paper tape vs polident strips - pros/cons

Christy223 · Post by **Christy223** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 7:02 am

Thanks for your input!

Christy
Wife to new hosehead

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 7:15 am

I assume that you are asking for our opinions on the two methods?

Tape can ge a tiny bit irritating on the area above and below the lips. I chapstick in the morning when removing it at the minimum.

Polident strips are kind of gooy and I have a dislike for gooy things, and they also make me fee a bit claustrophobic.

But I am only one person and there are fans of both methods (I am a taper)

I think, but am not totally sure that tape may be cheaper too.

Really the cost is so small that you should try both ways and decide for yourself.

darthlucy · Post by **darthlucy** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 7:22 am

I'm a taper. I find that the Polident strips don't hold firm enough for me. Other folks like them better for just that reason. More of a gentle reminder not to open, and you can lick them to remoisten for resealing. I'm a very sound sleeper, so any opening of my mouth while I sleep won't wake me up, until my mouth is desert-dry, and by that time I've leaked way too much.

Christy223 · Post by **Christy223** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 7:40 am

Thanks ladies! My hubby wears a chin strap but woke up yesterday with his nostril's on "fire". Along with getting him the Ayr gel for his nose and pillows I am considering maybe he needs to tape also. He is also a deep sleeper and doesn't wake up if his mouth opens. He works nights and sleeps days, so I don't sleep with him much to tell him that his mouth is open.

Everyone here is so helpful and friendly. Thank you so much!

I can't imagine where I would be if I didn't have a place like this to come and get ANY answer that I need. It is like having a fair godmother anytime that you need one.

Thanks Again,
Christy

sleepyred · Post by **sleepyred** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 7:40 am

I've tried both - don't like taping and hesitated for a long time prior to using the polident strips. They are gooey, but not until the a.m. for me. This is the 1st "item" which has kept my mouth shut all night long. I cut one in half and just place in the center of my lips. If I get up during the night, I like a sip of water, so this gives me room on either side to slip in a straw to drink my water.

My leak rate was in an acceptable range using a chin strap, but the strap was aggravating my TMJ. It is nice just wearing a mask without a chin strap - finally!

Sleepyred

Refugee · Post by **Refugee** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 8:16 am

Tape all the way for me. It made a HUGE positive difference in my therapy.

racefan · Post by **racefan** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 9:22 am

I have a beard so it's polident for me.

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 9:29 am

Christy223 wrote:Thanks for your input!

Christy
Wife to new hosehead

I think they are both pro for you interms of winning the arguments

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 9:36 am

My thought is if you are TRULY mouth breathing, i.e. trying to inhale AND exhale thru your mouth then taping is most likely going to be the way to go. I doubt the PoliGrip strips or gel would do the deed.

On the other hand, if what is really happening is your mouth and cheeks filling w/air and then your lips parting to let the air escape or to expel the air then the PoliGrip strips or gel should be able to do the job and prevent those "lip flutters" that air build up in your mouth is causing.

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 9:39 am

Slinky wrote:My thought is if you are TRULY mouth breathing, i.e. trying to inhale AND exhale thru your mouth then taping is most likely going to be the way to go. I doubt the PoliGrip strips or gel would do the deed.

On the other hand, if what is really happening is your mouth and cheeks filling w/air and then your lips parting to let the air escape or to expel the air then the PoliGrip strips or gel should be able to do the job and prevent those "lip flutters" that air build up in your mouth is causing.

I don't think anyone can inhale through their mouth while using a nasal mask under pressure ... a full face mask is totally different story.

Mask

Additional Comments: Aussie Heated hose for rain out/PapCap Headgear and chin strap