Mouth Breathing - Does the type of mask make a difference?

[DadscreepyCPAPmask]

I think I might be mouth breathing with the Swift FX, abut not with my Resmed nasal mask. Is this possible? Anyone else experience this or something similar?

thanks

[jbn3boys]

While I have not experienced that, I can certainly see that it could happen. Nasal pillows deliver a very different feel than a nasal mask. I tried nasal pillows when I very first stared out with cpap, and could NOT handle the pressure. After I had become accustomed to the pressure of the air blowing at me, and after about 4 months of use, I was able to try a Swift FX, and no longer have a problem with it. But, since the feel is so different, especially initially, I can certainly believe that switching from a nasal mask( with no mouth breathing) to a nasal pillow COULD lead to mouth breathing.

If it does, then you have two choices (that I can think of). One, you could go back to the nasal mask. or Two, you could try using some of the other methods on this site for keeping your mouth shut, such as a chin strap or taping. A search will give you LOTS of options!

Good luck! (and I love your handle...I'm guessing you have young kids )
jbn

[harry33]

mouth breathing causes a very dry mouth and tongue, regardless of humidifier use, its common for new CPAP users, including for those who breathe thru nose when awake

[kempo]

During the first month I was using my apap and fx pillow mask I did not need a chin strap. Then I became so comfortable and relaxed using my equipment my jaw started dropping open and I would wake up in the middle of the night several times with air blowing out of my mouth. My tongue and mouth would be dry as a bone. I just couldn't keep my mouth shut so I had to start experimenting with chin straps.

[DadscreepyCPAPmask]

I have the Respironics Viewer software coming in a couple of days. I am sure I will get a definative answer then. I have only been on CPAP for about 9 weeks now. My first week was with the Swift FX and I was getting leaks in the middle of the night, so I immediately gave up on it. My DME traded it out and suggested a Resmed Micro. That was less problematic and the only two draw backs with it have been some red marks on the bridge of my nose (despite me having it fairly loose) and its a bit cumbersome.
So I tried the Swift FX again about to weeks ago and have had a better go of it this time. But, the last week or so I am getting some minor leaks and I suspect mouth breathing. One night I woke up in a puddle of drool and I am waking up with a bit of a dry mouth in the middle of the night. Now I have been showing a 2% average for "large leaks" on the Respironics System One with the FX and it was 0% with the Micro. So I figured I should get the software for a closer look.
I really want the FX to work for me because its much more comfortable. CPAP has been a bit frustrating to say the least, but I want this to work and I have no desire to give up!

And yes, my daughter thinks the nasal mask is creepy and that was the first thing she said when she saw it hanging on my hose management system.

[1Donald]

I'm not familiar with your mask but a respitory therapist told me I should have a full face mask if I wanted max benefit as I also mouth breath.

[digitaleagle]

I have been on CPAP since Nov 23rd so I'm still pretty new at it. The biggest thing I learned is that I'm not going to get the hang of this stuff in a week or two. I'm now about 12 weeks into it and am finally sleeping good with a Swift FX like you have. I started out with a F& P Zest Nasal Mask and found it too uncomfortable. I'm sure that had to do with my "adjustment period" I'm now ordering a Resmed Softgel Nasal mask to use from time to time. The reason: I too get leaks throughout the night. (Fortunately not large leaks anymore) I am a pretty active sleeper and move from side to side. I usually get woken up at least three times a night as I pull the seal out of my nostrils . I have a hunch that the Nasal mask might work better for me in the winter as it is cooler in my room and I will most likely use the FX in the summer months. (Because it is cooler) I think the Softgel will give me a better seal throughout the night but I'm not sure until I try it out. I'm hoping I can adapt to both of them.

I also do some "minor" mouth breathing with the FX. Sometimes I hear my self vibrating my lips. This was worst when I first started using the pillows and I had a cold - I haven't had much problem with this the last few weeks. If you continue to mouth breath - try out some of the tips on this site. If that doesn't work - you might try a different mask or may have to actually use a full face mask.

When I first started I had the large leaks you are seeing with the FX. What ended mine was the velcro (on the back strap tip) I got on the forum here. I simply bought some stick on velcro and stuck a couple pieces to the inside of the back of my headgear(cloth strap.) Make sure it is the nylon type part of the velcro and not the bushy or dense part. Your hair ends up being the part that sticks to the ones you will put on your head band. Don't worry it doesn't hurt at all. That ended my large leak problems. It's a simple but brilliant modification. At first I didn't believe it would do anything but it really keeps the movement down of the mask. Give it a try.

I also realize that no two pillows for the FX are exactly alike. Due to differences in manufacturing plants I find that some work really well and others don't for some reason. I use the Lansinoh Lanolin ointment on my nares and that also really helps. Just pick it up at your local drug store and put a small amount on the outside and inside of your nares. It really helps to keep a good seal. You will also find that some pillows just don't keep a seal for very long. When they start to leak - get a new one.

What I have learned most is this is not an exact science. It's more of an "Art form". Each night will be different and you will settle into a "groove" the more time you give it.

I'm very appreciative of all the great support I get from this forum.

Good luck.

[DadscreepyCPAPmask]

DigitalEagle,

Thank you for a great post! I should have noted that I have been a bit congested the last few weeks. Not overly congested, but noticable. I normally am not a person that gets very congested. Maybe this is contributing to the my problems. Maybe I am not getting enough therapy through my nose with the FX and its causing my mouth to open? I will try the velcro and Lanolin and see if that helps. I am not ready to give up on the FX again its just to comfortable.
I also like your idea about using the nasal mask in the winter and pillows in the summer.