Sleeping with a Stoma and CPAP: Seeking Solutions for Air Leaks

Has anybody else had this problem? I have an ileostomy and am using Coloplast high-output bags at night. My problem is that I have to use a CPAP machine at night because of sleep apnea. I apparently swallow air as I sleep, which fills the bag with air and causes some leaking problems. I talked to my doctor, and they act like they have never heard of this before. Anyway, to avoid leaks, I'm having to vent the bag several times per night, which makes getting good sleep difficult. Has anyone else experienced this and found any solutions?

Hi raynelson515,

I'm sure you'll find plenty of support from the large community here. Many of us have faced similar challenges and are eager to share our experiences.

Regarding your issue, I've heard from others that using a bag with a filter can sometimes help with the air buildup. Some folks also try adjusting their sleeping position to minimize air swallowing. It might be worth experimenting with different types of bags or even consulting with a stoma nurse who might have more specific advice. You're definitely not alone in this, and I hope you find a solution that works for you soon.

This site has thousands of members, so try using the search feature to find others who might be nearby. You might even find someone around your age who has dealt with similar issues and can offer some personal advice. Good luck!

Hello raynelson515.
YES! I had this problem the very first time I used the CPAP machine. It was so bad, it blew the bag right off.
My solution was to irrigate in the evening and leave the irrigation sleeve on overnight (folded up and clipped  in such a way as to form a huge 'bag'). This lets any excessive air out of the top and contains any amount of solid or liquid output. Hence I don't have to cater to it at nighttime. However. It hasn't resolved the problem of me having to get up multiple times to pee!
I don't think you need to irrigate to be able to use the irrigation sleeve, so It should work for ileostomates as well.

Best wishes

Bill

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If you swallow air, is it because your mouth falls open in your sleep? If yes, there is a chin strap designed to keep your mouth closed. You may already know about these, but in case you don't, they can be found on Amazon.

They make a mouthpiece to specifically deal with sleep apnea. You can Google them or inquire about them with your healthcare providers.

I keep telling you guys to get a urostomy to go with your colostomy... Uninterrupted sleep awaits 🤣

How to Manage Emotions with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

Hello Susan. 
You appear to make a valid point and if I thought that it would cure my prostate and Chronic Kidney Disease, then it might be worth considering seriously. Although, there would still be the ordeal by surgery and the potential complications.
Best wishes

Bill

What kind of a mask do you use? I have a CPAP and I don't get air in my bag. I use an over-the-nose device. It covers my nose, and if you breathe through your mouth, it blows a blast of hard air through the nose mask and makes you stop breathing through your mouth. I haven't had it happen to me yet, but I am a little afraid it will happen someday. If you use nose plugs or a full mouth and nose covering, I think you are probably more likely to swallow air, but I am not sure.

I used to swallow air even prior to finding out that I had sleep apnea. And the very first thing that I was told at the sleep clinic when I was diagnosed with sleep apnea was that it would produce more gas/air in my ostomy bag. I too have an ileostomy.
I found the perfect solution was to get night drainage bags (which hold about 2 liters) that attach to my pouch (I use Coloplast SenSura Mio high output pouches) - as I have very water-like output; this gets me through a night without having to be constantly alert to see if I need to empty my bag. It holds enough that as long as I make sure that I have it lying down on the floor with no kinks, it'll easily hold all the air I swallow during the night. Although I have found that it pays to ensure that it lies under the bed so that my husband doesn't accidentally step on it when he has to get up to go to the toilet at night!

I don't know why you have had reactions from doctors who seem not to know of this phenomenon; they sound like uneducated doctors to me, as you only have to Google it and this is what it says:

"People swallow air for many reasons, including eating too fast, talking while eating, and using a CPAP machine. This condition is called aerophagia.  

Causes 
* Eating and drinking habits 
* Eating or drinking too fast, chewing gum, sucking on hard candies, drinking carbonated beverages  
 
Anxiety and stress 
Swallowing air can be a nervous habit, especially for people who are anxious or depressed  
 
CPAP machines 
Air can be swallowed while using a CPAP machine, especially if the pressure isn't set correctly  
 
Other medical conditions 
Acid reflux, gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, delayed stomach emptying, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can all contribute to swallowing air  
 
Symptoms include excessive burping or farting, bloating, and gas pain.  
 

Treatment  
 
* Reducing anxiety 
* Eating slowly without gulping 
* Avoiding carbonated beverages, chewing gum, and smoking 
* Adjusting CPAP pressure 

If you're experiencing symptoms of aerophagia, you can consult your doctor to help you figure out the cause."

 

I'd hate wearing that underneath my sleep apnea mask! I imagine that the fabric would also stop the mask from sealing properly, which would make your sleep apnea machine go nuts if there is too much air leakage.

You've got a cheeky sense of humor I enjoy!! 😂

When I first got diagnosed with diabetes, I was getting up to go to the loo almost every two hours; though these days it's no longer as bad now that I'm having insulin.
But wow, trying to find a spot to inject the insulin can be tough as I have to rotate where I inject myself, and my abdomen is covered in scars - some of which are getting tough to see these days, and injecting into a scar by accident can be extremely painful...

I found this today when exploring ostomy supplies. I was thinking it might be good for me when prepping for a colonoscopy. But it might be a game changer for people with ileostomies. I think you might be using a urostomy night bag, but that won't work for those with thicker output. I think this will.

https://products.coloplast.us/coloplast/ostomy-care/assuraalterna-hospital-assortment/assura-2-piece-ileo-night-drainage-bag/

PS Hint: Put the bag in a bin; I use a kitty litter bin, but a waste basket would work too. One day it's going to come open, and you will be so happy it was in a container. Ask me how I know. 🤣🤣🤣

My husband swears by it, but he does not use a full mask, only the one that covers the nose. jb

I have a colostomy and CPAP (full face mask) and initially was afraid I would have a problem with the bag filling up with air. I have not experienced any such problems. You may need to go back to the sleep center and have your pressure adjusted.

I use a mouth tape to cover my mouth when I sleep. I still need to get up every four hours to pee, but the mouth tape stays on. The one I use is Somnifix.

Ann

Ray, I quit my CPAP; it was too awkward, and I was too weak. However, we all swallow air when we sleep. Filtered bags will help, but they quit working and leak after a few days. Not fun to wake up at 2 a.m. and find a "Football" on my belly. Worse when it leaks. The only consistent fix is "Belching the bag." I thought about filling my high output bag with helium. Would it make me lighter? Easier to walk? ROFL! I have found that eating a big lunch and a light dinner reduced my output overnight. I slept 6+ hours and had no issues.

My dad used to sit his urostomy night bag in a washing-up bowl under the bed - saved many a disaster, especially when nurses were in a hurry.

I have an ileo and only occasionally have crazy output overnight, but I'm thinking I will ask for a sample of those Assura high-output bags! Thank you.

My CPAP machine is through the nose, not the mouth. I don't have this problem, but I am going to try taping my mouth shut, so I can only breathe through my nose. This might work for you, too?

High output bags have been a lifesaver for me, although I don't use a CPAP machine. High output bags are best for me at nighttime; I have had fewer leaks at 2 AM and poop everywhere. I sleep much better at night. Make sure you use barrier spray before putting any bag on; spray it on, let it dry, and put on your bag for extra help with sealing. I swear by it! Good luck to all on their journey!