Stomach bloating with CPAP

by Gisele

I was dianosed with mild sleep apnea, and have been using my cpap more lately with lots of gas and bloating, now here's my question it came with a chin strap which i hate wearing and never do.

I seem to awake often when wearing cpap also, do u think not wearing my chin strap to keep my mouth closed could be the reason for gas and waking up often?

Answer

What are you experiencing is a common thing for many CPAP users : aerophagia.

The main cause of aerophagia or stomach bloating is swallowing the air when you sleep. This happens in the early days of CPAP therapy, but it should go away in time.

However, there are some other problems that will cause aerophagia, and you have to deal with these problems to find a relief from gas problems:

  • having acid reflux or GERD may cause bloating - the muscles at the end of your esophagus does not close properly if you have acid reflux,

  • high pressure from CPAP - lowering the pressure may help, but can make your CPAP therapy ineffective. Speak with your doctor about this.

  • pulmonary problems can be another cause, when you will have difficulty exhaling against the continuous positive pressure from your machine.
To bring some relief with aerophagia, these self-help guidelines may be helpful:

  • try eating light suppers,

  • don't eat for several hours before bedtime,

  • I believe the chin strap may be helpful. If you sleep with your mouth open and excess of air gets into your mouth, there is a tendency to swallow it,

  • to help keeping the CPAP air out of the mouth, you might want to learn to sleep with your tongue touching the roof of your mouth and behind of your front teeth. This is helpful for every CPAP user.

  • use GasX to relieve the gas problem. It is being used by many CPAP users in your situation and is very helpful.

Don't miss more in-depth tips about treating aerophagia.


I hope it helps. Don't be afraid to comment back.

Remy Thierry
Founder of Sleep Apnea Guide

Comments for Stomach bloating with CPAP

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Sep 17, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Bloating
by: Suzanne

I've had my CPAP for about two years. I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea but I cannot wear my machine. After about 4 to 5 days of using the machine I started having severe stomach pain's. Took me a little while to figure out what was going on.

I've gone to the physician regarding that and they made adjustments to the machine. I've had this done about three times now and it seems to have helped some.

I have an adjustable bed but doesn't seem to help either.
I am still bloated, belching, fighting , the pain not quite as bad.

There's got to be a better way.
Mar 23, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Aerophagia!
by: Anonymous

I have been wearing my cpap nasal mask now for about 2-3 weeks. I try to wear it at least 4 hours per day. I am miserable and just gave up because of the bloating and burping. My machine doesn't come with a chin strap. I am trading in sleep apnea for no sleep and misery.

I am wondering if a nasal cannula would be any better? I will tell you this the sales rep did not mention this as a side effect. Imagine my surprise, I thought the problem was with me until I read the other comments.

I truly believe in asking another patient/client for comparison, because I find physicians to be clueless about the patient experience. Worst they are not willing to learn.
Aug 11, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Quitting CPAP
by: Anonymous

I am just about to quit my cpap machine....I have such bloating of my stomach, and also so much burping, that I have never had...I am miserable. I was so miserable that I went and had my stomach checked to see if there was a problem... there was not, but I knew I did not feel right. I am going to take a break from cpap and see if my stomach won't go down, and I can quit burping!
Jul 17, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Bloating
by: Anonymous

I've used my cpap theses first 3 nights and I've also woken up with painful bloating. I have never suffered from indigestion or acid reflux. I can hardly move.

I've taking an antacid in the morning and it goes away in an hour. I do not have the chin strap, I will try that and report back. My cpap just goes over my nose.
Aug 13, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		so much air that it is painful to move
by: Anonymous

I was using my CPAP for a while but it has gotten to the point I can only wear it for 2 hours before my stomach becomes distended. When I talked to my doctor she said she never heard of such a thing. I am frustrated and I quit wearing my CPAP because when my stomach is so full of air it absolutely hurts to move.

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