Patients suffering from sleep apnea are recommended to try CPAP therapy to improve their condition. It is one of the most effective sleep apnea cures that ensures a consistent flow of air to keep the upper airway open. It prevents the collapse of the tube while you are sleeping. Although using CPAP has several benefits, the machine has some side effects as well. One of these is aerophagia. To learn about how to treat the condition, here are some suggestions. Have a glance!
What is aerophagia? Why is it caused?
Aerophagia is one of the side effects of using a CPAP machine where you end up swallowing excessive air. When using the device, air enters your gastrointestinal tract, including your intestines and stomach. It causes discomfort in your belly and leads to symptoms like stomach ache, burping, acid reflux, belly bloating, and flatulence. The condition occurs when the pressure is inappropriate while using the CPAP machine. Because of this, oxygen can enter your oesophagus and belly. Besides, in people who breathe through the mouth or have nasal congestion, gulping excessive air through the mouth can lead to the problem.
What are some solutions for treating aerophagia?
On using the CPAP machine, if you end up eating air, then here is what you can do:
- Pressure Settings:
If you inhale excessive air when using the CPAP machine, get the pressure settings checked. For this, talk to your doctor or sleep expert about a pressure change. Make sure that the machine is set correctly as per his instructions.
- Check your Mask:
People experiencing aerophagia problems are recommended to ensure that they are using a suitable mask. It must be of an appropriate style and size. If it is too tight or has space for air leak, you should get it replaced. After selecting the suitable mask, the next step is to adjust it properly before sleeping.
- Expiratory Pressure Relief:
The CPAP machines nowadays come with expiratory pressure relief settings. Some people call it BIFLEX or AFLEX, depending on the brand. The setting helps reduce the air pressure automatically on exhalation, which, in turn, aids in controlling aerophagia. So, you should talk to a sleep expert to see if this feature is turned on in your CPAP machine to prevent ingesting excessive air.
- Adjust Sleep Position:
Sleep apnea patients using CPAP machines should be careful if they sleep on their back. Such people are recommended to rest in an inclined position as it can prevent a kink in the oesophagus. This is not ideal as it could allow easy airflow into the oesophagus. So, use a pillow wedge and try resting with your head up at a 30 to 40 degrees angle.
- Consider BIPAP Machine:
Relying on the Bi-level positive airway pressure machine can help relieve aerophagia. It is so because the device’s bi-level delivery system ensures you have less air when inhalation is being pumped in. Thus, less air enters your oesophagus instead of your windpipe.
So, these are a few solutions that you must try to treat aerophagia, which is a side-effect of using the CPAP machine.