ANY OPTIONS OTHER THAN FULL MASK OR CHIN STRAP FOR OPEN MOUTH

[ZOEBK]

I’ve finally figured out my mouth is opening occasionally. And I will wake up with swollen tongue dry mouth and throat its awful and doesn’t go away quickly. I love the nasal mask cause its comfortable. I’ve tried one chinstrap its awful. Feel like i’m Strangeling. The smaller dreamwear mask I first started with is ok but i’m trying to side sleep and it will sometimes leak. Are there any other options people have found that work? thanks so much. BK

[Pugsy]

You could try Jay and Zonker's scunci to help keep the mouth closed.
viewtopic/p1089718/viewtopic.php?f=1&t= ... s#p1086296

You could also try simply taping your mouth closed.

You could also try wearing a soft cervical collar to help keep the chin up so it is less likely to drop and let the mouth open.

[prodigyplace]

Some have also tried a cervical collar.

[Nick Danger]

A cervical collar has worked wonders for me!

[edfreeman]

Speaking of cervical collars, I found a newer one that supports my chin much better than the others I've used/tried. This one:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D3 ... =UTF8&th=1

Has a soft foam against the skin, a harder support foam in the core that doesn't compress easily at all, and those little "bolsters" on the side of the chin keep the jaw aligned better than all others I've had. Make sure you have an idea on sizing (measure twice, cut once), I bought the 3.5" one shown since my Dr. Dakota was a little over 3" and flopped around under the chin, but also bought the 4" version that doesn't really have such a hard foam in the core and it is too tall to sleep in, I think (though it holds the head in position very well).

[zonker]

You could try Jay and Zonker's scunci to help keep the mouth closed.
viewtopic/p1089718/viewtopic.php?f=1&t= ... s#p1086296

You could also try simply taping your mouth closed.

You could also try wearing a soft cervical collar to help keep the chin up so it is less likely to drop and let the mouth open.

+1 to the OP, i don't tape because i'm a full bearded fellow and couldn't get a satisfactory adhesion. i use the scunic method (hairbands, in other words.) that pugsy has linked. but i slightly modified it to keep my big yap closed.

what it does is keep your lips together and slightly pressed against the teeth. used with a foam cervical collar, my jaw doesn't sag and the lips don't part.

i highly recommend it.

[Sluggish]

My suggestion would be to at least try a full face mask. Order from CPAP.com and use the 30 day window.

I struggled with nasal masks for a long time because I just loved the idea of having my face open and the comfort and minimalism etc.. But after I got to the point where I was taping, using a head strap, a cervical brace, and nasal spray every night I really had to question the ‘minimal’ concept that I had in mind when first starting out. I eventually realized that I was just never going to stop the mouth leaks. Basically if anything happens to your nasal passages during the night that restricts airflow, your body will naturally default to the mouth and eventually push through the tape or override the chin strap etc.. In my case, my nasal passages would often dry out (even with humidity cranked) causing them to swell and narrow the airway. Other times the vents on the front of my mask would become clogged from condensation associated with the humidity. Whatever the case may be, everything has to be perfect for success and this is especially true of nasal masks (in my experience anyway).
Now I’m using a FFM and have a new set of issues to iron out but at least I don’t have to bother with any of the pre-bedtime rituals. I can just throw the mask on and go. Breathing through mouth or nose or both without even thinking about it. Might be worth a shot for you. Just my 2¢

[Chris8243]

You could try Jay and Zonker's scunci to help keep the mouth closed.
viewtopic/p1089718/viewtopic.php?f=1&t= ... s#p1086296

You could also try simply taping your mouth closed.

You could also try wearing a soft cervical collar to help keep the chin up so it is less likely to drop and let the mouth open.

+1 to the OP, i don't tape because i'm a full bearded fellow and couldn't get a satisfactory adhesion. i use the scunic method (hairbands, in other words.) that pugsy has linked. but i slightly modified it to keep my big yap closed.

what it does is keep your lips together and slightly pressed against the teeth. used with a foam cervical collar, my jaw doesn't sag and the lips don't part.

i highly recommend it.

A picture is worth a thousand words. Perhaps you can share one Zonker?

[zonker]

A picture is worth a thousand words. Perhaps you can share one Zonker?

<sigh> you meddling kids!!

okay. graphic content warning.

NSFW.


viewer discretion is advised.

poster holds no responsibility to how the individual forum may react to the following image.

press 911 and hold before you hit enter.


you have been warned.

IMG_0081.JPG

[carbonman]

Poligrip strips. Cut to fit your lips.
Glues them shut.
Been there, done that.....got the FFM.

Never ceases to amaze me what folks
will do to avoid a FFM.

Do what you can,
with what you have,
where you're at.

[zonker]

Poligrip strips. Cut to fit your lips.
Glues them shut.
Been there, done that.....got the FFM.

Never ceases to amaze me what folks
will do to avoid a FFM.

Do what you can,
with what you have,
where you're at.

yes, if only everyone was as wise as you.

a full face mask does NOT work for me. the rig i have above helps me keep my ahi in 0.50 range.

it works for ME, just as a full face mask works for YOU.

so less of the holier than thou attitude, okay?

thanks!

[USMCVet]

When my pressure was increased I had problems with my mouth popping open intermittently as well. What I noticed was that slowly it was happening less and less and now I'm fine. I tried that strap and didn't like it and my fiance didn't like me using a full face mask. Good luck.

[chunkyfrog]

I have not been able to wear a full face mask.
They are not made to fit my delightfully unique (and gorgeous) face.
Cpap treatment reduced my need to breathe through my mouth.
Reduction has been sufficient to attain acceptable leak numbers.
I use my heated humidifier and hose year round.

[prodigyplace]

I have not been able to wear a full face mask.
They are not made to fit my delightfully unique (and gorgeous) face.
Cpap treatment reduced my need to breathe through my mouth.
Reduction has been sufficient to attain acceptable leak numbers.
I use my heated humidifier and hose year round.

Fully Agreed, I cannot use a full face mask either,

Fortunately, most of us realize people are individuals with differing needs.

[carbonman]

Poligrip strips. Cut to fit your lips.
Glues them shut.
Been there, done that.....got the FFM.

A simple solution that worked very well for me....
and synopsis of my cpap equipment progression.

Never ceases to amaze me what folks
will do to avoid a FFM.

A personal observation and opinion.

Do what you can,
with what you have,
where you're at.

A simple quote from Squire Bill Widener that gives YOU
the leeway to do whatever YOU need to do to be successful.

yes, if only everyone was as wise as you.

...pity....