open mouth breathing

[Ron T]

I have been struggling with a sleep Apnea problem for some time. When my physician required me to begin sleep therapy before he would perform a heart oblation to correct my AFIB issue. I find that while sleeping with my C-PAP (full face mask) on, I sleep with my mouth totally open. The inside of my mouth and throat become crusty and hard. This cant be good, but how can I change .... Iam asleep while this is going on. Is this normal with other Apnea people? Ideas or Help?

Thanks,

Ron T.

[Julie]

Are you using a humidifier?

If you use software (Sleepyhead) you could tell if your mask leak rate was too high and if so, you'd need to find a mask that fits better, or readjust your present mask (don't overtighten tho' as it can cause new leaks), or wear liners from Padacheek.com, because while Cpap will work in a FF mask, is not going to be ideal. Have you tried Biotene though? Many people say it helps.

[OkyDoky]

Check for mask leaks and your humidifier setting may need to be adjusted.
Try using a cervical collar to keep your chin from dropping and your airway in position. https://www.walmart.com/search/?query=D ... %20Collars
You can also try to prevent the dryness by using Orajel for Dry Mouth before bed. I also keep a spray bottle of Biotene at the bedside if dry mouth wakes me up but usually the Orajel for Dry Mouth lasts all night.

[JDS74]

+1 OkyDoky's suggestions.
If all else fails, then you might consider an external humidifier that is between your cpap and you.
Here is my solution:
Link to external humidifier design:
Here is my setup to solve this problem.

[michaelanthonyp]

I was not able to use a full face, it was just too obtrusive. I ended up with a nasal mask, and this requires me to keep my mouth closed to work. Sometimes I get some nasal dryness, but nothing like the mouth issues with a full face. And my doctor said I should sleep with my mouth closed, and that would help with some of the apnea issues. Look into other mask types and ask your doctor about a strap to keep your mouth closed during sleep.

[grayghost4]

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=114585&p=1110727#p1110727

[Jack Burton]

I have been struggling with a sleep Apnea problem for some time. When my physician required me to begin sleep therapy before he would perform a heart oblation to correct my AFIB issue. I find that while sleeping with my C-PAP (full face mask) on, I sleep with my mouth totally open. The inside of my mouth and throat become crusty and hard. This cant be good, but how can I change .... Iam asleep while this is going on. Is this normal with other Apnea people? Ideas or Help?

Thanks,

Ron T.

My sleep doctor insisted I must use a full face mask because I was a mouth breather.
I could not get used to the full face mask and after 3 months was about to give up.
Out of desperation I tried a nasal mask and chin strap.
Turns out that I don't need the chin strap(from the first night).
The nasal mask made therapy just about no hassle at all.
Also I don't breath through my mouth in the daytime now either.

Might be worth a try.