Bloating is a possible symptom associated with using a CPAP machine, as it can cause excess air in your stomach.

A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is a device that helps to keep your airways open during sleep. It’s typically prescribed for the treatment of sleep apnea.

Using a CPAP machine offers important benefits that may include better sleep quality and daytime wakefulness, as well as long-term benefits like a reduced risk of high blood pressure and stroke.

However, despite its wide range of benefits, a CPAP machine can also carry certain side effects that can possibly prevent some people from being able to use this device. One such side effect is aerophagia. Also called “CPAP belly,” this condition is caused by excess air in the stomach.

Learn more about how a CPAP machine may cause bloating from aerophagia, and consider speaking with a doctor if you’re experiencing possible symptoms and seek treatment.

It’s possible to experience bloating after using a CPAP machine. In such cases, you may notice the following symptoms of abdominal bloating:

  • abdominal swelling
  • feelings of fullness in your stomach
  • abdominal pain
  • a larger-than-normal stomach (distention)

Along with bloating, excess air in your stomach associated with CPAP use can also cause flatulence and burping.

Some people who use CPAP machines experience bloating when they swallow pressurized air from the devices.

Bloating is often a symptom of excess gas in your digestive tract. In the case of CPAP use, bloating may be caused by too much air in your stomach.

While swallowing small amounts of air is normal, taking in an excessive amount can cause gas buildup in your stomach.

There’s no clinical data to suggest an estimated timeline for bloating from a CPAP machine. In theory, however, if you’re experiencing this side effect, the bloating may possibly last for as long as you continue CPAP treatment.

One 2023 sleep study of CPAP users found that symptoms of aerophagia significantly decreased within 1 year of switching to a different type of positive pressure treatment, such as bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP).

If you have bloating from excess air in your stomach, it’s possible for your belly to swell and look larger than normal. You may even notice your clothes fitting differently.

Taken together, these can make it feel like you’ve gained weight, but it’s not the same thing.

Excess gas in your abdomen can also lead to other gastrointestinal issues. These may include diarrhea and constipation, as well as pain and gassiness.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms after using a CPAP machine, it may be possible that you’re taking in too much air in your stomach. This is especially the case if you also have stomach bloating.

However, changes in bowel movements can be attributed to numerous possible causes, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). It’s important to speak with a doctor so they can rule these out.

The best way to treat bloating caused by excess air is to remove the source. In this case, chronic CPAP bloating may be resolved by stopping use of the device and choosing a different treatment option.

For example, one 2018 clinical review investigated whether switching to a BiPAP machine from a CPAP device could improve aerophagia symptoms. Of the 14 people studied, 10 of them experienced complete symptom relief.

Like a CPAP device, a BiPAP machine delivers air pressure. Rather than continuous delivery of the CPAP machine, though, a BiPAP device can be controlled with two different levels. This may result in fewer incidents of excess air in your stomach.

In theory, while bloating may still be possible with a BiPAP machine, the way the device delivers controlled air pressure might pose a reduced risk of aerophagia compared with a CPAP. For these reasons, a doctor might consider a BiPAP if a CPAP is not working for you.

Additionally, a doctor may recommend other treatments and lifestyle changes that may decrease the amount of air you swallow, such as:

  • taking over-the-counter anti-gas products
  • learning to eat slowly
  • avoiding carbonated drinks
  • not drinking out of straws
  • avoiding hard candies or chewing gum
  • checking to see that dentures are not loose
  • quitting smoking, if you smoke

If you’re experiencing bloating from using a CPAP machine, you should stop using the device and contact a doctor. You should also contact them right away if you’re experiencing any other symptoms of stomach discomfort, including abdominal pain or changes in your bowel movements.

Additionally, you might consider speaking with a doctor about other possible side effects of using a CPAP machine. Aside from bloating, these can include:

  • skin irritation from the mask
  • nosebleeds
  • dry mouth
  • runny nose
  • nasal congestion

What is CPAP belly syndrome?

CPAP belly syndrome (CBS) is a condition that describes significant abdominal distention as a result of air accumulation in the digestive tract. While first identified in 1992 as a condition that affected preterm infants, CBS may also affect some adults who use CPAP devices.

Is CPAP aerophagia dangerous?

Aerophagia alone isn’t necessarily dangerous, including cases caused by CPAP machines.

However, it’s possible for severe aerophagia to increase your risk of developing a rare but serious condition called gastric volvulus. Sudden abdominal distention, pain, and vomiting are all possible symptoms that warrant medical attention.

Bloating is considered a common side effect of using a CPAP machine. It’s caused by swallowing excessive amounts of air from the device while you sleep.

While not inherently dangerous, bloating may be uncomfortable and interfere with your daily activities. For these reasons, a doctor might recommend treatment modifications, including switching to a different type of machine.

If you’re experiencing ongoing problems with bloating or any other issues from your CPAP machine, consider speaking with a doctor.