🤧 CPAP Side Effects & Common Problems - Frequent Causes & Solutions

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1. High-resolution 'breath-by-breath' analysis - View every apnea and every breath in full detail.
2. Sleep Journal - Track how changes to device settings influence your sleep & therapy results.
3. Custom PDF reports - Detailed therapy reports complete with journal entries.
4. Therapy Trends - Monitor changes to your apnea control over time.
5. Support - Access to the SleepHQ Community Forum
6. Education - From CPAP novice to therapy PRO. Master your device and settings with the SleepHQ Academy course
7. Blood Oxygen, Heart Rate & Movement Data - Connect a SleepHQ O2 Ring to your account to view additional data sources and take your therapy to the next level.
8. Access to exclusive, member-only discounts on the latest and greatest CPAP gear

And much more!

Thanks for all the love & support!
Uncle Nicko

00:00 - CPAP Side Effects Introduction
00:35 - Aerophagia - Air in your stomach
03:00 - Dry Nose and Throat
05:40 - Dry, Sore Eyes

Hi Everyone, hope you're all safe and well.

1. Aerophagia (stomach bloating)
Aerophagia is excessive air swallowing. It’s a condition that occurs when you have air entering your gastrointestinal tract, including your intestines and stomach. As this air builds up, it can cause significant discomfort in your bowels and belly. The most common aerophagia symptoms are:

Stomachache
Belly bloating
Flatulence
Heartburn and acid reflux
Burping
An uncomfortable “full” feeling

Causes of Swallowing Air with CPAP
Some causes of aerophagia may include:

Pressure is set too high
Pressure is set too low
Nasal congestion
Mouth breathing
Exhalation problems

Solutions for Swallowing Air with CPAP
If you’re swallowing air with CPAP, here are some aerophagia solutions you can try:

1. Check the Pressure Settings
If you have a high pressure, consider dropping it down a bit to see if that helps resolve the problem. If it does help, just check to make sure you AHI number isn't going to high (ideally you want that number under 5 but under 10 should still be find).
If you're AHI is high, your apnea might be causing you to gasp and swallow the air in also.
Experiment with your pressure to see if it helps alleviate the stomach bloating.
2. Check Your Mask
Figure out if you’re using the wrong mask. For instance, a nasal mask isn’t the best choice if you’re a mouth breather. Your mask might not be the best style or size for your face. If you’re experiencing pressure point soreness from the straps being too tight or a frequent mask leak, consider picking a different mask.
3. Obtain Expiratory Pressure Relief
Most CPAP machines today have expiratory pressure relief features. They may be called BIFLEX or AFLEX, depending on the machine brand. This feature reduces air pressure automatically upon exhalation and could help decrease or eliminate aerophagia.
4. Adjust Your Sleep Position
Your sleep position is another essential factor. If you normally sleep on your back, it might be better to sleep at an incline which can prevent a “kink” in your esophagus that could cause it to easily allow air flow into your stomach.
5. Try a BiPAP Machine - Consult your doctor about this though.
Bilevel positive airway pressure machines, or BiPAP machines can help relieve aerophagia symptoms.
6. Try an APAP (Auto) Machine
In one study, switching from a CPAP machine to an APAP machine led to reduced aerophagia symptom severity. The group of patients being treated with APAP saw substantially decreased median therapeutic pressure levels when compared with the patients using CPAP.

If you don't have a heated tube i suggest you get one. There's a great aftermarket universal heated tube system called hybernite.

[CPAPReviews]

Create a FREE account and download your detailed therapy report today!

Features Include -
1. High-resolution 'breath-by-breath' analysis - View every apnea and every breath in full detail.
2. Sleep Journal - Track how changes to device settings influence your sleep & therapy results.
3. Custom PDF reports - Detailed therapy reports complete with journal entries.
4. Therapy Trends - Monitor changes to your apnea control over time.
5. Support - Access to the SleepHQ Community Forum
6. Education - From CPAP novice to therapy PRO. Master your device and settings with the SleepHQ Academy course
7. Blood Oxygen, Heart Rate & Movement Data - Connect a SleepHQ O2 Ring to your account to view additional data sources and take your therapy to the next level.
8. Access to exclusive, member-only discounts on the latest and greatest CPAP gear

And much more!


Thanks for all the love & support!
Uncle Nicko

[multitieredinvestor]

Over 35 years on CPAP/BIPAP. I use pillows and only one night missed when in hospital for heart surgery. This therapy has extended my life. I am 84.

[PantonePapi]

I’ve been using CPAP for 2 nights now and I’m shocked how quickly I’ve gotten used to it and how good I feel in the morning. My mind feels so clear and my energy is so even throughout the day. I also slept straight through the night for the first time in I don’t know how long.

[RichardShelton]

My CPAP changed my life, been using one for at least 16 years. I NEVER go anywhere without mine, I think I've only missed 3 nights out of all those years. Great news, thank you!

[littlepookie]

I was never told there are side effects
. Thankyou for the rest of the
story.

[crabtrap]

🎶Nick comes from the land down-under....he makes the vids that helps us slumber🎶

[daf]

Great Video. As a CPAP user for over 20 years, I think it is great that you are putting this information out on this channel. One complaint I always have is that you see a Doctor and their staff to get set up originally with using a CPAP machined but then that's basically all the interaction you have until you have a major problem with the machine which could be many years later. Anything to help the spread of proper information is a great but to society. Thank you very much!

[there]

Just started CPAP therapy and can already feel the huge improvement in my sleep quality. Thank you for this video.

[Jiffybob]

Thanks for the video!
I've been on CPAP for many years now and when I go without it I notice IMMEDIATELY. Love my CPAP. I have noticed the side effects but never really considered them side effects. All those side effects are valid.

[johnashjian]

Just wanted to say how much I appreciate your channel Nick. I'm new to CPAP therapy, and you provide such a wealth of great information. Your presentation is so much better than a number of your YouTube contemporaries. Keep up the great work!

[mariebrady]

Thanks again for all the great info, so glad I found your channel is a new CPAP user

[alexr]

I’ve been on CPAP therapy for 1 year. What fantastic treatment. I feel so much better and now know how you should feel after sleep.

[topowwow]

Hey Nick, just found your very informative channel. When I got my CPAP 10 months ago, my GP (not my sleep doc) warned me about the dry nose and recommended using a nose moisturising ointment. It's a saver! I use it every night and don't have any problems with dryness, although I don't have a humidifier and my nose membranes were dry to begin with and prone to small bleeds. The one I use is called Rinopanteina and contains oat protein, sodium hyaluronate, panthenol, vitamin A and other substances. I never go a night without it.

[Wolfman]

I have learned a lot from your videos. Thanks for the info. You keep them coming and i'll keep watching them.

[leehookerstein]

I’m new to cpap and love this community you have as a YouTube channel. Love videos like these. I always learn something new

[ygpsghx]

Your channel is great. I am new to Cpap. I’m still trying to dial the machine to match my body and your advise and suggestions are extremely useful. Thanks again!

[jacquibrown]

I was diagnosed at 60+ events which was very shocking. I took a while to adjust to my cap but now I couldn't live without it. I believe that the mask is the key to success. The correct and well fitted mask for you is imperative. A good travel machine is worth investing in too.

[katherineblanco]

Thank you for your great content. Love my therapy. I wake up bright eyed and full of life. I wear full face and have ladies resmed machine. The best thing I have got for an amazing 8 hour sleep. We all need great sleep.

[jimott]

Very interesting video. Thankfully I got my Cpap over 25 years ago. My ex- claimed it added two years to our marriage. I guess I'm lucky because I have not had any problems with my Cpaps over the years. I think I'm on my 4th machine and I never even lie down for a 10 minute nap without strapping on my headgear. I think the last time I checked the meter showed I was 99.2% compliant. The Dr. was impressed. Once recently I forgot the cord when we were going for an overnight trip. I don't think I slept more than 3 or 4 hours. I hear people who don't like them and wish they would give it a better chance. For a lot of people it takes some getting used to. But it is SO well worth it. As you can tell I'm a total fan of this system.

[-bitfart]

I'm new to sleep apnea therapy, I've only been using my Bi-pap for a little over 6 months. I'm glad to see there is a community of people who help each other navigate the challenges associated with therapy.