Don't use CPAP because of Reflux

LisaW · Post by **LisaW** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 8:16 pm

I don't use my CPAP machine because my reflux is so bad. I need a face mask because I am a mouth breather. I am inhaling acid as it is, so if I use my machine, I just have too much of a fear of inhaling it even worse. Has anyone else been through this (and yes, I am treating the relux, have been for more than 10 years)
Thanks, Lisa

Sleeping With The Enemy · Post by **Sleeping With The Enemy** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 8:38 pm

Can you prop the head of your bed up or put boards under the head of the bed so you are at an angle? I had to do this when I was pregnant.

Give it a try...

neversleeps · Post by **neversleeps** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 8:46 pm

One of the positive notable effects of CPAP therapy is the REDUCTION of reflux, not the opposite. So fear not! Go ahead and use your CPAP!

I googled reflux and cpap. Here's just one of the links:
Sleep Apnea Treatment Also Effective for Gastroesophageal Reflux

so tired · Post by **so tired** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 8:53 pm

Lisa,

Have you been on the same med for your reflux for ten years?? If so, some newer drugs work a lot better. Most of the time nowadays they put you on proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec or Nexium. I take Protonix and it works wonderfully! Also did the doctors tell you not to eat at least 3 hours before bedtime?? I have found that it makes a huge difference. If you still have symptoms, I would surely go see a gastroenterologist to find out what more they can do for you. You shouldn't have to live in fear of the cpap.

Margaret

cat-a-tonic · Post by **cat-a-tonic** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 10:04 pm

I am particularly interested in the benefit of a CPAP machine for my reflux, which is particularly bad at night. I have the head of my bed elevated 6 inches, PLUS I sleep on a pillow on TOP of a 7 inch wedge! I have been on medication for my reflux for over 10 years as well.

My reflux problem has been so extreme as to wake me up choking and gasping for air while my esophagus and lungs were on fire from the acid. I would usually vomit whatever acid was left in my stomach. The only way to cool the fire was to eat several slices of bread, a dozen tums and spend the rest of the night propped up in a chair in the livingroom.

Now that I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, I suspect my night reflux was a result of not breathing and the choking jumpstarted me back to breathing! It makes sense now as I sounded like someone who'd been held under water and was literally SUCKING/GASPING for air! I can't wait to get my CPAP!!!

WAFlowers · Post by **WAFlowers** » Sat Aug 27, 2005 12:16 pm

neversleeps wrote:One of the positive notable effects of CPAP therapy is the REDUCTION of reflux, not the opposite. So fear not! Go ahead and use your CPAP!

I googled reflux and cpap. Here's just one of the links:
Sleep Apnea Treatment Also Effective for Gastroesophageal Reflux

I concur. I've had a total cure of my reflux problem since starting CPAP treatment over 3 weeks ago. Prior to that I might go 2 or 3 days without an episode, but never more than that.

To go more than 3 weeks without a problem is totally unprecedented! The only thing that has changed in my life that I can attribute this to is starting treatment for my sleep apnea.

macoil2 · Post by **macoil2** » Sat Aug 27, 2005 1:19 pm

I too suffer from acid reflux disease,It impinged on my breathing and when In started with the CPAC I had to,sleep sitting up,in a chair.A month later acid reflux symptoms have diminished and become acute only when I eat forbidden items.

elliejose · Post by **elliejose** » Sat Aug 27, 2005 1:42 pm

I agree. My reflux has greatly improved since cpap. I no longer wake up with a mouth full of acid. Not once since going on cpap. Now I won't say that I don't still have some daytime problems but none at nite since cpap.

Most of my daytime problems are still because of what I eat or drink. For instance my coffee. Can't do without it and sometimes I try to leave off my protonix. Can go for several days without it without problems. But then if I go too many days without med., coffee among other things will do it every time.

loonlvr · Post by **loonlvr** » Sat Aug 27, 2005 3:04 pm

Are you using a humidifier? If so , make sure its not set to high. I never had a problem until I started therapy and set my humidifier up too high. After a while, I was able ti increase humidity. I know being a Full Face user a humidifier is a must.

rock and roll · Post by **rock and roll** » Sat Aug 27, 2005 4:30 pm

I have this among my afflictions as well. Not mentioned yet but IMHO you might want to try a nasal pillow as it will not effect your reflux in any way. I know you say you are a mouth breather, but I find almost all can train themselves away from doing so, I am one, and anyway, an occational mouth breathing won't hurt you. The right pillow make a large difference here too, I recommend a visco memory foam. Not a cheap immitation but at least 5 density. I am experimenting with a vmf shredd that I am liking a lot.

Someone in the field · Post by **Someone in the field** » Sun Aug 28, 2005 4:11 am

There are many causes of reflux including as we know the intake of forbidden items such as spicey foods late at night, or nay heavy meal eaten to close to bedtime. Also, chemical reasons for which a gastroenterologist should be consulted to check into if you have H Pyloric or some other cause for your reflux. Sleep apnea has a direct effect of nocturnal reflux and heartburn due to the increased amount of negative pressure which build up in the lungs during the apnea spells and pushes down on the diaphragm and subsequently stomach. The termination of the apnea allows for a regurgitation of reflux. CPAP works against this cause of nocturnal reflux by decreasing the intrathoracic pressures that build up in the lungs. This allows for normalization of the digestive system and decreases reflux. CPAP has proven very effective in treating nocturnal reflux but has no effect on daytime reflux conditions for which I would refer you to a GI specialist. I have had tons of patients who have been on reflux meds for years only to never again have to take them after starting CPAP.
Good luck and wear your CPAP device in good faith.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Aug 28, 2005 4:26 am

[quote="LisaW"]I don't use my CPAP machine because my reflux is so bad. I need a face mask because I am a mouth breather. I am inhaling acid as it is, so if I use my machine, I just have too much of a fear of inhaling it even worse. Has anyone else been through this (and yes, I am treating the relux, have been for more than 10 years)
Thanks, Lisa

FL andy · Post by **FL andy** » Sun Aug 28, 2005 5:14 am

cat-a-tonic wrote: My reflux problem has been so extreme as to wake me up choking and gasping for air while my esophagus and lungs were on fire from the acid. I would usually vomit whatever acid was left in my stomach. The only way to cool the fire was to eat several slices of bread, a dozen tums and spend the rest of the night propped up in a chair in the livingroom.

cat-a-tonic,

My friend, I strongly suggest you ask your doctor to to be examined by EGD endoscopy (a tube down your esophagus to visually look at your Esophagus, Gastric area and Duodenum).

This would be in order to rule out the existance of a pre-cancerous condition called Barretts Esophagus. Such severe GERD symptoms are signs of esophageal problems *far* beyond ordinary GERD. With Barretts, you absolutely need a Proton Pump Inhibitor like the Purple Pill or Aciphex. etc., This procedure may save your life.

I wound up having four fulgurations (a mixture of gases are passed into the esophagus and then lighted by a spark. The result is to actually burn the pre-cancerous lining away and let new healthy lining grow in the esophagus). I had four fulgurations at the Univ of Florida Shands Hospital to burn away the cancer and let healthy lining grow back. Just had another EGD and now I have only normal lining in my esophagus.

Please talk to your doctor,

CPAP will help your OSA for sure, but it will NOT stop any pre-cancerous growth in the esphoagus. Take care of yourself, please.

FL andy

NeurosurgeryNP · Post by **NeurosurgeryNP** » Sun Aug 28, 2005 8:32 am

I have reflux. I have been on meds for the same. I have noticied that it is considerably better since starting on cpap.

Sleepyman · Post by **Sleepyman** » Sun Aug 28, 2005 8:51 am

I suffered from reflux and took medication daily. I continued the medication for two weekd after starting cpap. I haven't had reflux for six weeks now and no longer require any medication. Keep trying cpap seems to cure reflux for many.

Humidifier

Don't use CPAP because of Reflux

Don't use CPAP because of Reflux

Re: Don't use CPAP because of Reflux