CPAP chest or lung pain

by Caps
(Terryville CT)

Some mornings when I wake up my lungs actually hurt. The pain goes away within a few minutes after taking off my cpap full face mask. But I have to wonder is that normal ? is it dangerous ? I use a ResMed S9 machine which is sooo quiet and has the added humidifer on side, it is an autoset machine too.

Answer

Lots of CPAP users complain about lung and chest pain, especially in the first few weeks of treatment for sleep apnea.

In general, when people notice what they think is lung pain from CPAP, it isn't lung pain at all. It's muscle pain from chest muscles getting use to exhaling against the pressure.

This muscle soreness and pain should go away with time.

With your Resmed S9, you should recover faster, because the machine has the Easy-Breathe expiratory pressure relief (EPR) which dynamically adjust the pressure for maximum comfort.

Some CPAP users panic about this pain in the lungs or back, and think they have kidney or heart problems, even heart attack. It's very easy to associate chest pain with a heart problem as the media keep informing us that severe chest pain is a sign that you need to get yourself checked up.

So, to clear some worries that you might have with CPAP lung pain, you should visit your family doctor. He knows your medical history, family history, he will check your blood pressure, listen to your chest, and may even test you with an ECG.


Please be reassured by your doctor that your lung problems is not heart related, or other serious issues. Only having the fear in your mind, or asking "What if?" can make your heart beat faster, which rather compounds the problem rather than solves it!

If you are ok, your CPAP lung pain is in fact the muscle pain, or muscle strain. Remember that the CPAP machine is pushing air into areas of your chest that have not expanded in a long time. The muscle soreness goes away just like it does with exercising other muscles.

However, if it conitunes more than a couple of weeks, do say something to your doctor.

I would also suggest that you think about your sleeping position. Many of us do sleep on our backs with our chin pointing up in the air. You may be turning your face and neck during your sleep, thus leaving your torso behind, and causing the muscle pain.

Experiment with your sleeping position - and ask your spouse to help if necessary.


I hope it helps. Don't be afraid to comment back.

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Remy
www.sleep-apnea-guide.com

Please remember...what is posted on these forums are our experiences, thoughts and opinions...it is not always 100% accurate.