mouth opening at night

[hdtmiller]

I have been using a cpap for about 3 weeks. I chose the full face at my sleep study because although I am a nose breather, my mouth kept opening and I'd gasp for air and wake up. I used the full face mask for about a week and exchanged it for a nasal mask with a separate chin strap (I hated the full face, I felt claustrophobic, sweaty, and it leaked when I laid on my side). The chin strap holds my jaws together, but as the night goes on my lips open. Air bursts out and/or I start gasping. Does anyone have any suggestions? The only thing I've heard someone say is that they eventually learned to keep their tongue in a certain place to keep the air out of their mouth. Thanks,

[tattooyu]

hdtmiller,

I am on week two of CPAP therapy and have the Swift LT nasal pillow mask, which I love. I have not had very many leaks from the mask, only my mouth!

I ordered a chinstrap, which has not arrived yet, so I have been training my mouth to behave while I sleep. It's working. Last night I woke up only once to quench my dry mouth, and my leak rate was lower.

Another tip I read on here somewhere was to use Biotene OralBalance Gel for dry mouths. Didn't help them but it helps me a lot. I also rinse with Biotene for Dry Mouth Wash after brushing, before I sleep.

[dcryandc]

Mouth-taping!...you can use 3M Durapore tape (available at your local drug store) to seal your mouth at night...I do, as do many others.

[bdp522]

Some have been able to train their tongue to stay firmly planted against the roof of the mouth keeping the mouth sealed. I haven't been able to do this, I tape every night. I use Roosters taping method found at this link;
viewtopic.php?t=9653

Her are some links from RestedGal all about mouth leaks;
viewtopic.php?t=8011

Brenda