Mouth Falling Open (newbie)

[oddrid]

Hi all, I was recently diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and last night was my first night at home on the machine. I'm using the nasal pillows mask, and I keep waking up because my mouth falls open and air rushes out. This happened at the hospital, and I feel like I've told every official person I can think of, but everyone seems to brush me off. I'd like some advice.

To those of you whose mouths also fall open while you're asleep, what have you done to prevent this? Does a different mask help? I've heard of chinstraps—do those actually work? Or do y'all have any other remedies for this, i.e. maybe squishing a pillow against your chin while you're on your side?

I need help—it's finals time, and I've got to get some sleep. Any advice y'all can give would be amazing. Thanks!

[cflame1]

Which mask specifically are you using?

[oddrid]

Swift FX Nasal Pillows.

[jonnybee]

I am a relative newcomer who has the same problem. Full face masks and chin straps don't work for me. The chin straps pull my jaw rearward and actually holds my mouth open.

What I have found that works for me is a 3 1/2" tall foam cervical collar to support my chin and a 1/2 inch wide piece of tape running vertically from underneath the mid point of my nose down under my chin to hold my lips closed. I know some frown on tape but you gotta do what you gotta do. The collars come in many different sizes/styles. Ebay is a good place to look.

I have ordered a hybrid mask which apparently has a chin support built into the mouthpiece. I am hoping it will negate the need for the collar and tape. I'll report back after I give it a try.

Just my $.02 worth.

John

[LSAT]

Your choice to solve the mouth breathing....FF Mask, Chin Straps, Taping. Sometimes a combination.
FF Mask is the easiest.

[cflame1]

some people also use a papcap which has a chin strap

[Marietjie]

my mouth falls open and air rushes out. I'd like some advice.

Welcome oddrid - this is how I tape my mouth - (model is Jeandré) with Micropore dressing tape
24mm. It works very well for me.

[Stetson]

Here are a few of the basics:

Mouth taping - Many people swear by it. I just can't do it. I keep seeing those movies were they kidnap the person and tape his or her mouth and throw them into the trunk. It just creeps me out.

Chin strap - I heard this works but never tried it.

Full face mask - I like this one. I perfer to sleep with my mouth open anyway (nasal allergy thing) but make sure you have a humidifier on the unit.

Adjusting pressure - My DME told me that if your mouth falls open it usually due to the lack of pressure.

[oddrid]

Thank you so much everyone for your suggestions! I think I'll call the company today to inquire about a full face mask, and maybe for tonight I'll look at tape. I guess people are using a specific kind of tape? Does anyone know where I could find it?

[Ms. L]

Here are a few of the basics:

Adjusting pressure - My DME told me that if your mouth falls open it usually due to the lack of pressure.

This is interesting. My spouse started out at a higher pressure and I never noticed his mouth open while sleeping after starting Cpap. Then pressure was lowered (too much air) and now occasionally upon exhalation his mouth is opening. Closes during inhalation.

[jasper]

This subject has probably received more ink than most on the forum. I've tried mouth taping, and it somewhat worked but I just didn't like doing it. You can use a micropore paper tape available at the drug store.

Chin straps for me did not work. I could hold my teeth together and my lips would still open to allow air out.

Full face masks also weren't for me (F&P 432) and also tried the Comfortfull. They gave me a terrible open sore on the bridge of my nose. Tried tape, bandaids, moleskin, you name it without success.

I finally arrived at the Innomed Hybrid and have never looked back. It works great, and allows me to nose breathe when I don't have a cold or allergies. Since I'm primarily a mouth breather, I end up in that mode most nights. I use the humidifier at either a 2 or 3, and yes I do get a bit of dry mouth. Still the best solution for me.

Good luck... everyone's a bit different and you have to try several things to find what works for you.

[BeachGirl]

[Jaylee]

The chin strap hurt my teeth and I am allergic to everything so tape didn't work out for me. I ended up with a FFM and I love it.

[Marietjie]

I guess people are using a specific kind of tape?

I use 3M Micropore Dressing Tape 24 mm wide.
The reason why I tape vertically is to keep the
corners of my lips open for drooling.
The tape gives me a nasty rash in the corners
if I have it horizontally.
I almost forgot to tell you - Spoil yourself with a
tube of LANSINOH NIPPLE CREAM - yes it is
expensive BUT you only use a tiny bit on your lips.
(Try the Baby Department at Stores)
See pic.