From Liberty Back To Swift II and Tape

[SMenasco]

After 3 nights with my Swift II and 2" paper surgical tape over my mouth, my problem was solved, except for the adhesive removal in the morning. So, I went to the medical folks and checked out a Resmed Liberty loaner. From the looks of it, I thought it would be the ticket. I couldn't even get started with it, since my pressure has been changed from 10 to 16. I tried setting the ramp and it worked well with good fit and no leaks until full pressure kicked in. The only way I could get it to stop leaking was to jam the pillows (large ones) completely up my nose (I know, it's not a pretty picture), and teh mouth section leaks and sputtered until I tightened the straps until they hurt. And then after a few minutes my mouth opens and my cheeks blow out, with gobs of air signalling that my sleep apnea will be treated whether I want it or not. My original problem of mouth flying open started when the pressure was increased. Now that I think about the situation, the Liberty probably wouldn't solve my problem anyway, even if it didn't leak, in that within minutes after I start to doze off, my mouth flops open and here comes the air, and later I awake with 40 lbs of cotton in my mouth, like really uncomfortable. In my case, the Liberty is not made for pressures in the higher range. I think I will stick with the Swift II and tape. Strange that the Swift II nose pillows (proper size and positioned corectly) do not leak at all, regardless of the pressure. Although the "therapy" would be achieved with my mouth and nose covered, I think I would have the same mouth opening, air back-flowing, cotton mouth problem with a full face mask. With the Swift II and tape, my only discomfort is getting the adhesive off my face in the morning. Any ideas? I haven't tried WD40 yet for fear of chapping. Any ideas? Thanks.

[woozie38]

G'day Menasco,

I have been taping my mouth each night for some time now. I use 50mm "Micropore" tape for this. First, tear off about 100mm (4") of tape and fold all 4 corners over onto the sticky side. This prevents the corners pulling off a a little bit of skin when you remove it. This also give you a choice of 4 points where to can grip the tape to remove it in the morning.
After closing your mouth, apply the piece of tape leaving 1/3 on top lip, 2/3 on bottom. Smooth it down till it sticks. In the morning, before attempting to remove it, push the tape off your lips all around using your wet tongue. Next grip the tape by a corner and remove gently by pulling it at right angles to your mouth. Works for me. Have fun and best of luck,
Geoff (Australia)

[Gerald]

Menasco.....

I suggest that you purchase a roll of 3M #2080 Blue 2" Delicate Release Painter's Tape from Lowe's. I use (2) three inch pieces running up and down on either side of my nose. In addition, I use a 10" piece across my mouth (over the other two pieces of tape) and from ear to ear.

In the morning, remove the tape by pulling slowly PARALLEL to the surface of your face. Do not pull at right angles (90-degrees) to your face.

Using the above tips, I suspect you'll find ZERO residue on your face once the tape is removed.

I've been using the above technique for a long time.....and I can't find a better way to reduce my leaks to almost nothing....while maxing out my comfort.

I suspect that once you get your leaks under control with tape, you'll be able to reduce pressure and increase comfort.

It's VITAL that you get software and use it to manage your own therapy. Only with software can you determine....for yourself....the best pressure settings.

[Muse-Inc]

Try the RespCare Hybrid Universal mask, its the orginal hybrid-style. For most of us, if the Hybrid works, the Liberty won't and vice versa. I have both & the durned Liberty won't seal. Love the Hybrid!