Back Pain

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 4:09 pm

I have been using my cpap machine for about a week. Wow what a difference I feel rested in the morning and not tired in the afternoon. One problem I'm having is, when I wake up in the morning, the middle of my back around my shoulder blades are hurting. I tried sleeping on my side, but had leaks to my nasal mask and ended up sleeping on my back. I thought I was a back sleeper but apprently maybe not. If anyone has any suggestions let me know.

Lee Lee · Post by **Lee Lee** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 4:35 pm

This happens to me as well.
Two things I can think of
1. You're getting trapped air in your system and that is where it "settles".
2. You are sleeping unnaturally (holding your self differently) and causing a muscle spasm. Maybe you aren't truly relaxing, because you're not used to the apparatus.
What is your pressure?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 5:00 pm

The pressure setting is 10. It might be because I'm not used to using the machine and not wanting to move. The pain goes away usually about an hour after I get up. I'm thinking about going to a chiroprator, but I'll give it ouple more weeks

Lee Lee · Post by **Lee Lee** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 5:03 pm

Yeah, that's it. You need to get more comfortable and not sleep too stiffly.Relax, it gets better and better!

biggziff · Post by **biggziff** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 6:41 am

You're probably experiencing the best sleep you've had in a long time and as such, going through the slight body paralysis that happens when you sleep properly. Also, breathing against the CPAP flow can cause issues until you get used to it. I found that putting a pillow under my knees while sleeping (back sleeping) resolved most of the back pain for me. The upper back pain hung around for 6 months or so, but went away eventually. Coincidentally, the pain disappeared about the same time I began stretching and exercising 3-5 times a week.

Flying_Norseman · Post by **Flying_Norseman** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 7:52 am

I have the same issue. This morning it was underneath both shoulder blades near the sides. Usually it is just one side. I have been trying to sleep on both sides to even things out, but when I face in towards the middle of the bed the mask blows air on my girlfriend. I have been trying to sleep on my back in hopes that it will help, but for some reason I can't seem to sleep on my back no matter what. I think it may be an issue with either trapped air or the fact that my lungs aren't used to being used so much through the night.

skibum · Post by **skibum** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 10:01 am

Thanks for the advice. I hope my back pain doesn't last for six months it might get a little annoying by then. If I find a cure I will let everyone know.

DreamDiver · Post by **DreamDiver** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 2:17 pm

This is a trick for sleeping on your belly:

Put a pillow below your belly button as a bolster to keep your back posture optimal. A thin columnar pillow does the best.
Tilt your head to one side.
Elevate your head just enough to keep your mask from digging into the mattress.

Use another pillow to block the air from bothering your sleep partner.

Your mileage may vary. Hope it helps.

tuna · Post by **tuna** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 2:27 pm

I had the same problem, turned out to be the mattress! I guess not getting enough sleep, I didn't notice it, but now that I am a hosehead and sleeping, it brought to lite! A 6 inch memory foam mattress did the trick, till I decide to buy a real bed instead of a futton!

Machine	Mask	Humidifier

Machine	Mask	Humidifier

Back Pain

Back Pain

Sleep on your belly instead.