My experience with taping with a question

cpapjack · Post by **cpapjack** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 5:40 am

I've been cpap'ing it now for a little over a month and I thought I was doing ok as far as not breathing through my mouth. I assumed I had learned to keep my mouth closed, but apparently not. I bought some 3M Micropore Tape yesterday and used it for the first time last night. Wow, it really did the trick. I am most certainly going to be doing this from now on instead of using the Polident Gel stuff. Although that worked, it didn't seem to work as well and it wasn't so easy to get it off in the mornings. It's hard to say if I slept any better because I had almost 3 hours less sleep last night than I normally do, but I feel pretty good right now. My original pressure was 8, but after I saw my Dr. last week he wanted me to go up to 10. So I increased it to 10 and I became a member of the Blowfish club. Now that I know the tape works well, I will try increasing my pressure back to ten and see what happens. The one question I do have from this experience, is there some trick for using the tape if you have a beard? I don't have a full beard, I usually do the 5 O'Clock shadow thing.

Offerocker · Post by **Offerocker** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 6:05 am

cpapjack wrote:I've been cpap'ing it now for a little over a month ..... The one question I do have from this experience, is there some trick for using the tape if you have a beard? I don't have a full beard, I usually do the 5 O'Clock shadow thing.

cpapjack, if you have a problem, is it related to the tape NOT sticking to your 5'Oclock, or the removal of the tape?

IF removing the tape is a problem, remember to pull it in the direction of hair growth. Pulling down on the top is best for me. However, I don't have a beard, and can't even grow one, so I'd have to "assume" that the 'chin' hair also grows downward, which would make it easy. Pull the tape off from the top down. Making taps at each end helps to get a hold on the tape also.

If that doesn't do the trick.....I'm sure there are others out here who have first-hand experience with that.

Good luck!

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 6:31 am

Hot water works best for me (but not everyone). I just fill the basin with hot water. Then using a 'cupped' hand I soak the tape, and then keep 'rolling' it off with handfuls of hot water.

There are several adhesive removal products available in handy wipe
form. I keep one handy, but I don't use it very often.

Blowfish Tips:
1) Try to find the tongue position that prevents the 'Blowfish' action. For most people the 'sweet spot' is just behind the cleft of the mouth roof.
However, keep experimenting with tongue position, and once the best spot is found try to keep it there. I know, as soon as you doze off the tongue will
have a mind of its own. However, you should be able to 'train' it, if you keep at it.

2) If you are using C-Flex, try to switch from exhale to inhale more quickly.
(The 'Blowfish' likes to sneak in on the C-Flex transition)..
.

cpapjack · Post by **cpapjack** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 7:27 am

Thanks for the hot water tip oldgearhead. I didn't even think about that. I'll have to try that tomorrow morning.

So I can tell from your response that you are a taper. How much tape do you use and how do you place it on your mouth? I just ripped a big piece and taped my mouth shut like someone who was having their mouth taped shut with duct tape so they wouldn't speak.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 7:50 am

cpapjack:

rooster seems to have it down pretty well: viewtopic.php?t=9653&highlight=

cpapjack · Post by **cpapjack** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 8:25 am

Guest,

Yep, that's the post I read that actually made decide to try taping. Thanks.

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 8:46 am

Make sure to fold in the tips of the tape so you can pull it off easily and quickly if necessary. Not like someone who has their mouth taped.

O.

Sergeant Bob · Post by **Sergeant Bob** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 9:30 am

cpapjack wrote:Thanks for the hot water tip oldgearhead. I didn't even think about that. I'll have to try that tomorrow morning.

So I can tell from your response that you are a taper. How much tape do you use and how do you place it on your mouth? I just ripped a big piece and taped my mouth shut like someone who was having their mouth taped shut with duct tape so they wouldn't speak.

Hey! If you use duct tape that will take care of the beard problem!

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 9:40 am

Cpapjack,
I use the 2" wide Micropore (Wallgreens). Fold over about 1/4", tear off
a 3.5" - 4" piece and install. I, pretty much, follow Rooster's instructions.

cpapjack · Post by **cpapjack** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 6:02 am

Ok. So I taped again last night, but it didn't seem to work quite as well. Don't get me wrong, it still worked better than anything else I've tried, but I increased my pressure from 8 to 9, and I had some leaks from my mask. Now, that could be because I was moving around more too. I thought the Activa mask was the best one for people who are side sleepers. Overall, I'm very happy with the mask, but I'm finding that when I do sleep on my side, that I tend to have more leaks. Do I maybe need to tighten the straps some? Anybody's $.02 on any of this would be greatly appreciated.

Snoozin' Bluezzz · Post by **Snoozin' Bluezzz** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 6:14 am

With my use of the Activa I have found loose is better and moving it around slightly on my face seems to help keep it from leaking. With the machine on pull it away from your face, move it slighty and let it "suck" itself back on your face. Check the lower left and right corners as well, just flipping the silicone out a little with your fingers can make for a better long term seal.

Good Luck

David

My experience with taping with a question

My experience with taping with a question

Re: My experience with taping with a question