Did any of you overcome headaches from wearing masks?

[kdt15]

I used to wear glasses and recall that when i put them on, i would get a headache feeling. I normally never get headaches, even when sick, except when i have things close to my face between my eyes. I remember overcoming that sensation for glasses over time though.

However, with the sleep mask, it is more annoying to 'just get used to' since it affects sleep. Consistently 1 hr in I have been taking it off (after being asleep) and going to sleep without it because of a big headache. I'm hoping theres people who have overcome this somehow?

Looking at quick myair stats, the last two times have been 1 and 0 events per hour. 20/20 mask seal, 1 hr of usage, and 1 mask on/off.

[Cruiser1234]

What is the pressure setting on your machine? Maybe you could post a chart from Oscar.

Have you had your blood pressure checked? I was getting a ton of headaches and it turned out I had high blood pressure.

[KungFuCow]

I was waking up with headaches from lack of sleep after dealing with it about a year. Since starting therapy, theyve pretty much vanished.

I would recommend trying different masks. I own a collection of masks in less than 2 months of use looking for "the right one".

The Bleep is my goto but I've also been using a Resmed P30i and just added the new Phillips "glasses" strap which made a HUGE difference.

[Janknitz]

Headaches from the mask might be caused by straps that are too tight, or by sinus pressure.

Try fiddling with the humidifier--turn it up or down (one change at a time, one night at a time) to see if that helps with the headaches. You might try an antihistamine or decongestant before bed just to see if that's it, but I wouldn't get in the habit of taking either every night. Another option is to use a neti pot or saline nasal spray before bed. One other possibility is the "off-gassing" of fumes from the new mask materials (plastics) causing sinus issues. That might be better after a few nights. You can try letting a new mask or hose air out for a few days before you start using them.

If it's the mask being too tight, then you need to figure out how to not have the mask so tight. See the tips in my blog for air cushion masks, it might help. If you have a foam cushion, that's harder.

[chunkyfrog]

Too tight headgear, or headgear that passes over certain spots on the head can cause pain.
You might want to try a mask with a different headgear.
I got headaches from certain chin straps.
A more minimal style was the solution.

[kdt15]

thanks guys ill test some of the tightening. i try to keep the top and bottom tight so theres no leaks when i move my face or sleep sideways. is 0 leak that important or is minor leak still fine while allowing me to loosen straps

[zonker]

thanks guys ill test some of the tightening. i try to keep the top and bottom tight so theres no leaks when i move my face or sleep sideways. is 0 leak that important or is minor leak still fine while allowing me to loosen straps

minor leaking is okay as long as it doesn't wake you or is detrimental to your therapy.

good luck!

[chunkyfrog]

Mask liners, like those made by Pad a Cheek.com, or taking scissors to an old t-shirt,
will soften contact and muffle noisy leaks.
This may not help with the headaches, but reduce awakenings.
Some headaches are caused by lack of sleep.

[Okie bipap]

If you want to try making a mask liner, you can find a pattern here:
http://montfordhouse.com/cpap/diy-cotton-mask-liner.pdf

This pattern will work with small or medium size cushions, but can be enlarged to work with large cushions. I made mine out of an old tee shirt, and have also made them out of knit paint rags I found at Lowes.