"crude" solutions?

[Tcamillemars]

OK, I swallow air, but I'm not mouth breathing. My question could probably be answered by any middle school boy in the country, but- How does one efficiently get rid of all the air the next day? Is there a secret that I, a woman in my "prime" doesn't know? I realize what goes in must come out, but I work in a school, and frequent trips out of the room are not an option. Other than installing a release valve, what can I do?

[kebsa]

I can't think of anyway that you can control the way the gas comes out again, nature will just take its natural course unfortunately and i know that breaking wind at the drop of a hat is a cause of embaressment. I would think that resudcing the amount of air that you swallow so that you prevent the problem in the first place is going to be the solution. I note that you use a full face mask and you say that you swallow air rather than mouth breath- i am new to all this stuff so i am sure that some of the others can probably give you better advice. it seems to me if you take action to keep your mouth closed that you will avoid the problem- a lot of people tape their mouths shut, i use a chin strap called the ruby. i know that using a full face mask usuall means not having to do this but you must be sleeping with you mouth open to swallow all the air so it seems like that preventing the air awallowing is the best option

[OldLincoln]

There are lots of posts regarding aerophagia, bloating, gas, etc. and you can search buy clicking a tag on the first page. You didn't mention pain, etc, so I assume your situation is the "little" bloating many of us get.

Once it's there it pretty much has to take it's course, so you want it to take it's course before the first bell. I found it helps to lay on one side until a bubble exits, then the other side, and back. All this before getting out of bed. If you have a bed companion they have to be understanding of course, but I can imaging a room full of giggly kids having a field day if you rip one in class. walking always helps, perhaps other exercises and keeping regular speeds up the process.

[LinkC]

You have the rare opportunity to become a legend at your school (at least among the adolescent boys...)

That story would be passed on (if you'll pardon the phrase) for generations. And if you have access to an open-flame cigarette lighter, you could well become a god.

OK, I'll behave now.

Rooster, it's your turn...

[Paul56]

Hmm, assuming you are in charge of the classroom... means you are somewhat isolated at the front of the class so the direction from which the noise will emanate will be easily discernible.

The trick is to mix in with the crowd and create an audible distraction during the great escape.

Other than that a more serious solution to this issue escapes me at the moment.

[DoriC]

Do you know for sure you're not mouth breathing? Maybe you should try a FF mask to see if it helps.

[OutaSync]

Trust me.....mouth breathing has nothing to do with it. The air goes into our tummies under pressure and pushes it's way all the way through. I start releasing the air within an hour of being hosed up and it continues all day. There is no warning and no holding back. I need an industrial sized exhaust fan installed over my desk.

[Paul56]

Trust me.....mouth breathing has nothing to do with it. The air goes into our tummies under pressure and pushes it's way all the way through. I start releasing the air within an hour of being hosed up and it continues all day. There is no warning and no holding back. I need an industrial sized exhaust fan installed over my desk.

But... why does this happen to some yet not others?

I was prepared for the effect but have yet to experience it after 6 months on the hose.

[Babette]

Would Gas-X help, you think?

I've never had aerophagia, knock on wood, but I am a frequent burper. Apparently I burp more than the average bear, according to my devoted boyfriend. Been thinking of looking into Gas-X....

GOOD LUCK!!!!

A thought occurs - Teaching Moment? I know, it's embarrassing, and off topic, and all that. But if you were pregnant, would you take a moment out to have a teaching moment about that?

I'm so lucky - I work in this little dark hole in the Administrative Offices and don't have to risk the hilarity of adolescent boys. I'd never make it in THE REAL SCHOOL WORLD.

Cheers,
Barbara - School District Secretary

[docfox]

Would Gas-X help, you think?

My minimum pressure is 18 - 20. I sleep with a lot of air coming at me. Sleep Apnea is highly correlated to diabetes. I have both and therefore a ton of gas. Gas-X has helped me. I only take it on the worst of days as I do not want to become dependent on yet another substance. But the stuff works for me.

All the best,

Jim

[DyannaK]

I haven't had this problem either, but I am guessing Gas-X would probably help... I wish I had a better idea but that's all I can come up with right now..

[OldLincoln]

Unfortunately, OutaSync has it right. The issue is air being forced past the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) which is the valve at the top of the stomach and normally closed when not swallowing. That is the same one that lets stomach acids up into the throat with GERD.

Some have a less resilient LES than others with the resultant lower threshold for leaking CPAP air past it. Studies have shown that some may leak as low as 5cm while others do not leak up to 30cm which was the max pressure used.

Actual CPAP air (room air) is not helped by the Gas-X or other products for digestive gasses. However, neither does it have the associated smell by itself, but of course it can mix with the other along the way.

This may be more than you wanted to know already, and more can be found clicking on the big bold tag "aerophagia" on the bottom of the main forum page.