CPAP Machine Causing Ostomy Bag to Fill with Air Overnight

Oh, no!  No wonder my pouch is full!

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Hey Tony! I understand where you are coming from totally! I got my first CPAP machine in 2010. Full face mask. Had to shave my beard and mustache off (which I had since the early 80s—now that was stressful! Ha!). Fought with that bloody machine until 2015, when I gave up. I had to get up about every three hours to burp the bag. Most often, by morning my gut extended to the point of looking like I was somewhere in the first trimester of a pregnancy and it hurt like hell for about half a day, till all the accumulated air worked its way out, then started the process all over again at night.

Five freaking years of that! The machine I had (given to me new from the medical place). They tried a different mask, didn't work any better. The machine would only adjust down to 10 lbs. I developed a pattern of not going to bed until after midnight and only getting 4 to 5 hours of sleep. That isn't cool either. I spent the next several years seeking answers on various boards but it seems like most folks didn't experience this problem or didn't want to talk about it.

Tried again in 2019 with a new style mask and machine. The same problem occurred—pouch filling with air while sleeping and air in gut retention. Quit again within several months.

In February this year, I got referred to a new sleep study. The physician really listened to me and worked hard to help try to resolve this problem. During the initial meeting, which lasted for 45 minutes, we even explored the implant as a possible solution. However, at that point I did not qualify for the implant due to my BMI—I was just over being obese at 5'9 209 lbs (sorry, don't know how many stones that is). Scheduled a study for mid-May.

I came into the study weighing 189 lbs. Not obese anymore (thank you, Mediterranean Diet). Did the study from 11 pm to 7 am. Got up once to use the loo, and I had no gut pain! Seems for me, the biggest adjustment was—not losing weight, although I'm sure that helped, but they adjusted the new machine's air output down to 4 lbs! As far as the implant went, I was 67 apnea incidences per hour in 2010, this study had me at 18-22, and very manageable!

I now wear just a nose pillow, no chin strap, and can actually sleep on my back (99% right side sleeper before). I sure hope this is the final answer!

I share my story to try to encourage you to keep trying various things and hopefully one will come together for you.

I don't know if I am an exception to the rule(s) but I have only had 1 minor blockage since 1985 when I got my Bag buddy. I eat just about anything I want—usually in moderation. Ha! However, I don't eat cauliflower, rutabagas, or corn on the cob. Ha! (gas, gas, and corn works under the wafer barrier.)

Keep in mind, due to the fact we have no control over when and little control over how much output, most ileostomates do have to get up sometime during the night. We cherish the few nights a year where we sleep all night long!

Sorry this got long-winded. Ask me any questions and I will try to help anyone. Can connect off board if you feel you need to. I have had my ileo since 1985, so I have lived through a lot! Not a doctor and all I share is personal experiences. Ha!