Throat discomfort while off CPAP

[rburris]

I am new to CPAP (I have had and used my machine for about 10 days). Aside from various troubles getting a good seal all night, and managing to actually sleep, there is one thing that has me a bit concerned.

I have noticed for the last 3 days, that my throat is rather uncomfortable while I am awake (and not using my CPAP). I don't seem to notice this while my CPAP is on. It feels almost like you would expect an over-worked muscle to feel. I appear to be able to breathe just fine, but it feels like someone is choking me, and it comes and goes. I can see where this could just be me adapting to having pressure applied there for a few hours, but I haven't read of similar troubles.

Anyone know if this is normal, or if it could be me just coming down with some other type of throat issue?

Thanks!

[Perrybucsdad]

I know the day after I started my CPAP therapy, I came down with a sore throat. For me, I think it was just pure coincidence, but I also had the humidity on very low and I wonder if that may have caused some issues.

I do see you have the H5i humidifier, are you using it? If so, what setting do you have it on?

- John

[rburris]

I forgot to mention that, yes, I do use it. I don't have a setting for you though. It only has me choose a temperature (85 F). I know that I fill the tank to it's fill line, and in the morning it is a bit below the lowest line (still with plenty of water in it though)

[BlackSpinner]

You are using a nasal mask so it is possible you are mouth breathing and there bye losing good therapy. Try using a chin strap or try and get it exchanged for a full face mask like the Hybrid

[rburris]

I have thought about that, because I know that I have woken up to air coming out my mouth (I jokingly told my family that I had woken up to having been turned into a desk fan). Would that cause throat pain though? It's hard to tie it down to anything specific, because I have also been experimenting with a few full face masks. I usually can't make it through the night though. They seem to lose their seal around 3 or 4 hours in. I believe it is due to my higher-than-average oily skin, and am still trying to figure out a solution there.

Thanks for the input. I am really dedicated to making this work, because I have read so many good accounts of how much it can improve well being. I've had insomnia issues for several years, and have always felt worn out during the day. It had never occured to me that it could be not only that, but also apnea, until my ENT said I should get a sleep test. Sure enough, I now have a CPAP running at 14 (ramping from 6). I guess this is more common than I thought.

[archangle]

Mouth breathing will dry you out, which can lead to various discomforts. It also can lose your pressure, making your therapy ineffective.

[BlackSpinner]

I have thought about that, because I know that I have woken up to air coming out my mouth (I jokingly told my family that I had woken up to having been turned into a desk fan). Would that cause throat pain though? It's hard to tie it down to anything specific, because I have also been experimenting with a few full face masks. I usually can't make it through the night though. They seem to lose their seal around 3 or 4 hours in. I believe it is due to my higher-than-average oily skin, and am still trying to figure out a solution there.[\quote]

It is very important to deal with that and yes it will give you a sore throat because it is whooshing out at 14.
You may want to look into the respcare Hybrid. It is nasal pillows attached to a mouth cover with chin flap. Since it is two seperate parts it moves with your face.
The other thing to try is Padacheeks mask liners.

Thanks for the input. I am really dedicated to making this work, because I have read so many good accounts of how much it can improve well being. I've had insomnia issues for several years, and have always felt worn out during the day. It had never occured to me that it could be not only that, but also apnea, until my ENT said I should get a sleep test. Sure enough, I now have a CPAP running at 14 (ramping from 6). I guess this is more common than I thought.

Attitude is everything. Getting the right masks and leaks under control is the biggest hurdle.

[Guest]

I am new to CPAP (I have had and used my machine for about 10 days). Aside from various troubles getting a good seal all night, and managing to actually sleep, there is one thing that has me a bit concerned.

I have noticed for the last 3 days, that my throat is rather uncomfortable while I am awake (and not using my CPAP). I don't seem to notice this while my CPAP is on. It feels almost like you would expect an over-worked muscle to feel. I appear to be able to breathe just fine, but it feels like someone is choking me, and it comes and goes. I can see where this could just be me adapting to having pressure applied there for a few hours, but I haven't read of similar troubles.

Anyone know if this is normal, or if it could be me just coming down with some other type of throat issue?

Thanks!

I started on the CPAP 10 days ago. I am having a similar symptom. There is a tightness in the throat. The throat is not sore -- there is no pain. When I speak, it feels as if there is extra pressure or resistance. My voice sounds the same according to my wife.

The first 4 nights I had a full face mask. The symptom emerged. I switched to the nasal apparatus and the symptom persists. My CPAP has a humidifier and I use it.

There isn't discomfort during the night. I don't feel like I am short of breath. I can swallow just fine. My guess is that this has to do with some sort of swelling inside the throat.

As far as I can tell, this symptom is not a common one. I've conducted several Google searches and haven't found much (besides your post).

I'm very interested to hear what has happened with your symptoms since your last post.

My CPAP is a Philips REMstar Pro. Setting is 10.

[Coffeelover]

I noticed the same thing when I first started treatment. It felt as though my throat was swollen or like air was still going through it. I have only been on treatment for about 5 weeks, but the feeling is gone, or else I have just gotten used to it. I think it is our bodies getting used to this treatment. I am starting to sleep a tad bit better at night. I use nasal pillows which work better for me than a mask. Good luck.

[Zero_Club]

I am new to CPAP (I have had and used my machine for about 10 days). Aside from various troubles getting a good seal all night, and managing to actually sleep, there is one thing that has me a bit concerned.

I have noticed for the last 3 days, that my throat is rather uncomfortable while I am awake (and not using my CPAP). I don't seem to notice this while my CPAP is on. It feels almost like you would expect an over-worked muscle to feel. I appear to be able to breathe just fine, but it feels like someone is choking me, and it comes and goes. I can see where this could just be me adapting to having pressure applied there for a few hours, but I haven't read of similar troubles.

Anyone know if this is normal, or if it could be me just coming down with some other type of throat issue?

Thanks!

I started on the CPAP 10 days ago. I am having a similar symptom. There is a tightness in the throat. The throat is not sore -- there is no pain. When I speak, it feels as if there is extra pressure or resistance. My voice sounds the same according to my wife.

The first 4 nights I had a full face mask. The symptom emerged. I switched to the nasal apparatus and the symptom persists. My CPAP has a humidifier and I use it.

There isn't discomfort during the night. I don't feel like I am short of breath. I can swallow just fine. My guess is that this has to do with some sort of swelling inside the throat.

As far as I can tell, this symptom is not a common one. I've conducted several Google searches and haven't found much (besides your post).

I'm very interested to hear what has happened with your symptoms since your last post.

My CPAP is a Philips REMstar Pro. Setting is 10.

I posted the above as "guest" before I opened an account and got a username.

I no longer have the symptoms that I described. They went away perhaps 5 days after I posted them here. Everything has been clear sailing since.

[chunkyfrog]

I don't know if this is significant, but sometimes a brand new cushion irritates my throat.
Now, I let the new one sit open a couple days to air out after washing before using it.