Sleep apnea CPAP - swollen eyes?

[LuuLuu 62]

I am fairly new to the sleep apnea mask deal (which I refer to as my scuba suit). I have the full face mask and I don't think I am wearing it too tightly, it is snug to avoid leaks but does not leave marks on my face.

Anyway - I wake up with swollen eyes. Does anyone else experience this? Leaks when I roll usually wake me up so I don't think I have air blowing on my eyes during the night...plus both are swollen which would be pretty coincidental if it were happening on accident.

Just curious.

[BetsyB 9]

It's unfortunately pretty common for the constriction created by the mask to create pooling of Fluid in facial tissues--hence the swollen eyes.

Does it resolve quickly once you get up?

(Aside from double-checking mask fit, you might be able to minimize the Fluid collection by raising the head of your bed a bit.)

[YorkieMama 0]

Have you considered trying a different type of mask? I used a CPAP for about two years starting right before my surgery, and I used the nasal pillows mask. I didn't think I could stand to have my whole face covered. I never had any problem with swelling - the only problem I had was that the straps left marks on my face that lasted most of the morning.

I hope you get it figured out so that it will work for you. I know that the CPAP made a world of difference for me when I first started it, and I never would have known that I needed it except that my Lapband surgeon sent me for a sleep test.

Good Luck!

Sheri

[iJenny 0]

Yeah, I would give the nasal mask a shot if you can sleep with your mouth closed. I've used one for three years now and I've only had puffy eyes maybe once or twice.

Its worth a shot. I was a mouth-breather before I started wearing the mask and then the nature of the cpap machine caused me to start sleeping with my mouth closed.

[LuuLuu 62]

Thanks guys - I did try the nasal one and it was a disaster...the full face is better for me.

Yes, the swelling goes down pretty quickly. I just don't want to have baggy eyes when this is all said and done! LOL I don't want to have to "lift" them too!

:thumbup: