Mouth Breather?

rozenbob · Post by **rozenbob** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 9:54 am

I use both the Swift Nasal and Hybrid Interface systems.

With the swift I was waking up with a dry mouth, since I thought this meant I was mouth breathing that I was NOT getting the full benefit of CPAP.

After switchig back to the Hybrid, I now also wake up with a dry mouth!

Since I wake up with a dry mouth on BOTH, I am getting the same benefit from either system?

Since the Swift is more comfortable, should I just stay with the Swift??

SelfSeeker · Post by **SelfSeeker** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 10:02 am

Hello Bob,

Just because your mouth is dry with both it is not the same thing.

With the swift, keeping your mouth breathing, you are not getting the positve pressure to your airway because some of it escapes from your mouth.

With the hybrid, keeping your mouth open, you are still getting the positive pressure into your mouth and to keep your airway open.

I do not know if it is that simple, but that is what I am assuming is the reasoning for a full face mask or the hybrid.

If the swift is more comfortable you may try taping your mouth and see if you prefer that. Taping your mouth will prevent the dryness of mouth breathing. If the mouth taping is acceptable to you, then you will have more choices of interfaces.

rozenbob · Post by **rozenbob** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 10:20 am

I tried a chin strap for one night and saw no difference, but never tried mouth taping.

How do you tape your mouth that it cannot open during sleep?

SelfSeeker · Post by **SelfSeeker** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 10:30 am

I use medical tape, right now I have some paper tape, hypoallergeinic (still get a bit red).

Depends on the side of your lips, you made need to use a double thickness. I tape all of the lip area. Others may just tape the middle shut (I am not sure.)

If you use the search option, and do a mouth and taping search, you will find many post about taping your mouth, as well as some brands of tape etc.

Good Luck.

Edit: fold the ends of the tape over so it will be easier to peel off.

Sleepless in St. Louis · Post by **Sleepless in St. Louis** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 10:53 am

I second mouth taping. Many people on this board do it though it may seem kind of weird. I do. Once you have it on with the Swift (assuming you can breath through your nose) you really do not notice the tape until it's time to remove it in the morning. Just be a little careful taking it off. I have no problem but some say it hurts a bit.

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 11:04 am

rozenbob wrote:I tried a chin strap for one night and saw no difference, but never tried mouth taping.

How do you tape your mouth that it cannot open during sleep?

* You put some kind of chapstick on your lips (I use Blistex from a round box)

* (based on my recent "mouth corner leak" experience.... ) you cut a piece of tape long enough to cover all your (non streched) mouth including the corners

* * You fold in tabs on both sides of the tape so you can take it off easilly whenever you want to

* You fold your lips in - without stretching them sideways

*You tape your mouth, and you can then relax your lips.

And then you sleep tight (pun intended....)

O.

needingu · Post by **needingu** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 1:18 pm

This helps me.....
Useing a thin layer of Polident ( a dental adhesive) for a mouth breather feels so much better than chinstraps, I find that if I need to drink something that a straw in the side of the mouth works great and does not break the seal enough to abort the procedure. When your jaw relaxs and teeth parts somewhat, you lips still stay tightly sealed.

I read this here and have just now tried and was surprised at the simple effective way it works..Also with the small hole where the straw is inserted helps if you sneeze, cough..releases the pressure.

needingu · Post by **needingu** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 1:26 pm

This helps me.....
Useing a thin layer of Polident ( a dental adhesive) for a mouth breather feels so much better than chinstraps, I find that if I need to drink something that a straw in the side of the mouth works great and does not break the seal enough to abort the procedure. When your jaw relaxs and teeth parts somewhat, you lips still stay tightly sealed.

I read this here and have just now tried and was surprised at the simple effective way it works..Also with the small hole where the straw is inserted helps if you sneeze, cough..releases the pressure.

_________________

rozenbob · Post by **rozenbob** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 3:27 pm

What if anything does a dry mouth in the morning mean when using the Hybrid?

I occassionaly notice minor air leaks when moving, but usually has a good seal

rozenbob · Post by **rozenbob** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 3:38 pm

Is mouth taping successful with a mustache?

kreesti · Post by **kreesti** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 4:05 pm

A dry mouth (absent another factor like a new medicine with dry mouth as a side effect) means that your mouth is open enough to let air get forced through it. If you don't have humidity (or even if you do) the air can dry out the mouth pretty quickly... as long as you aren't swallowing air (I do this alot, unfortunately) the only damage could be some gum damage from the air blowing constantly on the gums.

my lips don't actually close when my mouth is in a resting position, so my problem is multiplied in terms of these issues.

one product I like is Mouth Kote from parnellpharm.com. it is a spray that alleviates the dry mouth symptoms for me. a few sprays before bed and I don't wake up feeling like my mouth is the sahara...

it's also good to avoid mouthwashes with a high alcohol content, especially right before sleeping.

tooly125 · Post by **tooly125** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 4:18 pm

rozenbob wrote:What if anything does a dry mouth in the morning mean when using the Hybrid?

Bob,
That happened to me once also while sleeping and I have played around while awake and was able to duplicate the conditions.

If you open your mouth with the Hybrid on but continue breathing through your nose you will notice a rush of air coming out of your mouth when you exhale.This is what drys your mouth but besides the dryness it has no effect on your therapy because unlike a nasal mask you are not losing pressure.

For me I lowered the pillows to their lowest position and tightened the 5th strap. Doing this caused the chin flap to come up higher and now it keeps my mouth closed.

I use a full face mask because I can't keep my mouth closed and now my full face mask keeps my mouth closed.........go figure!

rozenbob · Post by **rozenbob** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 1:43 pm

I used 2" tape across mouth last night and woke up when tape fell off and was WET?!

I then Switched back to my hybrid which has a removed chin cup. The lower part of the mouth cushion now pushes my lower teeth inwards and loosens the teeth.

Anyone have this experience/possible solution?

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 1:53 pm

Some interesting discussions about what others have tried or use:

Links to: Mouth leaks - Air Leaks - Tape - DIY Guard

NyNurse33 · Post by **NyNurse33** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 8:13 pm

How can one absolutely be positive they are mouth breathing? Will using the software be able to tell me? I have noticed some improvements in my OSA symptoms, but minor and am wondering if I am mouth breathing, maybe they would increase. Does the absence of dry mouth guarantee that one is not mouth breathing? I really don't have a dry mouth, but once in while I will catch myself leaking air around parted lips when I'm falling asleep. Would my AHI #'s be higher if I was mouth breathing?

Mouth Breather?

Mouth Breather?

Taping?

Re: Taping?

7600

Revisted... if mouth breather..A winner for me!

Hybrid

Moustache

Re: Hybrid

Tape

Mask

Additional Comments: SleepyHead & Dream Mapper>>>PR S1 model 960