What do you think?

momommius · Post by **momommius** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 10:35 am

I've been on CPAP treatment for over 2 years now. Last Nov., I had a rather serious heart attack (not CPAP related mind ya), but the cardiologist said that my heart could have been suffering all those years before CPAP therapy from a lack of oxygen. Anyway, things have been humming along just fine since Nov., and I've even lost 10 lbs (need to lose more, but hey 10 is a start).
Here's the deal though. I've never had a problem with my mouth popping open during the night, but the past few weeks, it seems to be happening more and more. I will wake up with my mouth, nose, and throat "crackin" dry so badly that I start choking. I have no idea how long my mouth has been open, or if I've been breathing or not breathing with the CPAP running through my nose and right out my mouth. I'm going to tape my mouth tonight for the first time, so we'll see if it helps.
I received a card from the sleep center where I had my original sleep study done, and they informed me that my insurance covers sleep studies once every 2 years. Those sleep studies are such a hassle though. But, with my weight loss and my mouth coming open now, and the fact that I'm concerned about my heart-health after having the heart attack (I have 2 stents in my heart now also), I'm wondering if it would be a good idea to go ahead and schedule another sleep study. Yeah, I know, if insurance pays for it, why not? But really, just interested in everyones wisdom and input on these matters. What do you think?

JillyBlue · Post by **JillyBlue** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 1:46 pm

Mommomius, there are loads of people here with a lot more wisdom and experience than I have, but I'll toss in a thought.

At the sleep center where I had my studies, they mentioned that I might have to have my pressure redone and possibly reconsider my mask type if I gained or lost a significant amount of weight. Now, 10 pounds may not be significant for a lot of people but it could be for you. Could it be that the weight loss has changed your mask fit? Maybe an improper fit is why your mouth is popping open. Before you schedule another study, maybe an appointment with the sleep doc or RT to have your gear re-evaluated might do the trick.

A heart attack is not something to take lightly so I'm glad you're taking care of yourself. Yeah, a sleep study is a royal pain but damaging your heart is a worse one.

Jilly

Let us know how the mouth taping went!

jimbassett · Post by **jimbassett** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 3:57 pm

I have to use a nasal mask so I have trouble with my mouth letting the air escape right back out. Since I suffer from *dry mouth* it doesn't take long 'till I have a problem. I have had the best luck (I tried taping) with an ace bandage cut to the right length and the ends sewed together, (my wifes handiwork), and worn around my neck and over my mouth. This keeps my mouth closed and also keeps my cheeks from inflating like unto a squirrel, or as some say a blowfish. I also used a foam powder puff under the ace over my cheeks to help hold them in.

This makes for a cushion to keep the lower mask straps from touching my face very much. It takes a little experimenting to get it right, then its very comfortable. Hope you are able to get the results your looking for. jim

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 4:04 pm

You have the correct machine , get the software and reader, and find your own answers, every night. In the meantime taping or a FF mask will provide the short term solution until you get the rteader set up. Jim