Aerophagia with cpap

[nmack]

Hi. I have a history of swallowing air while using Cpap/Bipap machines. I had to stop for some years because the gas pains would wake me whiling sleeping. Around that time I developed an umbilical hernia and feel the aerophagia was at least partly to blame. I am now dealing with episodes of diverticulitis. The docs don't think there is any connection. Has anyone else experienced aerophagia with their machine and developed any issues? Were you able to resolve the aerophagia, and how? Thanks

[CapnM]

I came across a video that said if you tuck your chin into your neck (like top half of the fetal position) it can lessen theses symptoms, I tried it and it seemed to work though never quite know. Others seemed to comment that it had helped.

Also worth looking at the pressure you are on, perhaps it is too high, your sleep doctor may help with this. I review my own detailed data on Oscar and brought my APAP max pressure down from 20 to something like 14 pressure as could see the software was taking me too high sometimes.

[nmack in reply to CapnM]

Thanks for your response. I am now using an auto bipap machine with the settings as low as possible. The aerophagia was much worse with the older cpap machines.

[mauschen in reply to CapnM]

what’s Oscar?

[mauschen]

I have a similar problem but it manifests as bloating. This can be very uncomfortable. I have tried everything and the only relief I get is with swimming . The doctors have not been of help, even though my abdomen is massive.

In my opinion, diverticulitis is not related to swallowing air.

Is your mask a tight fit, do you use nasal pillows?

[nmack in reply to mauschen]

Thanks. I use a nasal pillow. Machine says here is no leaking. I think it is an anatomical thing with me. I have heard of people with hiatal hernias having more issues swallowing air while on cpap. I'm not sure if I have one since I have never been tested for a hiatal hernia and it has never been recommended by anyone.

[mauschen in reply to nmack]

I have a small hiatus hernia and often suffer from burning sensation despite taking regular medication before I go to bed.

Whether or not this adds to air swallowing, I don’t know.

I eat very slowly and don’t gulp food or drinks. I don’t drink fizzy drinks because I know that these behaviours add to the problem.

Perhaps you could look at the way you eat and drink, then you will be equipped with answers for the GP questions.