Tense neck muscles after CPAP

Hello!

After using my Respironics Auto System One for a year I started feeling neck muscle soreness in the muscles surrounding the esophagus and trachea (I think their name is "Sternohyoides") when I'm awake. It's a feeling of muscular tension with mild pulsating contractions at random times during the day. It's really irritating because I feel it's almost pressing against my windpipe, giving the feeling of slight suffocation. I tried different pillows and positions but didn't notice a difference.

My theory is that my neck muscles are simply overworked because the CPAP is forcing those muscles contract and open up in my sleep, a time when they usually rest. I'm not sure if this is the case, but it's becoming a choice between OSA and this pain, so I'd love to hear from anyone who has/had a similar problem or has suggestions.

I think you need to see your doctor about the neck pain.
If you have been using the machine for a year....I really doubt the air blowing in your airway is doing anything to the muscles. Even at 20 cm it won't inflate a balloon.
Most likely something else is going on. I have bad neck pain too but it is from a bad arthritic cervical spine that causes the muscles to go into spasms because it is trying to fix my spine.
So I would look at bed pillow and/or get with the doctor to find out if something is going on with the cervical spine.

That really sounds like a drag and I hope you get it quickly sorted out. I'd take Pugsy's advice to heart and see an ENT doctor and get their take on it.

Thank you all for the replies. I'm going to see an ENT specialist to get it checked out.

Anything else changed? Pillows getting old and collapsing maybe?

Good that you are going to your doctor, They will likely check your thyroid and anything else in that area. Hopefully you'll stop back and let us know what you find out.