Thumb Sucking answers?

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lazurm

Thumb Sucking answers?

Post by lazurm » Thu Jul 31, 2014 5:32 am

If one still sucks their thumb while sleeping, what can be done for sleep apnea. I expect "stop sucking your thumb" and more, but I'm interested in practical answers only.

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Krelvin
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Re: Thumb Sucking answers?

Post by Krelvin » Thu Jul 31, 2014 5:44 am

Full face mask will eliminate that as you can't without taking the mask off.
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Re: Thumb Sucking answers?

Post by ShelaghDB » Thu Jul 31, 2014 6:04 am

I'm not sure a full face mask will eliminate it in practise, although in theory it should. I would think that the need to suck ones thumb is to great otherwise i doubt the poster would be here asking how to stop.
My guess would be that the full face mask would be taken off of the face if the desire to suck ones thumb is greater.
Im not a doctor but might guess there is some compulsion disorder with doing so, and if right, than I would think that the thumb sucking would override the need for one to practise proper sleep apnea techniques.

Going to assume and maybe you can let us know if this is right, but I suspect you have already tried the typical/usual methods of doing so, such as painting ones finger at night with some awful tasting fluid?

From what I have read on the subject, however minimal it might be, this one page stood out to me from an adult thumb sucker and no matter what she tried, it didn't end until she went for therapy.

http://www.xojane.com/it-happened-to-me ... humbsucker

I would certainly try the Full Face mask but as I said, I have a feeling your need for the thumb will override the possibility of the mask working.
You may not have an option but to try therapy for it.
I hope not but if thumb sucking gets in the way of successful CPAPing, then its no longer healthy for you and could contribute to your death. At that point, I know you are looking for the easy fix, but I am not sure the easy one exists.

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Re: Thumb Sucking answers?

Post by BlackSpinner » Thu Jul 31, 2014 8:13 am

lazurm wrote:If one still sucks their thumb while sleeping, what can be done for sleep apnea. I expect "stop sucking your thumb" and more, but I'm interested in practical answers only.
From what I have seen of people sucking thumbs is that once they fall asleep they lay there with their mouth partially open and the thumb half out. Open mouth is a big no no with a nasal mask of any sort. An open mouth loses therapy air.

Behavioural therapy is the only answer - something must replace the comfort.

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Re: Thumb Sucking answers?

Post by Janknitz » Thu Jul 31, 2014 11:54 am

One may feel very silly doing this, but if there's nobody there to see, why not try a pacifier in a full face mask? It will give the thumbsucker the comforting suck and fit entirely within the full face mask. Just be sure the shield around the nipple part is big enough to prevent it from being swallowed by an adult!
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Re: Thumb Sucking answers?

Post by library lady » Thu Jul 31, 2014 12:07 pm

Maybe some kind of small cuddly blanket or a teddy bear along with a FF mask, that could be held up close to the mask if it is small enough and done in such a way as not to occlude the vent area...

I sucked my thumb all through my early and teen years, but I have no recollection of when or how I was able to stop doing it. Maybe embarrassment when I went off to college, but really, no idea.

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Re: Thumb Sucking answers?

Post by Nick Danger » Thu Jul 31, 2014 3:26 pm

How about a hybrid mask like the Tap Pap... isn't that like nasal pillows with a built in pacifier to hold the pillows in place?

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lazurm

Re: Thumb Sucking answers?

Post by lazurm » Tue Apr 25, 2017 7:20 am

I solved the problem using a "pillow" CPAP that fits in the nose in a way that allows my thumb's access to my mouth. I also use a chin strap which, when adjusted properly, keeps my mouth sealed around my thumb. It works!
The first night I used it I was able to sleep all night, without snoring (according to my fiance), and while sucking my thumb.
lazurm wrote:If one still sucks their thumb while sleeping, what can be done for sleep apnea. I expect "stop sucking your thumb" and more, but I'm interested in practical answers only.

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Re: Thumb Sucking answers?

Post by LSAT » Tue Apr 25, 2017 7:35 am

lazurm wrote:I solved the problem using a "pillow" CPAP that fits in the nose in a way that allows my thumb's access to my mouth. I also use a chin strap which, when adjusted properly, keeps my mouth sealed around my thumb. It works!
The first night I used it I was able to sleep all night, without snoring (according to my fiance), and while sucking my thumb.
lazurm wrote:If one still sucks their thumb while sleeping, what can be done for sleep apnea. I expect "stop sucking your thumb" and more, but I'm interested in practical answers only.
Both of your replies to "thumb sucking" are to older posts/posters...they may not see what you wrote.

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Re: Thumb Sucking answers?

Post by lazurm » Wed Apr 26, 2017 8:22 am

Yes, but those who find this post (and it's quite rare though I don't believe the issue is) may find it helpful.

Both of your replies to "thumb sucking" are to older posts/posters...they may not see what you wrote.[/quote]