Solving mouth leaks and other issues

[fuzzyjon]

I've had my CPAP machine for a few weeks now and have been playing whack-a-mole with some classic problems, such as mask leaks and mouth leaks.

I recently switched to the Opus 360, and am doing better with mask leaks, but I woke up with a little water in the mask last night (but none at all in the hose). I'll try turning down my humidifier a bit tonight. I also find that I often smell my own (stinky) breath when inhaling - does this mean that the mask is not clearing CO2 well?

Mouth leaks have been the biggest struggle - I kept waking up with a very dry mouth. I tried both a chin strap and a Pap Cap, and while both helped a little (the Pap Cap a little more than the chin strap), they didn't solve the issue. So last night I took the plunge and taped my mouth (2080 blue painters tape). It seemed to work pretty well until around 5AM, when the tape started to release from my lower lip. I probably need to work on my taping technique.

I also have a UMFF on the way, and am hoping that will be less onerous than taping.

I got my EncoreViewer software! Here are the graphs from last night:



The leak stats are interesting; at my pressure (a constant 12) my mask docs say the leak rate should be 34.5 L/min. I'm not sure what an average leak rate of 31 means. I am also suspicious of the VS clusters - I am pretty sure I was awake then, and remember snorting quite a bit due to some post-nasal congestion. Could the machine interpret snorts as snores?

In summary, not too many questions here; I'm mostly looking for confirmation that I am on the right path, advice and tips, and insights into the data I've been collecting.

Thanks!
Jon

[sepool]

Just something on the leak rate - the machine only reports leak rate in steps of 7 - see the stairsteps in the graph? So your 31 average looks good, and not impossible.

[fuzzyjon]

Just something on the leak rate - the machine only reports leak rate in steps of 7 - see the stairsteps in the graph? So your 31 average looks good, and not impossible.

Ah, that makes sense.

What to make of periods of time of very low leakage, such as the time spent under 25 during the first hour?

[sepool]

I remember that the expected leak rates for masks are approximate values. I don't know what the variances are.

Of course, if you were blocking the vent port on the mask, the leak rate would be too low - but yours doesn't look that low.

Blocking the vent port isn't a good thing - that is what washes out your expelled CO2.

[mdintx]

I have a roll of 3M Transpore tape and tried that last night instead of the blue painters tape. I have to say, it work so much better for me. It sealed better, was more comfortable, and gave me immediate feedback the one time when my tongue fell back. That might be a good option for you.

[LinkC]

I probably need to work on my taping technique.

Before you slap on the tape, make a "toothless granny-face" (roll in your lips and hold them together between your teeth), then tape the seam with slightly more tape on the bottom than the upper lip. Press firmly on the tape, with your teeth backing it up. Then relax your jaw.

Your lips will remain rolled inward with pressure on them. This does two things: the tape stays off your tender lips so the adhesive won't take lip-skin with it when you pull the tape off; and your lips stay tightly pressed together so saliva doesn't leak out and soak the tape loose.

(Hint: blue duct tape is NOT a good substitute for blue painters tape... )

If the painters tape comes loose, the next step up is a flesh-colored elastic tape called "absolute waterproof". Above that is white perforated paper surgical tape sometimes called "micropore" or "dressing tape". Next is white cloth "athletic" tape. This stuff leaves welts on my cheeks when I pull it off. If THAT doesn't stick, you're on your own...

[fuzzyjon]

The painters tape failed again last night (meaning I slept little meaning today is going to hurt ).

Thanks for the tape and technique recommendations. I did eyeball the duct tape in the store, but fortunately common sense prevailed.

[RipVW]

I had the "desert dry mouth" problem, too. You might try Oasis Moisturizing Mouth Spray while you work on keeping your mouth closed--it helped me quite a bit. Good luck!

[fuzzyjon]

Last night I tried micropore tape. It held, and I slept well!

My mouth was a little dry in the morning, but nothing like when I didn't use tape.

[major_works]

I'm a user of the 3M gentle paper tape (Micropore, I think). That works pretty well for me. The advice from LinkC about the "granny-face" lips is right on. Every once in a while I manage to create lip boo-boos for myself. The key is to peel the tape off *slowly* in the morning.

[fuzzyjon]

I'm a user of the 3M gentle paper tape (Micropore, I think). That works pretty well for me. The advice from LinkC about the "granny-face" lips is right on. Every once in a while I manage to create lip boo-boos for myself. The key is to peel the tape off *slowly* in the morning.

You are right about the importance of granny-face lips - I should have given them their credit too.

I peeled the tape off at medium speed this morning, and it did smart a bit. I'll try to do it more slowly tomorrow morning.

[Hawthorne]

I put chapstick on just my lips just before I apply the tap. It saves the lips!!

I also prefer Micorpore Hypoallergenic medical tape. Tried the Blue Painter's Tape. The medical tape I use is much better for me anyway. It seals better and comes off easier IF I remember to put the chapstick on my lips!

[artnj]

Thank you guys...I am a new cpap user, and I finally figured out that mouth breathing is the reason I wake up after 2-4 hours with a dry mouth and leak readings.

Is tape the first step? Or should I try a chin strap? Also read about trying denture creme (wierd!).

I take it going to full face is a last resort -- I'm sure that would be less comfortable.