Need help with CPAP pressure

[OpalRose]

Have you tried to sleep slightly elevated? Besides all that has been suggested, like keeping your pressure lower and using exhale relief pressure, I would also suggest you discuss this with your doctor. Let him/her know everything you've tried thus far.

It would also be good to try and find a way to breathe through your nose, unless not medically possible.

Summary: Considering how much pain you are in, your AHI numbers are less a priority until you can get mouth breathing and swallowing air under control. Possibly switch to CPAP mode with a pressure of 8 to limit pressure swings, also Flex setting of 1 or 2 (not 3). Sleep on your side and slightly elevated if you are able.

There are many good articles on CPAP therapy and Aerophagia you can google.

[ravik]

Have you tried to sleep slightly elevated?  Besides all that has been suggested, like keeping your pressure lower and using exhale relief pressure, I would also suggest you discuss this with your doctor.  Let him/her know everything you've tried thus far.  

It would also be good to try and find a way to breathe through your nose, unless not medically possible.

Summary: Considering how much pain you are in, your AHI numbers are less a priority until you can get mouth breathing and swallowing air under control.  Possibly switch to CPAP mode with a pressure of 8 to limit pressure swings, also Flex setting of 1 or 2 (not 3).  Sleep on your side and slightly elevated if you are able.

There are many good articles on CPAP therapy and Aerophagia you can google.

Thank you for your suggestions. I have started using mouth appliance since last night, I did get some OK sleep. I will play with CPAP a little more in next few weeks. I am also considering other options than CPAP.

Any idea on latest options?

[Gideon]

I can try EPR (aFlex of 2). In past this (aFlex) has caused my sleep disturbances but will give it a try again. I stopped using CPAP from last night due to too much bloating and very uncomfortable feeling in belly. 

BTW, I have tried using mouth guard for sleep apnea instead of CPAP with some success but not 100% in past. 

Now I am getting very worried about my sleep apnea treatment. Not sure what else I can try.

A clarification.  Both EPR and Flex (all flavors) are considered comfort features.  They do function differently.  
EPR may also supply a therapeutic benefit that we see in charts but do not see in charts w flex.  IMHO EPR is way better than Flex because of its implementation which shows a being identical to Resmed's implementation of Pressure Support with the pressures of 1,2,3.  Pressure support is the difference between exhale and inhale.

[ravik]

It seems even with using a full face mask, your mouth may he dropping open while you are sleeping and you could be swallowing air.

Are you aware of this? Are you waking up with a dry mouth?  Just trying to eliminate some possible causes for the aerophagia.  

Using a lower pressure plus EPR (in your case, use Afex set at 2) until you find the aerophagia lessening and still keeping your AHI at a reasonable number.

Others here have been able to conquer this and hope they will chime in.

OpalRose, yes, I am using F22 full face mask as I breath from mouth during sleep.


I can try EPR (aFlex of 2). In past this (aFlex) has caused my sleep disturbances but will give it a try again. I stopped using CPAP from last night due to too much bloating and very uncomfortable feeling in belly. 

BTW, I have tried using mouth guard for sleep apnea instead of CPAP with some success but not 100% in past. 

Now I am getting very worried about my sleep apnea treatment. Not sure what else I can try.

I have started using my APAP with 8.5 pressure and CFLEX=1. It seems to be helping. I am feeling better for last 2-3 days. I use APAP when sleeping on my left side and dental appliance when sleep right (as I swallow most air during sleeping on right side) side until this aerophagia is reduced. I still swallow air but it has reduced a bit and I am using Gas-x to reduce bloating during day time.

For long term I am going to stick with APAP as I read and experienced that dental appliance is not a good option for me. 

I will keep you updated on progress.

[OpalRose]

ravik,
Good to hear you are making some progress.   And I agree you should stick with you Cpap.

Give this some time to see what settings work best to control the Aerophagia and yet have a decent AHI reading.  
Keep a log or diary, and record your sleep positions and what pressure settings you've tried, and your comfort level.  It's hard to remember if you don't write it down.

[ravik]

OpalRose,

Thank you. 

I have been keeping a diary of sleep events and CPAP settings in a spreadsheet for 3-4 years. It does really help me figure out what works and what doesn't.

I changed CFLEX=2 last night. I still was able to get some sleep but still feel bloating in day time. I will stick to the treatment.