Nasal Mask Questions

[jimnsc]

I see so much about using tapes of different types while wearing nasal masks and I would seriously like to know - Do most users have to have some means of preventing mouth-breathing while sleeping? Or - Are there folks who never breathe through their mouths while asleep? I was classified as a mouth-breather during my sleep studies but since I have started treatment I seem to breathe through my nose more and more. Last night I wore a Hybrid mask and breathed through my nose most of the time I think ( my wife observed) because I had to work to open my mouth while wearing it due to the lip under my chin.

Just wondering if a nasal mask might be in my future but if you have to make arrangements for your mouth also, why would I bother if I like this Hybrid?

Thanks

[jmelby]

I found that I am fine without a nasal mask without a chinstrap or taping. However, I would wake up every couple of nights with a very, very dry mouth... so, was obviously sometimes leaking from my mouth. It wasn't a large enough leak to be a problem for treatment according to the software, but was bothersome for me. So, I started using a pap-cap chin strap and my leak is always mostly 0, and I don't wake up with the dry mouth. I am unable to use full face masks on a regular basis because they always leak too much and are less comfortable.

[Janknitz]

I thought (before CPAP) that I was a dedicated mouth breather, but I learned on starting CPAP that I don't need to breathe through my mouth anymore because:

1. I'm getting enough air in with CPAP--no more opening my mouth because of "air hunger".
2. I've been able to clear my sinuses with a combination of medication, saline nasal spray, AND nasal CPAP (it helps!) so I don't have blocked nasal passages anymore.

I sleep all night every night with my mouth closed, no leaks or problems. I was quite amazed!

One other thing that helps a LOT. Keep your tongue on the roof of your mouth. This blocks the nasalpharynx and stops the air pressure from a nasal CPAP from going into your mouth and blasting your lips open.

[jimnsc]

Thanks for the info. Janknitz, same is happening to me I think and that's why I posed the question. Sure would be nice to sport a small nasal mask without all the face coverage (dream).

[BernieRay]

I've used a nasal mask with no extras for over 13 years with no mouth breathing of any meaningful amount. Without CPAP, I don't think I breathe through my nose at all: it's all by mouth.

When I was diagnosed, after the initial sleep study, I was given a list of exercises to help learn how to close my mouth off. I did them for about a week and half before I got my machine. Apparently they worked. Now, as long as my sinuses aren't block, the pressure alone keeps my mouth shut, or at least closed off.

I wish that I still had the paper I was given, but I'm fairly certain it was in some boxes my ex got during our divorce years ago.