mouth piece to keep mouth closed

So I have been using a Dreamware for about two years now. However, I have to use it with a chin strap or else I have mouth breathing problems and wake up with ultra dry mouth. I still get that some even with the strap. I have been sticking with it because my AHI is about 1.0 and I don't have any alternatives (yet).

Recently, I saw an ad for the CPAP Pro and Pro II (Nomask). I did a little digging and it didn't get much positive play here on this forum. That search led me to the TAP PAP which is similar. Those devices got me thinking. Maybe there is just a mouthgaurd type device that will hold my mouth closed. I don't really need a new mask or air interface as the dreamware has been fine. I just want something that works better than the chin strap to keep my mouth closed and is maybe more comfortable.

So is there such a thing? Simply a mold-able mouth piece that would hold my mouth closed.

rhodesengr wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 21, 2018 5:56 pm

So I have been using a Dreamware for about two years now. However, I have to use it with a chin strap or else I have mouth breathing problems and wake up with ultra dry mouth. I still get that some even with the strap. I have been sticking with it because my AHI is about 1.0 and I don't have any alternatives (yet).

Recently, I saw an ad for the CPAP Pro and Pro II (Nomask). I did a little digging and it didn't get much positive play here on this forum. That search led me to the TAP PAP which is similar. Those devices got me thinking. Maybe there is just a mouthgaurd type device that will hold my mouth closed. I don't really need a new mask or air interface as the dreamware has been fine. I just want something that works better than the chin strap to keep my mouth closed and is maybe more comfortable.

So is there such a thing? Simply a mold-able mouth piece that would hold my mouth closed.

Some people use boil & bite mouthguards, like those used by athletes. I have not personally tried it.

if you're using a chinstrap and you still breathe thru your mouth it's your lips that are opening. nothing short of taping will keep them closed.

I am not aware of any appliance to keep the mouth closed beside a chin strap. I have been using the Ultimate Chin Strap for 8 years to keep my mouth closed and to limit mouth leaking.

rhodesengr wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 21, 2018 5:56 pm

So I have been using a Dreamware for about two years now. However, I have to use it with a chin strap or else I have mouth breathing problems and wake up with ultra dry mouth. I still get that some even with the strap. I have been sticking with it because my AHI is about 1.0 and I don't have any alternatives (yet).

Recently, I saw an ad for the CPAP Pro and Pro II (Nomask). I did a little digging and it didn't get much positive play here on this forum. That search led me to the TAP PAP which is similar. Those devices got me thinking. Maybe there is just a mouthgaurd type device that will hold my mouth closed. I don't really need a new mask or air interface as the dreamware has been fine. I just want something that works better than the chin strap to keep my mouth closed and is maybe more comfortable.

So is there such a thing? Simply a mold-able mouth piece that would hold my mouth closed.

Yep, do a search on Amazon for an "Adult Pacifier"...

interesting but how does they keep your mouth closed?

here's an alternative to chinstrap or tape-

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=112758&st=0&sk=t&sd ... i#p1086296

i use this method for keeping my big yap closed. though i've never used a mouth guard.

also, to help combat dry mouth, i use yxlimelts. it's a lozenge you keep between teeth and gums. it slowly melts overnight, giving you sort of an artificial saliva. you should be to find it at your local drugstore. it's OTC so no prescription.

Mikebear wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 22, 2018 11:00 am

Yep, do a search on Amazon for an "Adult Pacifier"...

That seems like a rabbit hole where you can find all kinds of um "appliances" that would do the job.

chartle wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 22, 2018 2:12 pm

Mikebear wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 22, 2018 11:00 am

Yep, do a search on Amazon for an "Adult Pacifier"...

That seems like a rabbit hole where you can find all kinds of um "appliances" that would do the job.

It's totally serious.

I have the same problem, I saw someone mention the use of boil and bite mouth guards and how they could help keep your mouth closed. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005VYK3 ... UTF8&psc=1
I got one and tried to use it one night. Problem was that it was uncomfortable and I couldn't sleep very well. And in my half sleep state, I started wondering about whether it's bpa free or not, so I ended up taking it out. I still haven't tried again, and I'm still worried about it being bpa free. So I don't really have any answer for you. I've tried the headband over my mouth, that didn't really work. I tried taping my mouth last night, and while my mouth didn't get dry, it didn't do any favors for my ahi... Not sure if it had anything to do with it or not, but my ahi was higher than normal.

Mikebear wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 22, 2018 11:00 am

rhodesengr wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 21, 2018 5:56 pm

So I have been using a Dreamware for about two years now. However, I have to use it with a chin strap or else I have mouth breathing problems and wake up with ultra dry mouth. I still get that some even with the strap. I have been sticking with it because my AHI is about 1.0 and I don't have any alternatives (yet).

Recently, I saw an ad for the CPAP Pro and Pro II (Nomask). I did a little digging and it didn't get much positive play here on this forum. That search led me to the TAP PAP which is similar. Those devices got me thinking. Maybe there is just a mouthgaurd type device that will hold my mouth closed. I don't really need a new mask or air interface as the dreamware has been fine. I just want something that works better than the chin strap to keep my mouth closed and is maybe more comfortable.

So is there such a thing? Simply a mold-able mouth piece that would hold my mouth closed.

Yep, do a search on Amazon for an "Adult Pacifier"...

Please provide a link to a specific product that stops mouth leaking. Have you tried it?

MoodyMolly wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 22, 2018 2:27 pm

I have the same problem, I saw someone mention the use of boil and bite mouth guards and how they could help keep your mouth closed. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005VYK3 ... UTF8&psc=1
I got one and tried to use it one night. Problem was that it was uncomfortable and I couldn't sleep very well. And in my half sleep state, I started wondering about whether it's bpa free or not, so I ended up taking it out. I still haven't tried again, and I'm still worried about it being bpa free. So I don't really have any answer for you. I've tried the headband over my mouth, that didn't really work. I tried taping my mouth last night, and while my mouth didn't get dry, it didn't do any favors for my ahi... Not sure if it had anything to do with it or not, but my ahi was higher than normal.

You need to see your sleep data (sleepyhead) to see if leaking was improved.

MoodyMolly wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 22, 2018 2:27 pm

I have the same problem, I saw someone mention the use of boil and bite mouth guards and how they could help keep your mouth closed. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005VYK3 ... UTF8&psc=1
I got one and tried to use it one night. Problem was that it was uncomfortable and I couldn't sleep very well. And in my half sleep state, I started wondering about whether it's bpa free or not, so I ended up taking it out. I still haven't tried again, and I'm still worried about it being bpa free. So I don't really have any answer for you. I've tried the headband over my mouth, that didn't really work. I tried taping my mouth last night, and while my mouth didn't get dry, it didn't do any favors for my ahi... Not sure if it had anything to do with it or not, but my ahi was higher than normal.

You need to see your sleep data (sleepyhead) to see if leaking was improved.

Hi Rhodesengr ~~~

I also use the Dreamwear mask and find it really comfortable.

I had an unusual and unfortunate experience that does have one silver lining that I can share with you.

Either the apnea itself or (most likely) the cpap and the mask caused me to have sore teeth when I first began treatment. I did not pay attention or realize the possible consequences in time and one morning about six months after beginning cpap my perfect teeth had shifted. I ran to my dentist that morning in an emergency sobbing panic only to find out that it was NOT going to be a quick fix.

I had begun a type of "tongue thrusting", again this was either from the apnea itself or from the way I adjusted to the pressure from the cpap / mask and my tongue placement while keeping my mouth shut.

I wore braces - FULL METAL BRACES and power bands - for six months. My teeth are straight again with no gap but they are shaped differently then they had been my whole life. Kinda too perfect and 'fakey' now. Compared to other things I've endured in the last few years it's not the end of the world and my teeth are probably still in the 99th percentile of chicks my age. LOL ~~~So I'll b!t%h about other things besides my new smile.

Unfortunately, I still freaking tongue thrust? WT eff, right?

So, I now have to wear permanent retainers (very thin permanently bonded metal wire behind teeth) - top and bottom 24/7 which keeps everything in place AND ...

...here's the reason I posted ...

I wear clear retainers top and bottom each night that are kinda like 'invisaligns'.
They are VERY "grippy" and toally keep my mouth closed.

The unexpected silver lining is that it is so dang easy now to keep my mouth shut and my leak rate is great.

I have to soak the liners in polydent to clean them each morning and I put them in when I go to sleep. I am able to grind and tongue thrust to my hearts content and all the while keep my teeth perfect.

The way the two pieces of plastic fit together forms a tight seal. They are comfortable and custom made. I do always pop in a therabreath drymouth mint too just to keep things extra moist. Moisture prevents cavities. Also these permanent retainers require a lot of maintenance with electric toothbrushes and waterpiks and a myriad other accoutrements. ... but I like my teeth so it's worth it.

If only I had known about this when I first felt teeth sensitivity I could have gotten the retainers made immediately and just worn them with the cpap. That would have prevented all of this extra issue. But hey? Life sucks sometimes and you just have to do the best you can.

I hope maybe this post will help someone maybe keep their teeth from shifting or else help them keep their mouth closed with these retainers. I would never have believed how much they would help with keeping my mouth tight if I hadn't experienced it first hand. And I think the ability to really grind has had other jaw and muscle benefits. Who knew I wanted to do that? Not me?

I am 99% sure that invisaligns would work the same "grippy" way if you had some teeth that needed a little adjustment.
(Bonus!)

I'm guessing "boil and bite" might be similar but I am sure they can't hold a candle to perfectly fitted top and bottom molds.

...that's my story!


Good Luck!

~~~grace

greatunclebill wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 21, 2018 6:27 pm

if you're using a chinstrap and you still breathe thru your mouth it's your lips that are opening. nothing short of taping will keep them closed.

A stretchy cloth headband is surprisingly effective.