - and experiencing bags under my eyes that look like water bags.... But I love my CPAP!!!!) I am so delicate at age 68!!! LOL!!

Hi There BarbAnn120

I wouldn't tell people it was the cpap straps, I'd say it was a combination of my beau and page 3 of my new sex manual, but that is just me. [dabs lipstick]

I'm going to suggest - this isn't the end all be all - it is a suggestion that you see a professional masseuse or chiropractor. Some folks get all weird with Chiropractors or massage therapy and that is perfectly fine. Different strokes for different folks. If you, like me have neck, and shoulder nerve pains that show up like dirty relatives wanting to borrow clean dishes, find a good Chiropractor or massage therapist. It seems my problem crops up every so often, I can never pin point the cause because it all is just coincidental - I just know when I've been adjusted back or the nerves have been relieved of pressure (sometimes there's icing areas, like the shoulder, at night after a deep tissue massage) it goes away for a while - probably 4-6 months.

Just something to look into. Take care of yourself. You are a diamond, darling.

Kind regards,
GB

barbann120 · Post by **barbann120** » Mon Feb 29, 2016 5:35 pm

Thank you everyone for your responses... I just received a skull cap today and it appears it might do the trick. The only problem now is I have a hemorrhage in my eye. I'm thinking it's caused by the pressure. This is not a blood hemorrhage on the outside of the eye but inside. I love my CPAP though.... had a great 8 hours of sleep last night!! But at the price of my eyesight???

Sleeprider · Post by **Sleeprider** » Mon Feb 29, 2016 5:47 pm

The eye issue is not related, but coincidental. Although the tear ducts potentially link to the sinus where pressure is an issue, the eye is not affected.

barbann120 · Post by **barbann120** » Mon Feb 29, 2016 6:31 pm

Again, thank you for the response...... I can now sleep tonite! I just have to watch the next few weeks because I could have a retinal tear.... I am going to try the skull cap tonite. It's so much more comfortable! Thank you everyone....

chunkyfrog · Post by **chunkyfrog** » Mon Feb 29, 2016 7:42 pm

I take it you are in contact with your eye doctor.
If not, you should be--yesterday!

Head Strap Excruciating Pain

Head Strap Excruciating Pain

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