I have had a CPAP machine for about 4 months now. I am in the process of trying a new mask since in the last month or so I have been waking up feeling really gassy and sometime bloated and even nauseous. Does anyone else experience this? Is the pressure too high? Is it animproper fitting mask? Any one know or have suggestions?
Hello. It is not uncommon for patients to swallow air while using a CPAP machine. It does not necessarily mean the pressure is too high, but it may be worth checking with your equipment provider to make sure the setting is correct. If your machine offers it, sometimes expiratory pressure relief (also called EPR or C-flex) can help. Some patients report that using a different mask and/or slightly elevating the head helps as well. If the problem persists, I encourage you to talk to your sleep physician. Please keep us posted!
I think what Dan refers to as expiratory pressure relief means lower pressure alternated with the prescribed pressure for mitigating AHI. I know that my machine, a popular ResMed Airsense 10 had not only the CPAP but BIPAP and APAP functions and the BIPAP more allows the pressure relief. Mine is set that way and I think the initial prescription given often sets the machine that way based on the pressure they feel is necessary to keep the airway restrictions out of the way. Not sure I understand why you swallow air as I have no first had experience but I do sleep with my head elevated just a bit because otherwise my lower back gets very sore but I have never had any sense of swallowing air; not sure if there is a connection... please let us know how this issue turns out.
Have you noticed that the Airsense 10 has both the EPR prescription settings, and another setting the user can control called Pressure Relief. It's kind of funny that they give you access to shutting off the prescription...? Because, that's what Pressure Relief does, it shuts off the EPR. I believe my DME told me it was okay to turn that off, as well as the Ramp, "when I felt comfortable with using the machine". With all my experimentation and Sleepyhead software, I started seeing my respirations get high about the time I was having AHI events. So, I turned Pressure Relief back on, and my AHI's went from the 1.x per hour to 0.11 last night, that is I had 1 event last night.
I did kind of feel a gassy, not good feeling when I dropped my low pressure to 8.6, and it went away at 8.8. Finally, I just raised it back to 9, and then turned Pressure Relief back on, and last night I barely felt the machine breathing at all. And, I feel good, and awake, and my blood pressure improved this morning. At 8.6-8.8, my blood pressure was not really improving.
Hi your not the only one with that bloated stomach and gassines. I was the same way until I started using the cpap for maybe 6months not that will happen to u it decreased alot slowly but I definitely saw my belly go down. The Dr had told me that would happen. I suggest that your mask might have some effect on it or like u said ur pressure might not be right yet but don't give up keep doin trial an error until u find the right mask etc. Ive been using cpap for almost ten yrs I can't sleep without it. Tell ur dr about it too right away don't keep sufferin.
I am still experiencing this issue. It did go away with a new mask but it seems to be back and worse than ever. I have asked both my provider and the sleep clinic about this and they both say it can't be from sucking in air. I am taking the memory chip from the machine into my provider tomorrow to have it read and they can tell me if there has been air leaks. if so, this could be part of my problem. If not, I guess I need to see my doctor cause it is worse now than ever and so uncomfortable. Even exercising is difficult as I always feel like things are gonna come back up due to the pressure in my gut. I did try taking some zantac last night for acid reflux and indigestion but it didn't really work. I eat a lot of tums and rolaids but they don't really work either. I will try gas x next but I think a visit to my family doc is probably in order.
I too am experiencing this problem. The first time was by far the worse, but still tend to waken in balloon fashion. I suggest that your tech has not been instructed in the vagaries of humans swallowing air. Have had other experiences in swallowing air and the experience is identical. Suggestion: when your belly is bloated, lay on your back, preferably on the floor, but the bed will do. Pull your legs to your chest repeatedly, then extend them back to a full length prone position, both one at a time and together. Do it 5 to 10 or more times, then lie still, fully extended while your body adjusts. It's not a panacea, but starts a relief process. Try this instead of the Tums, etc. as there are no side effects to this motion process.
I have terrible allergies so I'm swallowing in my sleep a lot. After losing 20 pounds over several months after my diagnosis I started getting incredible stomach pain from the CPAP every morning that would go away as I passed gas. Talked to my doc and they lowered the pressure.
I've gained back some of that weight and am snoring again, so I may need to lose weight or increase the pressure again.
I have an old respironics sleep easy been using for 10 years...when I got it I was 215 lbs and 6 feet 1 inch tall. Have full mask been waking up lately with vertigo and foggy during day found out my pressure was at 9 on 1-20 scale. I just turned it up to 13. I'm now 260 lbs at 6 feet 1 inch. Is this a good setting. I think my machine was set when I was thinner and apnea not as bad. Now I'm trying to avoid becoming a fat porker and started a good swimming routine...but in the meantime I seems as you gain weight you need to increase your cpap pressure. Any of you fatties out there recognize this too? Oh yeah I stopped the pizza, taco bell, coke and donuts before bed too...it seems you need the increased cpap pressure to hold down the acid reflux
