I have pretty sever sleep apnea and sleep with a cpap machine with a setting of 18, for those of you familiar that's a pretty high rate. My question is in regards to post op and using my CPAP, I get A LOT of air in my stomach and then into my bowels from the machine. I'm concerned how this would affect my stomach post-op as far as discomfort and any dangers it could pose.

Thank you

I also have severe apnea. I used my machine while in hospital but did not use it for a few days post op because the air was causing me pain. Probably not the best decision though.

I use a BI-Pap and had to make an appointment with my sleep doctor soon after surgery to adjust my settings. My machine was so old I was able to get a new one that automatically adjusts the pressure.

I was concerned about air in my stomach after surgery as well and made the decision to not use the machine while in the hospital. The surgeon said I should use it. I did start using the machine again at home and googled how to adjust the pressure. I'm not recommending that you do that, but it did work for me. The machine adjusts within a range, if necessary and so far I feel like I'm sleeping ok. The diagnostic on the machine is showing few apnea events and the pressure seems to stay in the 13 range.

Don't be afraid to ask your medical team any question.

• Thank you everyone, I am due for another sleep study but would like to wait awhile after surgery to see the most changes. I may see about adjusting the settings if necessary on my own since it is considered my machine now. I will bring it for surgery and play it by ear and also discuss with my current physician.

Thank you for the advice.

I didn't have to have a new sleep study to get the new adjustable machine.

I would just not use it. I never got much sleep in the hospital. Just make sure the head of your bed is elevated while sleeping.