It might not be the fit at all. Remember that the exhaust holes on every mask create air movement even if it's not pointed right in your eyes it can cause drying.
Try a sleep mask over the eyes. I just use a dry washcloth every night covering my eye that isn't buried in the pillow, but I don't move around much when I sleep.
-BP
Dry Eyes Question from Newbie
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twasbrillig
- Posts: 76
- Joined: Fri May 30, 2008 1:39 pm
Reply to provider
Hi all and provider - Newbie's question was whether there is an internal route whereby CPAP flow can be drying one's eyes. The site that I posted is from an eye doctor who describes it as "retrograde airflow through nasolacrimal apparatus" This doctor also described many other eye problems that are related to apnea, and seemed to know what he was talking about.
The point is the air is coming from inside the body, through the nasal passages and up into the tear duct, not from the outside. (There is also a diagram at one sleep site which shows the connection) A sleep mask and change in fit are not likely to solve this problem, but thanks. If you are at other forums and people are asking about eye irritation, please share with them this possibility. It is not well-known, and I have seen that many professionals seem to be unaware of it.
The point is the air is coming from inside the body, through the nasal passages and up into the tear duct, not from the outside. (There is also a diagram at one sleep site which shows the connection) A sleep mask and change in fit are not likely to solve this problem, but thanks. If you are at other forums and people are asking about eye irritation, please share with them this possibility. It is not well-known, and I have seen that many professionals seem to be unaware of it.
Why does everyone else post cutesy avatars, and I'm the only one who posts a picture of myself?