Non-sinus headache from straps - try a hat!

Hi, I'm a relatively new CPAP user, having been diagnosed with sleep anoea a few weeks ago. I'm using a ResMed full mask and although the treatment is working really well in terms of reducing apnoeas and feeling less like a block of lead all the time, I find the straps and mask quite uncomfortable and was waking with a headache every day. A mild headache, but having it all day, every day was becoming a bit of a drain.

I looked up online to see what info was out there, and read a lot about sinus headaches, but this didn't feel like that. It was a headache at the top and back of my head. But I tried adjusting the humidity and temperature of the hose, just in case, but it didn't really help.

Turns out my scalp must be really sensitive! I now wear a thick woolly hat under the straps - not had a headache since, so thought I'd pass that on in case it helps someone else

Sorry about this very late response, found this in a Search on "headache from straps." I appreciate this suggestion, will try a hat! For years I used a Tap Pap on my teeth, no headaches at all, but my teeth are getting old so it's probably time to stop that. Switched two weeks ago to a nasal pillow with stretchy straps, and ever since I've had a mild but nagging headache all day long, every day. Unsustainable. I'll report back.

surf_rower wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 23, 2021 8:58 am

Sorry about this very late response, found this in a Search on "headache from straps." I appreciate this suggestion, will try a hat! For years I used a Tap Pap on my teeth, no headaches at all, but my teeth are getting old so it's probably time to stop that. Switched two weeks ago to a nasal pillow with stretchy straps, and ever since I've had a mild but nagging headache all day long, every day. Unsustainable. I'll report back.

Reporting back.
A fleece cap did help. But by mid-day the headache was back and stayed all day.
And I sure won't enjoy a fleece cap in the summer.
Oh well it was worth a try.

You very likely have the straps too tight which is not good and shouldn't be necessary if it was fitted properly (there are YouTube vids that address fitting).

May I also suggest you see your MD about the headaches unless they disappear very soon, OSA and Cpap are not the only things that can cause them and in fact, of course, Cpap normally gets rid of the early a.m. headaches many of us had prior to using it.