Body Bloat and GI problems with CPAP

[siestagirl]

I am a new CPAP user-ResMed Air Sense 11 with O2, nasal pillow.
I have been using my CPAP for about 60 days. No problem with mask fit , but having real problems with body bloat, lower GI pain, bowel problems and runny ears , nose and ears since starting CPAP.. Quite severe. I have had GERD for a long long time but never lower GI problems. I do have severe sleep apnea and this is my second time around trying CPAP. I also have quite low o2 at night going down to the 70s. I think I could be successful with CPAP therapy this time around it if I could get the issues above solved. Tried everything the respiratory therapist recommended. I sleep elevated, take GERD meds, tried GAS-X, etc.
My eyes water constantly although I cannot feel air leaking from my mask and the mask seal is very good, My ears are blocked and water does come out of ear on to the pillow occasionally. I am a nose breather but when I wake up during the night I try to open my mouth and blubbery sounds come out as air pours out. It would seem that I need less pressure, but the type of CPAP I have adjusts for the pressure I need and all of the settings are adjusted so that it is easier for me to breathe out. I do have restrictive airway disease (mild). Any advice from users who have had such problems and have had success in resolving them would be greatly appreciated.

[ChicagoGranny]

Bloat

Aerophagia can be very difficult to solve. You might read this wiki for some ideas - https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php/Aerophagia

Your lower esophageal sphincter is probably weak from damage by reflux. This allows the pressurized CPAP air to leak into the digestive system. In severe cases, Nissen fundoplication surgery is sometimes recommended to solve aerophagia - https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/t ... oplication

[Julie]

Did your GI problems only come on with Cpap? Have you seen a GI doctor to be sure nothing else is going on coincidentall? Aerophagia is likely with too high min. pressures for upper GI issues, but not lower ones.

[Pugsy]

Using maximum available exhale relief is usually the first thing we suggest but if you are already doing than then maybe you need to restrict the maximum just a bit and see if the belly issues can be reduced a bit by not allowing the machine to go so high and hopefully not let too many apnea events slip past the defenses.

Might also help with your eye and ear issues...no promises though because we don't know for sure that they are from the higher pressures the machine goes to.

Exactly what machine and what settings are you using?

[Janknitz]

Others have pointed out aerophagia resources. Aerophagia is literally swallowing air.

Try this test. Plug your nose, open your mouth and try to breath. If you CAN breathe, it means you can't seal off the back of your throat from your mouth, and that's why you are swallowing air. Then try all the suggested remedies for aerophagia.

If you canNOT breathe through your mouth with your nose pinched, it means you can seal off the oropharynx. You can try learning tongue placement to seal off the back of your throat. The magic spot for the tip of your tongue is on that ridge behind the upper front teeth. Try practicing all day long keeping your tongue there unless you are eating, drinking, or talking. As this becomes habit, you may find it carries over into sleep and lessens your symptoms.

You should still work on the pressure suggestions Pugsy made as those will help as well.

I hope you find some relief.