Question about air flow in back of throat

Greetings all,

Newbie here, thanks in advance for any help. Just reading the posts have been most helpful. I only wish I found this site before I purchased the CPAP machine I have (since it does only compliance data ). I have a Remstar SE (P220) and the heated humidifier. I use a ResMed Swift LT Nasal Pillows system. My prescribed pressure setting is 13. At my sleep study, I used this exact mask etc. My question is as follows, during my sleep study, and on my first night using the CPAP machine, I believe I remember air flowing (like hissing, like a tire valve being released) when I OPENED MY MOUTH while the CPAP machine was on and the mask was on my nose. The last couple nights this has changed. I now only hear that air flow when my mouth is open IF and ONLY IF I stick my tongue out. I can have the machine on, mask on nose and open my mouth and speak without any airflow in my mouth really. Is this normal?

I have tried various tightnesses on the Swift LT, and there appear to be no leaks whatsoever at my nose. I am also able to sleep just fine with the mask & machine, all night. Finally, my wife has noticed with the mask & machine on I DO NOT SNORE whatsoever anymore.

Does it appear that the CPAP machine and mask are functioning normally?

GPK-Man

Yes, it's normal.
I can yawn, stick my tongue out and talk without air escaping out my mouth...all with the mask on and pressures just a flowing.
In fact it is so normal for me now that I have to make a conscious effort to have the air try to exit through my mouth.
This is all a good thing...it took me probably 6 months to get into that habit. I can't describe what I do because I don't know what it is...I just know it works and it's a good thing.

GPKMan wrote:Greetings all,

Newbie here, thanks in advance for any help. Just reading the posts have been most helpful. I only wish I found this site before I purchased the CPAP machine I have (since it does only compliance data ). I have a Remstar SE (P220) and the heated humidifier. I use a ResMed Swift LT Nasal Pillows system. My prescribed pressure setting is 13. At my sleep study, I used this exact mask etc. My question is as follows, during my sleep study, and on my first night using the CPAP machine, I believe I remember air flowing (like hissing, like a tire valve being released) when I OPENED MY MOUTH while the CPAP machine was on and the mask was on my nose. The last couple nights this has changed. I now only hear that air flow when my mouth is open IF and ONLY IF I stick my tongue out. I can have the machine on, mask on nose and open my mouth and speak without any airflow in my mouth really. Is this normal?

I have tried various tightnesses on the Swift LT, and there appear to be no leaks whatsoever at my nose. I am also able to sleep just fine with the mask & machine, all night. Finally, my wife has noticed with the mask & machine on I DO NOT SNORE whatsoever anymore.

Does it appear that the CPAP machine and mask are functioning normally?

GPK-Man

From your description, it sounds like you are successfully sealing your mouth with your tongue. Keeping it to the roof of your mouth helps keep air from leaking out your mouth. That's important when you sleep because some people leak their therapy air out their mouths and not only is that a degradation of their therapy, but they then get "dry mouth", too.

Welcome to the forum.

Den

.

That's great news, thanks @Pugsy! For all you contribute.

GPKMan