Migraines from CPAP headgear

by B.W. Parker
(Tucson, AZ)

My Cpap machine mask has been binding up on the back of my neck at the base of my skull. Due to this I have been waking up at least once a week with migraines.

Is there any solution that you have heard of or know of to prevent this? I have tried placing a towel between the headgear and my neck but that does not always help.

Please help as these migraines are very debilitating.

Answer


The CPAP mask headgear can cause headaches and neck pain if the strap placement is wrong or the straps are too tight.

If I knew more information about your mask and headgear type, maybe I could help you more, but I'll give you now some general ideas which should be helpful for your CPAP migraine problem.

Some CPAP users use a rubber band and sometimes tape, to control the distance between the upper and lower straps from the CPAP mask. This is specifically to keep the lower strap away from the vertebrae. Therefore, the skull should provide the attachment point for the mask, and not the neck.

In any case, it seems that the headgear is the problem. You already tried to adjust it, to get a better fit, and it didn't work. So the next step will be to try a different type or size of mask.

Most CPAP users have the bottom strap of the headgear above the neck hinge. But if the strap is at hinge or below, there can be problems. The best solution is to try to change your mask to a nasal mask, as these are not affected by the neck hinge.


Here are some ideas:

  • Respironics ComfortLite 2 - is a minimal contact mask, has a headgear system that minimizes facial contact and reduces pressure points, the headgear also touches only the face at the forehead, at the brow line. And the strap does not sit on the cheeks.


    • is a minimal contact mask,

    • has a headgear system that minimizes facial contact and reduces pressure points,

    • the headgear also touches only the face at the forehead, at the brow line. And the strap does not sit on the cheeks.

    • CPAP Pro - no straps, but has a dental device.


    Furthermore, is important to know how tight are you wearing your headgear? If your mask headgear is too tight, this may also you migraine.

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

    Remy Thierry
    Founder of Sleep Apnea Guide

Comments for Migraines from CPAP headgear

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

May 16, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Tight headgear
by: Anonymous

Thank you 4 the page on tight headgear. My problem is that the bottom causes so much pressure on the spine I novv have an indentation across that part! It hurts and have changed my pillovvs and vvrapped cloth around it but neither helped.

It vvas recommended and put in place by my respiratory therapist - I have a high bipap pressure and cannot change the mask or headgear 4 another 2 months because the insurance constraints hinder things.

The mask is great but the headgear is not. Suggestions?
Dec 28, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Headgear strap at base of skull
by: Deb

I am in my second month of adjusting to my cpap machine. I am finding that the headgear is the problem. The strap across the base of my skull causes tight muscles there, radiating down into my shoulders and up into my head. It helps to loosen the strap, but them as the air pressure ramps up I am awakened by noise from air coming out from under the mask. It is a catch 22. I complained and the company I am working with had me come in and try a full face mask, but the headgear is the same and does not solve it. I tried to get them to lower the maximum pressure but said that could not be done.
Aug 25, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Pain in the back of head and base of neck, dizziness
by: Anonymous

I know for sure that my CPAP strap is causing the pain in the back of my head and base of neck. I was in denial initially and blamed it on computer use. I stopped using the CPAP x3 to see if the pain would go away and it did. I have the air fit F10. Mask. I never had this type of pain before. My setting is 4-10.
Mar 24, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Headache caused by mask straps NEW
by: Anonymous

I have exactly the same problem. Constant headache and earache.
Jun 08, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		pain in neck region NEW
by: Anonymous

I agree with all of the other people here, I have pain in my neck and also have an indentation. If I loosen the strap I don't get a good mask seal. HELP!!!!
Nov 02, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		neck pain NEW
by: Anonymous

i used a chin strap made for resmed airtouch pillows and cut a hole in it and then can leave the bottom straps loose and tighten the chin strap around the back of my head you'd have to fiddle with the fit but it beats that every morning stiff neck
hope it helps
Dec 13, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		New mask & migraine. NEW
by: Anonymous

I just had another sleep study and finally got a great mask BUT have awakened with migraine every morning. I have TMJ following a concussion and jaw sprain 1.5 years ago and can’t tolerate jaw straps. Pressure is 15 and apnea is 49/hour so need a solution. I had large mouth leak before but now this. I’d like to avoid the trigeminal nerve plus any others to minimize a.m. pain. Would padding help? Any suggestions welcome.
Jan 13, 2022
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Headache from headgear straps. NEW
by: Anonymous

I also have been having headaches from my headgear straps. Loosed the straps and realized that was the issue. This then caused air leakage around the mouth piece. I also thought it was computer use neck and shoulder strain. That is not the
May 05, 2022
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Cpap headaches
by: Penny

Like the above, headgear straps have to be tightened up so tight to prevent leakage that I have a headache most mornings. Also, indentations in the skin. I notice this is usually the worst when my headgear is about worn out or due to be replaced.
Aug 23, 2022
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Cpap headache NEW
by: Anonymous

Like the others, my problem is that the bottom causes so much pressure on the spine I novv have an indentation across that part! It hurts and have changed my pillovvs and vvrapped cloth around it but neither helped.

I have a high bipap pressure and cannot change the mask or headgear. I wake up with headache or really tender scalp/head where the strap sits.
Mar 29, 2023
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Headgear
by: Pam

Yes I've been using a CPAP machine for about 7 or 8 years now I have to use a full mask cuz I breathe out my mouth the strap that goes over my head even though I bought a padded strip to go around strap it's cuz a deep indention in my head and I've noticed lately I've been having some headaches around them areas that I'm about scared to use my mask. Any ideas of what I can do.
Sep 18, 2023
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Pain from CPAP strap
by: Anonymous

I’ve read all the comments regarding pain due to CPAP strap. I have the same pain and wake up periodically due to pain and muscle spasms. It most definitely is pressing on the scalp nerves. I too was in denial and initially blamed it on computer use or pillows. I changed my pillows like 10x. I have tried other masks but it does not fit well. Too bad they can’t come up with a new strap that doesn’t press on the back of your scalp.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Problems with CPAP.

Share this page:
Enjoy this sleep apnea page? Please pay it forward. Here's how..

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.