Can a CPAP mask strap damage your neck?

Is it possible that a cpap mask can damage your neck or spinal cord? I wear a mirage qauttro and sometimes I wake up with pains in the back of my neck where the strap sits and a stiff neck. I worry that it could damage my spinal cord and then I would be stuffed, as if OSA isn't bad enough! I am on pressure 17 so I have to keep my straps fairly tight to avoid leaks. I also wonder if I have the strap sitting in the right place, it is on the back of my neck in the crook. Please advise a newbie. Thanks for any help.

Double check to see if you might have them pulled a bit too tight.

having the straps tight, probably won't do damage to your neck, but it can be a pain to deal with. Especially for those of us in the "over 15" pressure club.



I had minor pains in the same location of the neck and bought a fleece strap cover from pad-a-cheek... I modified it and cut it down so that it only covers the back portion of my Quatro straps. my pain is gone completely.

Dave

I am having the same issue, using the Mirage Activa LT. The straps are as loose as they can be without causing leakage. I wake up every morning with my neck hurting, which usually goes away within an hour or two. I wasn't sure if it was the strap hurting my neck, or my pillow. I've ordered a cpap pillow which came in a couple of days ago while I was out of town. Looking forward to using it tonight and seeing how that works out.

I cannot wear a strap that goes around a certain level at the lower back of the head/upper neck. I have neck problems already, and this will cause a flare-up of excruciating pain. Just shifting a strap an inch can make a difference for me. Maybe a slight shift + a little loosening + a padded cover will be enough to make it tolerable for you.

Are you sure the pain in the neck is not the result of you sleeping differently, as in not moving as much, when you wear that mask? Maybe try a different bed pillow to see if the pain is better/worse?

Yes. ResMed doesn't believe in interchangeable headgear or ergonomics. Check where the bottom-most strap falls on your neck. If it's below the base of your skull, chances are it's the culprit.