Bloating anyone? Drooling?

Hi Kate,
This all sounds so familiar.
I'm a mouth breather so the nasal mask wouldn't work. I found a fit in a full face mask. I couldn't stand it. It leaked constantly. They had the air set so it was like a someone started a plane and it went into full pressure right away, then settled down. That was reset as soon as a doctor could write the order. With the non-fit, it didn't work. They gave me similar one. I really struggled with that and because of all of them, I absolutely stopped using c-pap. Silly me for thinking that was all there was. I just needed to work with someone who let me try more than a few masks, because they do fit different.

The main thing to do was to make sure that I had the right size. Then to find the fit that I needed. The one was perfect. They also showed me how to adjust the fit and that might be to slide my fingers along the edges, which I struggle with when my allergies are misbehaving. That sometimes makes a difference and provides a seal. This works without allergies the best. I sometimes have to adjust the top and side straps as well.


Drooling, that's the worst feeling. Sometimes I'm sensing it and not drooling as it isn't wet. When I do drool, it's always out the right side which is strange, I usually sleep on my left side.

I find that if I get frustrated, I take the headgear off for 10 minutes up to 1/2 minutes. Then I do something for this short time that helps me to relax, maybe even to come here and to say hello.

Never give up. There are enough people here to offer suggestions. Hopefully your doctor and his/her staff know what is the best things or maybe they will refer you to a Sleep Doctor.

I wish you well.
Janet (SleepApnea.sleep-disorders.net)

Waking up bloated and filled with air can come from swallowing the air at night. You should reach out to your Sleep Specialist and talk to them about this problem. You may need your pressure adjusted down by one or something. Warmly, Lisa (SleepApnea.Sleep-Disorders.net Team Member and Advocate)

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea about 7 years ago. I have tried a few different masks, but started using the nasal mask until my sinuses started acting up causing me to breathe through my mouth way too much. I had to switch to the full face mask a few months ago. I have more air leaks with that thing than I ever did with the nasal mask, so I will be going back to the nasal one.
With the drooling, I think many of us drool while asleep. Yes, IBS is different, I have that as well.
The bloat is an unfortunate side effect of using a cpap. If it gets too bothersome, let your sleep doctor know, maybe they can offer suggestions or advice on how to lessen it?
T