Aerophagia & Arousals

[Kite]

I have reached a point where I am at such a low setting (6 cm H2o) on my machine that it's too low to manage apnea/hypopneas. Over the past 2 years I have had to lower my pressure settings because of all the aerophagia arousals. I'm currently on auto pap with c flex enabled but the air continues to leak into my stomach/esophagus at 6 cm, if I go lower I can't breathe properly because of all the suction. I'm considering a bi-pap trial to see if that might help (my doctor's recommendation). Also, I'm thinking I should get my esophagus checked out in case there's an issue there (no GERD symptoms). Any thoughts would be appreciated - thanks.

[roster]

K,

Check out this thread, viewtopic.php?f=1&t=43663 . It tells what finally worked for me. If you have any questions for me add them to that thread.

I guess you chose Kite as a moniker because you are the mercy of "wind". Very clever.

[Kite]

thanks Rooster -- it looks like an interesting approach.

[magentapolkadots]

Kite,

I had terrible aerophagia using CPAP. Switching to bi-pap was a life changer for me. For the 1st time, my PAP therapy actually helped my sleep instead of hindering it.

I would hightly recommend a bi-pap trial. It may not be the solution for you, but what if it is?

Concerning the switch from CPAP to bi-pap... The cycling of the machine between the 2 pressures was awkward for me & kept me awake. Putting the machine in auto mode smoothed out the pressure transition and allowed me to finally get some sleep.

BTW- my CPAP pressure was 13. My bi-pap pressure is 13/9. The range for the auto is 13/9, so it really doesn't adjust anything, just smooths out the pressure transition.

-K

[roster]

Kite,

I had terrible aerophagia using CPAP. Switching to bi-pap was a life changer for me. For the 1st time, my PAP therapy actually helped my sleep instead of hindering it.

I would hightly recommend a bi-pap trial. It may not be the solution for you, but what if it is?

Concerning the switch from CPAP to bi-pap... The cycling of the machine between the 2 pressures was awkward for me & kept me awake. Putting the machine in auto mode smoothed out the pressure transition and allowed me to finally get some sleep.

BTW- my CPAP pressure was 13. My bi-pap pressure is 13/9. The range for the auto is 13/9, so it really doesn't adjust anything, just smooths out the pressure transition.

-K

But remember that Kite is having aerophagia at a pressure of 6 cm. Very unlikely that BIPAP will help her.

[jskinner]

I'm considering a bi-pap trial to see if that might help (my doctor's recommendation).

Yes I think BiPAP would be worth a try. As mentioned, be sure to get one with Bi-Flex (or similar technology) to make the transitions smoother

[roster]

I'm considering a bi-pap trial to see if that might help (my doctor's recommendation).

Yes I think BiPAP would be worth a try. As mentioned, be sure to get one with Bi-Flex (or similar technology) to make the transitions smoother

James,

I have never used a BIPAP and have never studied them either. However what I have read on the forum seems to indicate that the exhalation pressure would not be less than 6 cm. Kite is already running at 6 cm and still experiencing aerophagia. So why should a BIPAP relieve aerophagia? Also don't forget her current 6 cm is still allowing apneas and she will need something higher to prevent them.

Regards,