C-PAP induced Edema

[big dawg]

New to C-PAP mask and machine use; 3 weeks now. Had the surgery years ago and now am having to use the mask and machine as well. My sleep quality has improved dramatically. I can drive for extended amounts of time now where in the past I was a danger to myself and others often falling asleep behind the wheel within 20 minutes of starting to drive. I am having some worrisome side effects from the C-PAP machine and mask: fluid retention in my extremities in the AM on arising, swollen hands and feet. Fluid in my face almost swelling my eyes shut. These symptoms started immediately upon using the C-PAP machine. It was like I had thrown a switch. Am having a hard time losing weight as well. Sleep doc not willing to make the connection between the edema and C-PAP usage. Doing my due diligence on this site it seems that 'C-PAP induced edema' is a definite possibility (thank you to Gregory Harper). It also seems that the C-PAP machine settings vis a vis pressure and humidifier are/should be fine tunable. Primary care doc increased my diuretic scrip in response to the edema, putting me on lasix (am also on a host of other medications for arthritis and hypertension). So a number of questions: 1) Does C-PAP usage change or alter the bodies 'baseline' vis a vis an existing medication regimen? 2) What experience have others had regarding C-PAP usage and edema? 3) Regarding the C-PAP machine settings, please speak to the point of 'fine tuning'.

Thanks!

Big Dawg

[jnk]

I assume you already read Sleepydave's comments posted a few years ago:

http://www.apneasupport.org/mobile/thre ... &&start=10

(NotMuffy, a poster to this board, may have further, more recent info on the matter.)

In answer to your direct questions, positive airway pressure can potentially change the baseline on most anything fluid related, as I understand it--and sleeping longer with less movement, although a good thing in general, can have its own possible negative effects, on top of that, too.

Edema is not something to be ignored, in my opinion.

Ever.

[avi123]

deleted

[M.D.Hosehead]

Dawg, you haven't listed your equipment. What kind of mask? Edema in the face and around eyes has been noted here before, perhaps due to tight headgear.
I don't have an explanation for edema of hands and feet.
If you post your equipment--go the the user control panel at top left--and if possible your numbers, someone here will try to help.

[archangle]

I had some edema at one time that I fixed by changing the recliner I was sleeping in. Consider the possibility that something about your sleeping position is restricting blood/fluid flow and causing edema. Maybe you're lying in one position when you used to change positions a lot. Or you're sleeping in a particular position because of the CPAP and mask.

[Lindywise]

I too noticed swelling in my feet after the first night of using the CPAP machine. After trying several, and finally finding a well-fitted full-face mask, I now find I have severe swelling all over my face, legs, neck, feet, eyes, etc.

I've NEVER EVER had edema of any kind before, nor heart nor lung problems of any kind (got a clean bill of health this year after all kinds of pre-surgery tests for a torn meniscus). One of those tests was for sleep apnea hence the diagnosis and resulting CPAP. My energy is returning and morning headaches have disappeared!

I have noticed throughout trying the various masks, the more the leakage the LESS the edema.

After researching forums about this, I've found several posts/reasons others have given:
1. Too high humidity on the heated humidifier.
2. Diastolic dysfunction causes excess fluid to build up in the lungs; the cpap may be pushing this excess fluid out of the lungs, causing the edema.
3. Too much pressure exerted on the exhale with a resulting affect on the heart's functionality resulting in edema (some noted edema continues even with the use of a BiPap machine).
4. Inactivity during sleep.
5. Gulping air (aerophagia).

I do have the humidity set high (5) but that's because I live in an arid region. I am a very active sleeper even with the CPAP. I don't believe the exhale is my problem as I've always had a fan pointed right at my face at night (due to the hot arid region of the country I am in) and am very comfortable with using the CPAP. I've tried both the full-face and nasal-only masks (prefer the full face) so its not a matter of gulping air.

I am going to try reducing the humidifier and talk to my doctor about diastolic dysfunction. There obviously is a connection with the CPAP as indicated by the numerous threads of others, and directly related to using the CPAP in my case as the edema began immediately upon use of the machine.

Thanks for any and all responses!

[JohnBFisher]

If the edema is fairly severe, I would suspect BiLevel therapy (BiPAP, VPAP, etc) might be a good option. You might want to mention that with your doctors when you talk with them next.