Can Using a CPAP Machine Cause Bloating?

A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is a machine used in order to keep your airways open as you sleep. It is normally used in the treatment of sleep apnea. Some of the key advantages of using a CPAP machine are improvement in the quality of sleep and wakefulness during the day, and such long-term effects as the decreased risk of hypertension and stroke.

Nonetheless, even with its numerous advantages, a CPAP machine does have some side effects that would not allow some individuals to use it. But some effects can be minimized by using a CPAP cleaner like from CleanCPAP as they are best in this field. Aerophagia is one of such side effects. This condition can be referred to as CPAP belly in individuals who use CPAP machine.

Symptoms of Bloating:

There is the possibility of bloating following the use of a CPAP machine. The following symptoms of abdominal bloating may be experienced in such cases:

• Abdominal swelling
• Fullness in your stomach
• Abdominal pain
• An enlarged stomach (distention)

In addition to bloating, movement of excessive air in your stomach due to CPAP use may also result into flatulence and burgering.

Causes:

The principle of the CPAP is that it supplies an uninterrupted stream of air which maintains the upper airways open. The trachea is the opening of the airway that takes air to bronchi and the lung. The aperture opening into the esophagus and stomach is close to the opening of the trachea.

The excess air of the air in the mouth or nose may also enter your esophagus, which can result in a lot of air passing to your stomach. However, this does not disrupt the effectiveness of your CPAP machine to cure your sleep apnea. But it can lead to gassiness.

Nonetheless, you can experience other types of aerophagia in your life. Consumption of carbonated, bubbles drinks may lead to you swallowing a lot of air. So can eating fast, chewing gum and using a straw.

What is the duration of bloating and gas following the use of a CPAP?

Clinically speaking, there is no data to indicate an approximate time frame of bloating due to a CPAP machine. Theoretically, though, when you are getting this side effect, it is possible that the bloating can extend as long as you are using CPAP.

A 2023 study of users of CPAP reported that aerophagia symptoms reduced significantly in 1 year with a change to another form of positive pressure therapy, including bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP).

CPAP Machine Parameters and The Management of Aerophagia:

In the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea through the use of a CPAP machine, some users develop aerophagia, or excessive air swallowing during sleep, unless the therapy is properly optimized. This may cause discomfort such as bloating, stomach pain, and a sensation of fullness. Aerophagia occurs when the positive airway pressure created by the CPAP device pushes excess air that the body cannot comfortably manage, particularly when pressure settings exceed individual needs. Ensuring device reliability and precision—often achieved through collaboration with a Medical contract manufacturer such as AMT Pte Ltd—plays an important role in delivering consistent airflow performance in medical devices.
The first step in managing aerophagia is understanding how CPAP machine settings affect the amount of air delivered and carefully monitoring their impact on user comfort. If the pressure is set higher than required, the likelihood of swallowing air increases, leading to excess air in the digestive tract. Features such as ramp settings, which gradually increase pressure as the user falls asleep, and expiratory pressure relief (EPR or C-Flex), which lowers pressure during exhalation, can significantly reduce the risk of excessive air swallowing.