headache caused by CPAP?

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
anderlamb
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headache caused by CPAP?

Post by anderlamb » Tue Jun 30, 2009 3:25 pm

I have a massive headache today after night one on the CPAP, is that a coincidence or can that be caused by getting used to the machine?

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Hawthorne
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Re: headache caused by CPAP?

Post by Hawthorne » Tue Jun 30, 2009 3:32 pm

Do you know at what pressure range you auto is set? What is the minimum pressure and the maximium?

If the minimum pressure is set too low (4 or 5 cm) then it could well be the reason for your headache. It may be too low to adequaely blow out the CO2 in your mask so are rebreathing some of it. That can cause a headache!

It may also be that you have the headgear straps on your mask too tight. That could do it as well.

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anderlamb
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Re: headache caused by CPAP?

Post by anderlamb » Tue Jun 30, 2009 3:41 pm

I think the setting is at 10. I also agree that I probably had the straps done up too tight. I really tightened them through the night. I will loosen everything up tonight and see how it works. thanks and yes I am happy that i have started CPAP...

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BlackSpinner
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Re: headache caused by CPAP?

Post by BlackSpinner » Tue Jun 30, 2009 4:20 pm

My headaches have stopped since I started CPAP.

The mirage quatro works better when it is looser. It inflates when the pressure starts and if it is too tight it can't so it leaks.

One night is not really a test either.

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Pugsy
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Re: headache caused by CPAP?

Post by Pugsy » Tue Jun 30, 2009 4:25 pm

I got pretty much of an immediate headache at the titration study caused by the lower straps hurting my cervical spine when the tech tried me on a nasal mask first thing.

So the straps being too tight could definitely be the culprit.

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twokatmew
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Re: headache caused by CPAP?

Post by twokatmew » Tue Jun 30, 2009 5:56 pm

I had headaches before CPAP and for the first couple weeks once I started CPAP. Headaches have pretty much disappeared now.

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Hawthorne
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Re: headache caused by CPAP?

Post by Hawthorne » Tue Jun 30, 2009 5:56 pm

Given that your setting appears certainly high enough to not be the culprit, I think is is more likely that the straps on your headgear are too tight and causing the headache.

Good luck with them a looser tonight.

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Cassandra
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Re: headache caused by CPAP?

Post by Cassandra » Tue Jun 30, 2009 10:54 pm

I just started using the machine a week ago. The first few days, I would get tension headaches. It felt like all the muscles in my head were tensing up in response to having this thing strapped to my head. I have had to really practice hard at keeping my face and scalp relaxed while wearing the mask. But it has helped.

Cassandra