aerophagia

Newbie here. Posted the other day re: what I just learned is termed aerophagia. Spoke with my doc and he decided to try an APAP. Currently awaiting the device. Hoping it works as I miss the good sleep I use to have before this problem. Have learned so much from this site and quite frankly, never realized how many people have sleep apnea issues. I'm truly amazed at those who remain so positive under some difficult situations. Kudos to all of you.

Welcome!!

I too found this site so helpful when I first began. You indicated learning from this forum, what did you learn about aerophagia so far that might help you?

I only experienced aerophagia briefly when I first began after occasionally breathed through my mouth during the night. I used a chin strap for a bit and eventually just learned to keep my mouth closed. I understand others have it even though they keep their mouths closed, that some people's anatomy contributes to having aerophagia.

I actually was given info regarding the process that occurs when we swallow air. Also, was given a suggestion that APAP may work for me, which in turn I spoke with my doc about. I also learned that this can affect mouth breathers which I am also. I actually tested that, thinking it could be my problem but it doesn't appear to be.

Guest wrote:I actually was given info regarding the process that occurs when we swallow air. Also, was given a suggestion that APAP may work for me, which in turn I spoke with my doc about. I also learned that this can affect mouth breathers which I am also. I actually tested that, thinking it could be my problem but it doesn't appear to be.

So how is everything going now?

Re aerophagia,

Just watch out regarding how high you set C-Flex.

Those of us with a weak stomach control valve (very non technical description ) tend to find that air gets in more easily that it will for other folk. I suffer from acid reflux (GERD) and thus am vulnerable to aerophagia.

C-Flex at a setting of 3 used to exacerbate my aerophagia - I put it down to the fact that C-Flex at that setting drops pressure when we start to breath out so as to make exhalation easier, but when C-Flex ends the accelerating pressure (esp at setting of 3) creates small burst of air - this can manifest itself as 'mouth pops' that is you suddenly find a bubble of air poping out your mouth - the alternate path is of course, down to the stomach.

Bilevels do seem to alleviate aerophagia more than straight cpap or autopap - C-Flex while being a great feature for many people can when set to its highest setting actually cause more pain that it fixes because of that tendency to revert to normal pressure in a rush.

Good luck

DSM

dsm wrote:Re aerophagia,

Just watch out regarding how high you set C-Flex.

Those of us with a weak stomach control valve (very non technical description ) tend to find that air gets in more easily that it will for other folk. I suffer from acid reflux (GERD) and thus am vulnerable to aerophagia.

C-Flex at a setting of 3 used to exacerbate my aerophagia - I put it down to the fact that C-Flex at that setting drops pressure when we start to breath out so as to make exhalation easier, but when C-Flex ends the accelerating pressure (esp at setting of 3) creates small burst of air - this can manifest itself as 'mouth pops' that is you suddenly find a bubble of air poping out your mouth - the alternate path is of course, down to the stomach.

Bilevels do seem to alleviate aerophagia more than straight cpap or autopap - C-Flex while being a great feature for many people can when set to its highest setting actually cause more pain that it fixes because of that tendency to revert to normal pressure in a rush.

Good luck

DSM

How would this interpret for the A-Flex? Does it have the same burst of air you're speaking of? I don't notice it, but hey, I'm sleeping very well : )

It seems that since family members have taken notice that I am on apnea therapy that they are considering it for themselves. One had a sleep study and was prescribed a C-Flex. They had much trouble breathing out against the pressure and decided the A-Flex might be what they need - he is awaiting the machine now. Two other family members are hopefully going for sleep studies.

One of these family members has GERD. I would like to understand this to be able to relay the information to them. Thanks in advance : )

I had GERD before I started cpap. It was pretty much healed. Now I am worse than I have ever been. Six times this month I have had to sleep in a sitting up position. The past two nights I have gotten very little sleep. With me, it gets worse between 8:3o pm and 11:30 pm and lasts for 6-8 hours. It bothers me a little in the daytime, but not near as much as in the evening. I cannot lean back the least bit without my chest and back hurting bad. As long as I can sit up straight it isn't bad enough to keep me awake. After being in bed for a couple hours I try to lie down on a couple of pillows but it just starts up again so I go back to the sitting upright position with a wedge pillow under my thighs to keep me from slipping down.

I think I need to keep a list of what I eat for supper to see if that is making it worse. I eat early and love vegetables. I eat lots of veggies. The last two nights I have been eating a lot of green leafy (Chinese broccoli) vegetables and bok choy. Most vegatables are gassy, except for carrots, squash, sweet potatoes that I can think of. My doctor doubled my previcid and I drink lots of Gaviscon throughout the night. I didn't use the cpap the night before last and only used it at a very low pressure for almost 4 hours last night even though I was awake for a fair portion of the time. Now it is starting up again but isn't real bad yet. It looks like its going to be another night of sitting upright to get some sleep.

Does anyone have any other suggestions on what might help not having a bad attack of GERD at night?

Anne

"Pup"- I have used a wedge pillow that I got from a local pharmacy for about 5 months now. I have horrible GERD and aerophagia, and this pillow does help some. Mine is a 7'' pillow but you can get them as high as 10" I think. Maybe this would help you some-it does kinda put your upper body in a more upright position and I always take my GERD meds an hour or so before bed so it will be "fully active" by the time I go to bed. Aerophagia is still a problem for me but fortunately not as much as it has been. I stopped eating wheat about 3 weeks ago and also cut WAY back on sugar and all chocolate and other sweets. It seems to have helped some. Hope some of this info. will help you a bit- I know how uncomfortable you are!!! Grumpy