Anyone else dealt with someone who gurgles in their sleep?

I would take him to a specialist who specializes in regarding the respiratory system in order to get the right answers. I'll probably want to see his chest x-rays, and if he has no current ones they'll probably want to take some

It sounds to me like fluids are getting into his airway and you really need to prop him up in bed so that he doesn't drown in the fluids. What I would also do is get this immediately addressed by taking him either to his doctor or the hospital because you really don't want this killing him, especially if it's pneumonia

Forgot to mention, has been seen by all his doctors in past two weeks, none of whom offered more than guesses.

Thank you everyone for your responses. It is good to have support from many sources. Some of you touched on my concern of aspiration, since the fluid is a thin mucus which at times bubbles out of his mouth. Anyway, so far, using his respiratory vest once more during the night seems to relieve the problem and soothes him back to sleep.

K. Can try another 5degree to 55 in some this lottle extra bit made difference.

Sunctioning a possibility if think possibe ?aspiration?
Pass this by doctor next visit.

HI Newyorker,

I have heard of this particular ailment. It is not one that is unheard of in the medical community however rare. The answer I received was not for a new prescription rather for a change of sleeping position. Certainly, Acid Reflux medication may also help relieve this.

Does the gurgling bother this person? I am not sure I read the answer to this problem. If the gurgling is not interfering with their sleep or creating significant issues for the person we need to rethink the level of concern in this circumstance. The answer should be based on answer to this question. Certainly when caring for individuals and family it is very important to look for answers. However, while gaining my educational and working in this field, it has been amazing how frequently there are answers to questions that were not brought up previously.

Another answer to this question is:

Sleeping position when lying flat in bed allows the acids and stomach liquids to rise up and then may go into the lungs. Sleeping in a more upright position may help. Please consult the physicians and ask about this solution.

Try Singular at night and see if that helps (prescription).

This is just a guess - some people have a more fleshy soft palette. When they sleep - usually on their backs - the soft palette kind of relaxes back and down towards the throat and airway. This is partially responsible for snoring - these snores have more of a rhythmic vibration type of sound vs a nasel-y snorting type snore. With your husband having pneumonia perhaps mucus is present turning the vibration sound into a gurgle-y one. Just a thought.

The hospice nurse told be to try repositioning him on his side. She said sometimes that opens up the airways by being in a different position. But, if I were you and with his other complications, I would check in with the doctor and see what he/she advises.

BECKYtodd1, Thank you for your kind response. Head of bed is always elevated 50 degrees. He has bacterial pneumonia. I have been using his respiratory vest, one additional time in the middle of the night. So far, that seems to be helping. I know he is living on borrowed time, so to speak, but I want to keep him as comfortable as possible while he is here. Today is our 54 year anniversary and thanks be to God, my husband is alert and comfortable.

You didnt say what type pneumonia.
Is asperation pneumonia possible.
Try elevating head of bed or proping him up to 45 degrees or 55 degrees when he sleep see if that helps w gurgling.