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.

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.)

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

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.

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: