Finally found my perfect tape alternative for mouth leaks...

[FlyingMoose]

Something like the oracle would be perfect if not for all the external parts. Perhaps something similar, with a one-way air inlet, and an air-outlet that opens at a preset pressure or at 20cm.

Or even a "hybrid" mask that uses this for the mouth part instead of it being more like a regular mask.

But I need a solution for myself and I don't have the ability to build something like that.

I looked around and there is food-grade silicone foam gasket material available, which might be a better choice. I ordered some and will post an update once I have tried it. It would also be easier to attach a tether to; I don't think the packing foam is strong enough.

[FlyingMoose]

I also just ordered a silicone baking mat to try out.

[Pugsy]

Even with my teeth touching, the air still leaks out around the sides. No one seems to believe me, but it's true.

I totally believe you. I can breathe quite easily with my teeth firmly clenched together and lip just barely open. I probably even do it while asleep sometimes but it is rare and never lasts very long and I sleep through it so I just have elected to ignore it. I don't often have really pretty leak lines but rarely have really horrible leak lines.

Good luck on your experiment. It's totally amazing what we will do to make this therapy work.
My only concern is like the others...that thing getting stuck in the back of the mouth and maybe choking on it but you are aware of that potential problem and working on a solution.
At the moment I can't think of any sort of tether to the outside to eliminate that problem but if I think of something I will post it. Where there is a will there is usually a way. Just sometimes takes a lot of trial and error to find the way.

[FlyingMoose]

At the moment I can't think of any sort of tether to the outside to eliminate that problem but if I think of something I will post it.

I am going to get a needle and some nylon thread and just make a big loop or two, leaving enough slack in the thread for there to be about 1/2" between the two pieces.

I'll probably be able to post some pictures on Monday.

[Jay Aitchsee]

Even with my teeth touching, the air still leaks out around the sides. No one seems to believe me, but it's true.

I don't know why anyone wouldn't believe you. It's pretty easy to test, I think most people can probably breathe through their mouths with teeth clenched. That's why I feel chin straps are largely ineffectual in preventing what I call throat leaks, (exhaling and leaking through the mouth due to the failure of the tongue to seal at the back).

[yaconsult]

I guess you are having fun experimenting. I have been happy with the 3M Micropore tape. I use about 1.5 inch width, fold an end over to leave a handle and then just stick about a four inch piece across my lips. The tape is slightly pourus but has enough resistance that you breathe through your nose instead. I guess people with sensitive skin might not like the tape but it is designed for sticking to skin.

[palerider]

One other thing you might try is to use a soft cervical collar to keep the jaw up after the facial muscles relax with sleep. With that in place, you will still be able to open your mouth to breathe in case of power failure.

Even with my teeth touching, the air still leaks out around the sides. No one seems to believe me, but it's true.

of course, teeth aren't airtight...

[Sir NoddinOff]

One other thing you might try is to use a soft cervical collar to keep the jaw up after the facial muscles relax with sleep. With that in place, you will still be able to open your mouth to breathe in case of power failure.

Even with my teeth touching, the air still leaks out around the sides. No one seems to believe me, but it's true.

It's a well known fact. A few years ago somebody suggested this test: With nothing covering your mouth or in it, clench your teeth together. Next pinch your nostrils and press your lips together with moderate force. Finally try to blow air out of your mouth. Pretty easy, isn't it? IMO, only complete mouth taping or a good palate/tongue seal seems to truly eliminate the air coming from your throat (of course, an FFM works too ).

[JDS74]

One other thing you might try is to use a soft cervical collar to keep the jaw up after the facial muscles relax with sleep. With that in place, you will still be able to open your mouth to breathe in case of power failure.

Even with my teeth touching, the air still leaks out around the sides. No one seems to believe me, but it's true.

I believe you about the leaks. The suggestion of the cervical collar is in addition to what you are doing.

[bryansong]

At the moment I can't think of any sort of tether to the outside to eliminate that problem but if I think of something I will post it.

I am going to get a needle and some nylon thread and just make a big loop or two, leaving enough slack in the thread for there to be about 1/2" between the two pieces.

I'll probably be able to post some pictures on Monday.

Can you just staple the tether to your chin?

[Sir NoddinOff]

At the moment I can't think of any sort of tether to the outside to eliminate that problem but if I think of something I will post it.

I know we are talking about alternatives to mouth taping but as a cautionary tale about swallowing stuff... I nearly sucked one of the Placker's teeth grinding protectors (see link below) down my throat one night. Luckily I was able to grab it with my fingertips before it slid too far down. Super scary in the middle of the night and if it ends up in your lungs then you could die, yes, I said die. I tried it one final time with a sort of 'tether' and loop I fashioned out of coat thread but it was a big PITA. The problem with the Plackers was that if it slips from its position on your back molars, then it's easy for it to fold in upon itself and head on down your throat.

I soon switched to the Doctors Nightguard teeth protector, which has the benefit of being reusable, plus you can mold it to you own teeth... mine's over a year old while still going strong. BTW, I use it every night.

This is the little nasty I nearly sucked into my lungs:
http://www.amazon.com/Plackers-Mouth-Gu ... B004TD23W2

[FlyingMoose]

From the suggestions in the forum, I have made the following improvements. I will try it tonight.

1. Using food-grade closed-cell silicone foam instead of packing material.
2. Thread tether to external strap.
3. Wide strap for comfort instead of tape which was chapping my lips.

[Sir NoddinOff]

Well, I'll say this for you... you've certainly got a creative way of thinking. I hope you can keep working on the bugs, get things presentable, plus get others involved for testing. Can you get any air leaks around the edges when the device is wet with saliva?

[FlyingMoose]

Well, I'll say this for you... you've certainly got a creative way of thinking. I hope you can keep working on the bugs, get things presentable, plus get others involved for testing. Can you get any air leaks around the edges when the device is wet with saliva?

Used it last night, my machine reported 0lpm leak.

[Jay Aitchsee]

So, how's it going Moose? Still working good? Any more refinements?