Sleeptalker, What brand and model CPAP and mask are you using? The bloating can be the initial getting used to CPAP or your sucking in too much air if your using a full face mask or leaks if you are using nasal pillows or a nasal mask.

Sleeptalker, I read a previous post and saw it's the Resmed Air Sense 10 & FP Eson nasal mask, the setting on the airsense you may need to adjust is the EPR, this allows a longer breake between when you exhale and inhale. On the nasal mask and the stomach bloating, it could be mouth leaks. Have you tried a chin strap or possibly a full face mask.
There is software I can point you to that will show you your leak rates per minute and graph your AHI etc through the night.
I can suggest another website that I am on that maybe able to give you some more suggestion, we have 35,000 members and it is totally dedicated to just sleep apnea.

Hi Tez, I will make the adjustment you suggest to see if that helps. I am interested in the software, would be interested to see how Im going. I dont always remember to check the machine in the morning but on occassion I have it has been a little high. Doctor said it needs to be under 5 per hour and I notice some nights it was 4 - 4.5 but last night it was 2 so Im all over the shop. I have not tried a chin strap but may need to consider it. saw a video last week on how to convert a base ball cap with velcro straps..not sure how I will go with that bad enough having the pressure on my face all night with the mask let alone wearing a hat with a chin strap as well, What is the other site, the information learnt is invaluable.Thank you for your help.

Sleeptalker, try this link for the website
http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Forum-Main-Apnea-Board-Forum
I'm a monitor on the forum so monitor for scammers or trolls. You can get the software from the site, I will give you the link below and some more informative links.
There are two lots of Software, I use Sleepyhead but there is also ResScan, both are free for the site.
http://sourceforge.net/projects/sleepyhead Link to Sleepyhead

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuAnzBVWYD4 Link to Sleepyhead Youtube Video part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmhXkmeJDIM Link to Sleepyhead Youtube Video part 2

On your figures, which are called AHI (Apnea Hypopnea Index) or how many times you stop breathing per hour on average for 10 sec's of less, anything below 5 is considered good but the lower the better. 4 - 4.5 is Ok but 2 is better, when you load up the software you will be able to tell what is causeing it, it sounds like leaks, so the chin strap may help or you may want to try a full face mask.
Some leaks are ok, when you look at the software you want your 95% leaks to be below 24L, good luck and let me know how you go.

Thanks Tez, I will let you know how I go, I have joined apneaboard.
Cheers!

Hi Sleeptalker,

This sounds very frustrating and one of the many reasons I tried to avoid using a CPAP like the plague! However, it is one of the best solutions for helping with sleep apnea/snoring etc., but just difficult to adjust to.

I know you've already invested some time and money into your CPAP machine, but have you ever considered using an anti-snoring mouthpiece? Just do a google search under "Top snoring devices," or "Best anti-snoring mouthpieces'. A lot of them are known to help with mild obstructive sleep apnea. It's worth looking into other options as you never really know what you will find!

Good luck!