One of the most common side effects to using CPAP therapy is the gassy feeling after use. This includes burping, belching, farting, and bloating. But why does this happen and what can be done to eliminate it?
CPAP therapy provides a constant flow of air to keep the upper airway open. When that air is swallowed by the user, otherwise known as aerophagia, the air is misdirected through the lower part of the airway that leads down the esophagus and stomach. The stomach then fills with air and causes gassiness.
There are a few ways to decrease this side effect:
- Adjusting your sleep position can reduce the chances of swallowing the CPAP air pressure. Sleeping with a 30–40-degree elevation can reduce the air from travelling to the esophagus and into the stomach. A wedge pillow is an inexpensive option to help keep your head inclined while sleeping. A more costly option would be an adjustable bed or mattress.
- Talk to your Doctor if you think you might have heartburn. The esophageal sphincter usually becomes weakened with heartburn sufferers which can exacerbate the air swallowing by allowing air into the stomach cavity when using CPAP.
- Talk to your Sleep Doctor about your CPAP pressure. It may be possible during CPAP treatment that you are receiving too much or not enough air pressure. A pressure change could be a simple solution to an uncomfortable situation.
- Adjusting your CPAP machine to reduce the air pressure upon exhalation can help to eliminate the swallowing of air. Inhaling the CPAP air pressure may be easy, but exhaling could be difficult, which could lead to erratic breathing or hyperventilation, and may cause swallowing of air. Talk to your CPAP provider about having this feature adjusted on your CPAP device.
