Newbie with Mouth Breathing Question

Torch97 · Post by **Torch97** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 8:46 am

I have just finished my second night with my CPAP. I am using a Fisher Paykell HC234 (this machine wasn't a choice on the list) and a Comfort Gel nasal mask. How do I know if I am breathing from my mouth. During mu second restless night, I felt like air was building up in my mouth. I didn't have that situation on my first restless night. Also how do you get a feel for how much humidity is needed. One last question, it appears that I am only using about 1/2 inch of water from the humidifier during the night. Do I still need to fill it to the line or can I just fill it about 1" to 1.25"

allergyridden · Post by **allergyridden** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 9:08 am

You probably are mouth breathing, but it's a little soon to worry about it, in my opinion. Your first few weeks on the machine you get puffy cheeks & flutter lips. After you adjust to your pressure this doesn't happen, at least it doesn't for me. When you reach that semi awake state, just tell yourself to breathe it out your nose. (and keep your tongue at the roof of your mouth behind your teeth) It takes time, but your mind will make the adjustment.
I don't know where you're located, but I'm East coast, NJ. I use my humidifier on 3, most everyone else seems to use 2. I just top off my water each night. When I lower my humidifier my nose seems to get drier, so that's why I use three. I have forgotten to fill it, so by topping it off if I forget a night I'm still ok. I have a small tank on mine & use 1/2 of it a night.
Get as hose cover to avoid rainout & put your machine lower than your bed. You can make one with flannel & velcro if you chose to. I have never had rainout.
Sounds like you're off to a good start! Good Luck!
Sandie

Torch97 · Post by **Torch97** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 9:49 am

Thanks for the information. I have now added my location to my profile, I guessed I missed it the first time. I live in Utah which is a very dry climate compared to NJ. I will concentrate more on keeping my tongue on the roof of my mouth behind the teeth. I had read the thread about tooth decay and that made me wonder. Hopefully the sleep will get better, as I try to get my mask adjusted properly. I wanted the nasal mask to work, because I wasn't too comfortable with the thought of a full face mask.

sleepycarol · Post by **sleepycarol** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 1:28 pm

I agree with allergyridden -- give it some time until you get more used to the machine and mask and then start tweaking it later when you have settled in more with all the changes.