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+--- Thread: [CPAP] Swallowing air (/Thread-CPAP-Swallowing-air)
Swallowing air - tk29 - 04-22-2015
Hi! I am new to CPAP therapy and need some "help".
I have the ResMed S9 and an using a FFM (ResMed AirFit F10) at this time. Surprisingly I get more claustrophobic with the nasal masks and pillows than the FFM. However, I am a very active side and tummy sleeper. I CAN and have been sleeping this way with my FFM surprisingly with no problems (using pillows and blankets creatively). BUT, I have woken up several times with very painful air bubbles in my chest during the night. Why? When I fall asleep with my mouth open I still don't "breathe" from it. I noticed last night when my mouth even slightly started to open air was being rushed into my cheeks. Any fix for this?
I'm thinking about switching to the Wisp so I can sleep more or longer on my tummy side (with less face marks) but need you guy's advice. Finally, I was also told it was "dangerous" to open your mouth or try to breathe with it open if you are using a nasal mask. Should I be scared? HELP!!!
RE: Swallowing air - worn_out_in_lebanon - 04-22-2015
I get some air if I am swallowing while sleeping or going to sleep. Like when I had a head cold a week ago and some post-nasal drip going on. Or if I'm still salivating a bit if I mask up too soon after brushing my teeth.
RE: Swallowing air - trish6hundred - 04-22-2015
Hi tk29,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Swallowing air, (aerophagia,) is fairly common with CPAP therapy.
You can use pillows to raise your head or, raise the head of your bed some and see if that will help with that.
Hang in there for more suggestions and much success to you with your CPAP therapy.
RE: Swallowing air - OpalRose - 04-22-2015
(04-22-2015, 03:41 PM)tk29 Wrote: Hi! I am new to CPAP therapy and need some "help".
I have the ResMed S9 and an using a FFM (ResMed AirFit F10) at this time. Surprisingly I get more claustrophobic with the nasal masks and pillows than the FFM. However, I am a very active side and tummy sleeper. I CAN and have been sleeping this way with my FFM surprisingly with no problems (using pillows and blankets creatively). BUT, I have woken up several times with very painful air bubbles in my chest during the night. Why? When I fall asleep with my mouth open I still don't "breathe" from it. I noticed last night when my mouth even slightly started to open air was being rushed into my cheeks. Any fix for this?
I'm thinking about switching to the Wisp so I can sleep more or longer on my tummy side (with less face marks) but need you guy's advice. Finally, I was also told it was "dangerous" to open your mouth or try to breathe with it open if you are using a nasal mask. Should I be scared? HELP!!!
Hi tk29,
Welcome to the world of CPAP!
If you are thinking of switching to a nasal mask or a nasal pillow mask, you will have to breath through your nose only. I've never heard of it being "dangerous" to open your mouth during therapy, but there are unpleasant side effects....dry mouth, large leaks. If you open your mouth, the air will escape, and depending on how often that happens, it could affect your therapy. Your machine cannot accurately detect apneas if you have a lot of leaks.
You can try a chin strap to keep your mouth from opening. There is also a trick to keep your tongue to the roof of your mouth with the tip of your tongue behind your front teeth. This creates a seal, so that air cannot escape should you open your mouth. This takes practice, but once you master it, you will notice a difference.