swallowing air

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
bugalug

swallowing air

Post by bugalug » Thu May 10, 2012 8:18 pm

I am a newbie to the cpap machine. I have only had it two days (or is that nights. My problem is that I am swallowing air while I am asleep. When I wake up I am in a lot of pain from all the air in my stomach. Any advice?

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LSAT
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Re: swallowing air

Post by LSAT » Thu May 10, 2012 8:20 pm

Keep your mouth shut!

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chunkyfrog
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Re: swallowing air

Post by chunkyfrog » Thu May 10, 2012 8:37 pm

It's called aerophagia, and it could be related to the fact you are not used to the air pressure yet.
Exhalation relief, bipaps, and sleep position changes are some of the ways people deal with it.
With most of us, it goes away, only returning when we have eaten too late, too much, or the wrong things.
Sleeping on my left side and avoiding heavy evening meals helps me.

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Gizmogidget
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Re: swallowing air

Post by Gizmogidget » Thu May 10, 2012 8:38 pm

Call your doctor. I had this problem and the doctor lowered the pressure. That took care of the bloat and my apnea is gone.

bugalug

Re: swallowing air

Post by bugalug » Thu May 10, 2012 9:10 pm

Thanks for the good advice chunkyfrog and gimegidget. I will do as you suggest and hope for the best!

Beth T.
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Re: swallowing air

Post by Beth T. » Thu May 10, 2012 9:16 pm

I turned my exhale relief off and started having the same issue. Doctor said that the EFR would help with that. I turned it back on at 1 and it resolved the issue. Maybe it will for you too.

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lagasan
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Re: swallowing air

Post by lagasan » Fri May 11, 2012 9:29 am

The exhale relief on my machine helped me with this problem.

I also had to learn to keep my tongue "plastered" against the back of my mouth! It prevents the air from entering your mouth as it passes from your sinuses into your trachea. I have learned to swallow while keeping my tongue like that. I am even learning to clear my throat without letting air into my mouth.

I still swallow a bit of air, but nothing extreme.

You may adjust over time like I have. It only took me a few weeks to get to this point.

Anne

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chunkyfrog
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Re: swallowing air

Post by chunkyfrog » Fri May 11, 2012 11:02 am

In the meantime, try to enjoy the sophomoric humor that ensues.
"This, too will pass. . ."

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