Pressure on left side of chest

[GoodSleepChaser]

Hi Everyone,

I have a question and would like to know if anyone has experienced a similar situation.

A couple of months ago, I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea (AHI of 84). Since then, I have been using a ResMed AirSense 11 CPAP machine with a full-face mask. My sleep has improved, and I feel less sleepy and fatigued during the day.

However, I have also started experiencing sudden pressure on the left side of my chest, which I can feel in my upper left back as well. It feels more muscular than cardiac. Sometimes the pressure is stronger, and sometimes it is lighter. It initially started when I would wake up early in the morning with stiff and painful chest ribs. Now, it feels like pressure when I wake up and continues throughout the day, although it improves as I move around and go about my day.

I went to the ER, where they did blood tests, a bedside echocardiogram, and a Holter monitor. All the results came back normal. I also went to a chiropractor, which provided temporary relief.

Now I am worried and confused about the cause of this constant pressure.

I am wondering if it could be related to the CPAP machine, since it delivers constant air pressure into the throat. Could this make the heart work against pressure and cause the muscles in that area to become tired or strained? What could be the solution? Would reducing the pressure be beneficial? My current CPAP pressure range is set from 7 to 20.

[jimbud]

Just off the top of my head.

Before your treatment for severe sleep apnea, you were probably tossing and turning all night long. Now with the better sleep, you’re probably staying in one position or another for much longer period of time. Your body hasn’t caught up with the new you. Hopefully it will get better with time. You’ve ruled out the medical, which you definitely should have done and did.

Like I said, just a guess.
Best of luck.

JPB

[LSAT]

You are concerned about the constant pressure. The CPAP is a constant pressure machine. At any time during the night, the machine may increase or decrease the pressure, but it will always be constant. Have you determined what your average pressure is during the night? Your problem may just be your chest muscles. It's good that you got checked out. Now you should see your sleep doctor.

[Conrad]

I normally sleep on my left side, and I've experienced what you described.

A nice soak in the hot tub fixes me right up otherwise for me it goes away after a day or so.