Using a CPAP Machine And Waking Up With Dry Eyes?
The Dry Eye Side Effect of CPAP Therapy.
CPAP machines have transformed sleep for people with obstructive sleep apnoea. But while they help you breathe better, they can also quietly create another problem—dry, irritated eyes.
Many CPAP users wake up with burning, gritty, or watery eyes and often do not realise that their sleep therapy might be the culprit
Why It Happens While You Sleep
During sleep, the pressurised air from a CPAP machine can leak from the mask and blow directly onto the eyes. Even a small leak near the nasal bridge can force air upward, drying out the ocular surface slowly over hours. For those who sleep on their back or side, or who use full-face masks, this airflow can be continuous and barely noticeable until the morning.
That airflow doesn’t just dry the surface of the eye. It can also accelerate tear evaporation and lead to inflammation over time. If this repeats night after night, the eyelid’s ability to seal and protect the eye weakens, making symptoms worse.
Steps to Reduce CPAP-Related Dry Eyes
Start by reviewing your CPAP setup:
- Check for Mask Leaks: Make sure the mask fits well. A proper seal reduces air leaks around the eyes. Masks with a forehead support bar or dual-wall seals can help minimise upward airflow.
- Adjust Sleep Position: Sleeping slightly elevated or on your side may change the way air moves around the mask and away from your eyes.
- Use Heated Humidification: If your CPAP device includes a humidifier, ensure it is on. This adds moisture to the airflow, reducing overall dryness in the nasal and ocular tissues.
Can Different CPAP Masks Make a Difference?
Yes. Some CPAP masks are more prone to leaking around the eyes than others. Nasal pillow masks tend to direct air only into the nostrils and are less likely to affect the eyes.
Masks that have flexible frames or soft cushions create better facial contouring and fewer gaps.
If you notice eye symptoms, trialling a different mask type might lead to significant relief.
How Moisture Sealing Eye Masks Can Help
For CPAP users with dry eyes, the EyeSeals 4.0 moisture mask has become an essential part of nightly routine. This soft, medical-grade silicone shield creates a moisture-rich environment around the eyes, preventing airflow from reaching the delicate ocular surface. The gentle seal not only protects but also locks in natural tears during sleep. It is designed for use with or without CPAP masks, and many users report dramatically fewer symptoms after just a few nights of wear.
Because it allows you to maintain normal tear film overnight, it supports long-term ocular health without the need for waking treatments or morning drops.
Give Your Eyes a Better Night
CPAP therapy doesn’t need to come with eye discomfort. With the right adjustments and protective tools like the EyeSeals 4.0, you can enjoy deep, uninterrupted sleep and wake up without the burn or blur.
At Eyes By Design, we offer effective dry eye products for both daytime and nighttime use because healthy vision should not stop when the lights go out.
Other options you can consider to use that will bring you dry eye relief are :
- Dry eye supplements – DRYEye Forte and Lacritec
- Dry eye creams, mists and drops – Optimel and Tears Again
- Dry eye heating masks
- Nu Lids Eye System
- Eyes Are The Story – Make up formulated for dry and sensitive eyes
At Eyes By Design, we offer in store consultations with our optometrists or you can use our online store to purchase dry eye treatment products
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general eye health topics.
It should not be used as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your health care professional prior to incorporating this as part of your health regimen.
Dr Nicholas Altuneg
For over two decades, my greatest passion has been helping people of all ages live improved lives through better vision. At Eyes by Design, vision is so much more than being able to see clearly or read small letters from far away; it determines your perceptions and reactions every second of the day.
Read more about Dr Nick
