Requesting recommendations for mouth air leak

Chris777 · Post by **Chris777** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 6:50 pm

I'm hoping someone can give me some advice on a problem I'm having-air leaking out of my mouth while I'm hooked up to CPAP. I asked the Dr about it & he gave me a chin strap, which I don't like & doesn't work. He did give me the name of a dentist (which I haven’t contacted yet) but otherwise didn't have any other options or solutions other than a chin strap.

Last year, prior to discovering I had sleep apnea, I tried an oral appliance called Snorban, to try to stop my snoring. The principle behind it was to move your jaw forward, thus creating a larger air passage in your throat. It looked like a soft plastic mouth guard (for sports), with channels for both upper & lower teeth, which you custom molded by placing in hot water, then biting down with your jaw intentionally moved forward.

It didn't stop my snoring, but I was thinking it might do the trick in stopping mouth air leaks because my recollection was (I don't have it anymore) that there was a suction effect that would keep my mouth closed. I could custom mold it, but with a normal bite (not move my jaw forward). I looked on the Internet to purchase another Snorban (where I ordered one a few years ago), but evidently now they do not ship to the USA.

Does anybody have any advice?
Other sources to purchase Snorban?
Other oral devices similar that may stop mouth air leaks?

Thanks for your help!

blarg · Post by **blarg** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 7:04 pm

Many here use either full face masks (which cover the mouth), or they continue with a nasal mask for comfort and tape their lips closed.

Here's a gigantic pile of links that Rested Gal put together if you'd like to know more.

Scuba_Steve · Post by **Scuba_Steve** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 7:22 pm

I am assuming that you are using some type of a nasal system. I was using the Swift nasal pillows and a chin strap. Even with the strap as tight as I could stand, due to an over bite I would still leak air out my mouth. I was going to try a football mouth guard to block the air flow. Adding another device to my sleep routine was not a pleasant thought but I was desperate. After talking with my doctor I decided to switch to a full face mask which eliminated the chin strap and should take care of the mouth breathing issue as well. The doctor recommended the Fisher & Paykel FlexiFit 432 Full Face Mask, but based on some on-line reviews I read I went with the Resmed Ultra Mirage Full Face Mask. Last night was my first night so I'm not quite ready to pass judgment on it yet. But I sleep much more naturally without my mouth being strapped shut. I would rather have just a full face mask to sleep with instead of a nasal mask, chin strap, and a mouth guard. For me, less is better. Good luck.

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 7:37 pm

I switch back and forth between the Hybrid full-face mask and a ComfortLite2 nasal pillow mask.
With the CL2, I always tape my mouth shut with a 5" piece of 2" wide Durapore tape.
Its no big deal, really. Furthermore, the CL2 plus tape is cooler than the Hybrid. Don't forget the ChapStick...

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 8:47 pm

If you decide to tape read this first;
viewtopic.php?t=9653&start=0

Excellent instructions!

Brenda

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 10:12 pm

The next time you go to your Dr., you can let him know that they make many Full Faced Masks to control mouthbreathing. He could even buy a few for samples, and hang them up with a Chin Strap. Jim

Chris777 · Post by **Chris777** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 4:15 pm

Thanks very much everybody for the advice, I appreciate it. I went though all the links everyone provided and learned a lot. That's very considerate of everybody to provide feedback.

I actually tried to craft a boil & bite mouth guard yesterday with limited results. I still need to tweak it a bit, as it won't stay on my teeth, it irritated under my tongue & I'd still need to wear the chin strap. But I'll try it again & see if I can improve my design.

The professionally made oral device made by Dr. Sue looked like it may work. Any experience with that? Wonder if insurance would cover that?

The tape sounded bazar at first, but sounds like it works for a lot of people, so I'll give that a try too. A full face mask might be an option also.

Thanks again.

Requesting recommendations for mouth air leak

Requesting recommendations for mouth air leak

I have the same issue

Thanks everybody for the advice

Mask