Determined Mouth Breather

[telly]

OK, I'm still awaiting my BIPAP M Series Auto and Swift. Still limping along on a poor rental and crummy mask.

In the mean time, I'm still having reactions TO being on CPAP, specifically, this machine and mask. I don't think I'm sick with a cold, my doc does not either and my nasal passages have been clogged for around 3 weeks now.

A side problem: I am mouth breathing nightly. It's very frustrating because I felt so great on my first 2 nights and since then, I've had this nasal issue.

I've tried the neti pots, the saline sprays. I've tried it all. Yet any nasal clog, even the littlest one causes me to mouth breathe.

I've resorted to using the paper tape on my mouth. But that doesn't even work as it's completely unsealed by morning.

I'm ordering a full face mask today so 2 questions:

1. What is a good FF Mask? Do you use one?
2. Any other recommends to prevent mouth breathing in the interim?

I really, really hope that I won't always have to wear a FF mask, but if so, so be it. (sigh) .

[Goofproof]

The first year, I used ComfortFull, we fought nightly, but I won. Leaks and tight straps and sore noses are part of it, at least the numbers were good and I felt awake. Later I tried the F&P 431, it fit better and felt nicer, but for some reason my AHI was much better using the ComfortFull, I could never figure out why. Jim

[telly]

Any other recommends to prevent mouth breathing in the interim?

>>> Here's a link for troubleshooting CPAP:
http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/pubs/cpaptable.htm

[telly]

Anyone using the Hybrid Universal Full Face Mask? I see the review is not too good.

[wolftracker]

many ppl use the hybrid with great results ...

it works better for ppl with fuller faces then thinner faces

but i have been using it for about 6 months and it works
fine

my .02
wolf

[roster]

[quote="telly"]......................................

I'm ordering a full face mask today so 2 questions:

1. What is a good FF Mask? Do you use one?
2. Any other recommends to prevent mouth breathing in the interim?

I really, really hope that I won't always have to wear a FF mask, but if so, so be it. (sigh) .

[Lexi'sMom]

2. Any other recommends to prevent mouth breathing in the interim?

Can't help with the full face mask, since I gave up after 3 kinds... For the mouth breathing, I'm having pretty good luck with extra large band-aids. Good luck.

[bookwrm63]

Hey Rooster,

The link to your taping procedure actually led to a discussion on the Aussie Heated hose. Can you re-post the correct link? I'm a new taper and would love to hear any tips.

Thanks!

[rested gal]

Hey Rooster,

The link to your taping procedure actually led to a discussion on the Aussie Heated hose. Can you re-post the correct link? I'm a new taper and would love to hear any tips.

Thanks!

I think Rooster meant to post this url:

viewtopic.php?t=9653
Jun 02, 2006 subject: Just One Man's Very Successful Mouth Taping Procedure 6/2/06

That topic (and many others) about mouth air leaks, mouth breathing, taping, and other methods to stop mouth leaks are here:

Links to: Mouth leaks - Air Leaks - Tape - DIY Guard
viewtopic.php?t=8011

[roster]

Thanks Rested Gal, I did copy the wrong url. (Hmm. Or was I just trying to keep my tacky challenge to the Aussie heated hose going? Apnea really hurts my memory.)

rooster

[bookwrm63]

Thank you both Rg and Rooster! I saw it was a thread I already read though. Oh well, I'm taping with the Nexcare 3M paper tape and it seems to work well so far and comes off fine. I do however, get the puffer fish thing every now and then which wakes me but I'm sure it will all work out. Once again, thanks to all the knowledgeable folks on this forum!

[Sleepless_in_LM]

Anyone using the Hybrid Universal Full Face Mask? I see the review is not too good.

I use the hybrid with great results. The big problem I had was that the large mouth piece seemeed to be what I needed but it leaked bad. Then someone on this board pointed out that the curve is more important than the size, so I tried the medium and it worked great. I cut off the chin flap to make it even more comfortable. Another little tip, my nostrils are a little too round to seal good with the Hybrid, so I actually still tape, except now I tape my nostrils to make them slightly more narrow. It has worked great. I really love not taping my mouth shut anymore!

[Maryb]

Telly-
I had mouthbreathing problems too. I tried the Breeze and the Swift and mouth leaked with both of them. I finally tried the Hybrid which I love. It works really well for me. People either love it or hate it. As someone mentioned earlier in the thread, it helps to have chubby cheeks for the Hybrid.

Maryb

[JeffH]

Will the hybrid work with a short beard and moustache?

Thanks

[snorestats]

I have an HC431 and a hybrid. Tried the hybrid for the first time last night. I slept well, but my leak rate and AHI was higher... still, though, well below 5.

I'll keep trying the hybrid. Took me a few days before I got the HC431 working and fitting comfortably. Trick is to keep the bridge area as loose as possible without leaking there. also, you need to clean the seal every night, cause the oils from the previous night causes leaks.

Good Luck!