Chipmunkitis !

[Kate53]

I have only been on CPAP a few days now. I have the Swift LT nasal pillows. After I lie down, air goes into my mouth (which I am trying hard to keep shut) and blows up my cheeks like a chipmunk. Then, I am not sure what to do with it. I try to blow it out a little at a time with the hope that it won't fill back up again, but it does. This happens eight to ten times before I fall asleep. I use the ramp - 5 to 7. I have a pressure set at 7. If that same thing is happening while I am asleep, and it probably is, then that means I am probably breathing through my mouth. Has anyone else had this problem? Note: I tried using the EPR, but that made it worse.

[tattooyu]

Looks like a chinstrap is in your future. I use one because I mouth breathe, although I have also trained my tongue to lie flat and wide on the roof of my mouth.
I'm waiting for my PapCAP (http://www.pur-sleep.com) chinstrap to arrive in the mail, which I hope to be much more comfortable than the one I have now.

Don't forget to register (it's free) and fill out your equipment list under User Control Panel > Profile tab > Edit Equipment (on the left).

[Kate53]

Does the chin strap help with the cheeks puffing out?

[Steviemain]

Kate53 - you're experiencing exactly what I did 3 weeks ago (for 3 weeks)....the puphweee, puphwee out the mouth problem Find my thread (Introduction and Questions) and you'll laugh and learn at what I went through...I actually did the taping thing per Rooster's instructions (see RestedGals threads...any of them and click on the link about links.

Anyway, read my posts, but the the bottom line is....I switched to the Mirage Liberty FFM from the Swift LT's and things are getting better all the time. The Liberty mask is quite awesome actually.

I would have given you the links, but I haven't figured out how to do that yet.....anyone want to enlighten me...please?

Hang in there as you will become like a kid again when you start feeling better....the people at work just laugh watching me anymore as I've become this "other" person.

Good Luck and PM me with questions as it sounds exactly what I was doing....and our settings are identical.

Steve

[Steviemain]

I forgot my testament to all the folks that helped me be so successful in such a short time...the help you'll receive on this forum will lead you down the correct path to success if you'll follow everyone's advice....of course, it would behoove you to follow tattooyu's advice about registering with this forum.

But should you not want to register you will find many answers to your exact problems on my "Introduction and Questions" thread...you'll just need some patience to get through some of my sleep deprived ramblings....it's rather long.

Good luck

[roster]

I have only been on CPAP a few days now. I have the Swift LT nasal pillows. After I lie down, air goes into my mouth (which I am trying hard to keep shut) and blows up my cheeks like a chipmunk. Then, I am not sure what to do with it. I try to blow it out a little at a time with the hope that it won't fill back up again, but it does. This happens eight to ten times before I fall asleep. I use the ramp - 5 to 7. I have a pressure set at 7. If that same thing is happening while I am asleep, and it probably is, then that means I am probably breathing through my mouth. Has anyone else had this problem? Note: I tried using the EPR, but that made it worse.

Steviemain is right: You need a full face mask. That should be your next step.

Forgot about taping and chinstraps. These are junkie patches.

Use the first line solution: a full face mask.

If you are comfortable with the nasal pillows, then you may like my favorite FF mask, the Hybrid, https://www.cpap.com/productpage/RespCa ... -Mask.html .

[preemiern]

Not everyone does well with a full face mask though...I for one have a huge increase in AHI's with a full face mask. I'm not sure why, other than it must have something to do with the increased amount of dead space in the mask. Since I started taping and using a nasal mask again, I have much better numbers, get much deeper sleep, and most importantly, feel much better...so don't knock the taping as a patch or a quick fix...it does have it's merits.
Cindy

[roster]

...so don't knock the taping as a patch or a quick fix...it does have it's merits.
Cindy

Whatever works for you is without objection from me.

I do feel strongly that we should only recommend full face masks for newbies who have mouthbreathing/leaking issues with their prescribed nasal mask.

If they give two or three or four FF masks good tries and still have issues, then the "patch-it-up" fixes may become necessary.

Regards,

[kay53]

I phoned my DME this morning. Actually, he has been very helpful. He suggested trying a chin strap first, then if that did not work I could try a FFM. However, I will have to buy the FFM as my insurance will not pay for another mask for 6 months. So, I stopped in and got the chin strap which was paid for by the insurance (80%). I am glad to hear I am not the only one with this problem! Thanks for your replies.