Dry Eye Routines / CPAP
CPAP Dry Eye Routine
CPAP keeps you breathing well at night, but air leaking from the mask can blow across your eyes and dry them out by morning. A few changes protect your eyes without disrupting your therapy. Here is the routine.
Key Takeaways
- CPAP mask air leaks can blow air across the eyes overnight and cause evaporative dry eye.
- A better mask seal or fit can reduce the leak, so it is worth checking with your sleep provider.
- A moisture chamber sleep mask shields the eyes from the airflow and holds in moisture.
- A gel or ointment at bedtime keeps the surface coated through the night.
- Keep a preservative-free drop by the bed for morning dryness.
- CPAP dryness can overlap with MGD or incomplete lid closure, which a doctor can check.
Quick Answer
Reduce mask air leaks with a better fit, wear a moisture chamber sleep mask to shield your eyes, use a gel or ointment at bedtime, and keep a preservative-free drop by the bed. If mornings stay dry, see an eye doctor.
Your CPAP Routine
1. Check your mask fit and air leaks
Air leaking from the mask, often near the nose bridge, can blow across the eyes overnight and dry them out. A better seal or a different mask can reduce this, so ask your sleep provider.
2. Shield your eyes with a moisture mask
A moisture chamber sleep mask sits over the eyes and protects them from the airflow while holding moisture around them.
3. Protect the surface overnight
Use a preservative-free gel or ointment at bedtime so the eye stays coated through the night, even if some air still reaches it.
4. Treat the morning and get checked
Keep a preservative-free drop by the bed for morning dryness. If mornings stay dry, see an eye doctor, since CPAP dryness can overlap with MGD or incomplete lid closure.
CPAP mask air leaks can blow pressurized air across the eyes overnight, increasing tear evaporation and causing evaporative dry eye, and moisture chamber masks can help shield the eyes. Source: peer-reviewed reviews of obstructive sleep apnea, CPAP, and dry eye.
Products That Help
The CPAP routine pairs a moisture mask that blocks the airflow with overnight protection and a morning drop.
Moisture Mask
EyeEco Eyeseals 4.0
A moisture chamber sleep mask that shields the eyes from CPAP airflow.
Overnight Ointment
Refresh PM Ointment
A preservative-free nighttime ointment for overnight protection.
Morning Drop
Optase Hylo Relief
A preservative-free drop for morning dryness and through the day.
Dry Eye Rescue Tip
Do not stop or loosen your CPAP to fix your eyes. Treat the eyes directly with a moisture mask and overnight lubrication, and work on the mask leak with your sleep provider.
Dry Eyes From Your CPAP?
An eye doctor can check whether MGD or incomplete lid closure is adding to the dryness. Dry Eye Rescue works with a network of over 5,000 eye care professionals who can find the cause of your dryness and tailor your care. Use the Doctor Locator to find one near you.
Important Disclaimer
This page is educational and does not replace advice from your eye care professional. Individual needs vary, and persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a professional. Follow the product label. Product and brand names referenced are trademarks of their respective owners.
Most Common Questions
Can CPAP cause dry eyes?
Yes. Air leaking from the mask can blow across the eyes overnight, increasing tear evaporation and causing evaporative dry eye, often worst in the morning.
Should I stop using my CPAP?
No. CPAP is important for your health. Treat the eyes directly with a moisture mask and overnight lubrication, and work on the mask leak with your sleep provider.
How do I reduce mask air leaks?
A better fitting mask or a different style can reduce leaks, often near the nose bridge. Your sleep provider can help adjust the fit.
What is a moisture chamber mask?
It is a soft sleep mask that sits over the eyes, blocking the airflow and holding moisture around them through the night.
What should I put in my eyes at night with CPAP?
A preservative-free gel or ointment at bedtime keeps the surface coated overnight, even if some air still reaches the eyes.
Why are my eyes worst in the morning?
Overnight airflow and slower tear production during sleep dry the surface, so symptoms peak when you wake.
Could it be more than CPAP?
Yes. CPAP dryness can overlap with MGD or incomplete lid closure. An eye doctor can check for these.
How do I find a dry eye doctor?
Use the Dry Eye Rescue Doctor Locator to find an eye care professional near you from our network of over 5,000 providers.
Start Your CPAP Routine
Pick up a moisture mask and overnight protection, or find a doctor if mornings stay dry.
