question about swift LT and mouthleaks

[jayjp04]

I have been using CPAP comfortably for a few months now, and want to make sure I get the full benefit from therapy. I am 23 years old and a lifetime mouthbreather, partially due to allergies. I use the swift LT, and CPAP seemed to clear my nose pretty well; I dont have any trouble breathing through it with the mask on. My pressure is very low (6 cm h20) and I tried using the chinstrap, but it did not work for me. I have been using 1 piece of tape vertically over my lips for months; it does not keep my lips sealed, but it helps keep my mouth shut. My question is, if I stop using tape, and my mouth/lips are open, will I leak air and not know it? I do not get the gush of air through my mouth when there is no tape on it, but I don't know if I am still leaking smaller amounts of air, decreasing benefit of therapy. Thanks for your help...

[BleepingBeauty]

I have been using CPAP comfortably for a few months now, and want to make sure I get the full benefit from therapy. I am 23 years old and a lifetime mouthbreather, partially due to allergies. I use the swift LT, and CPAP seemed to clear my nose pretty well; I dont have any trouble breathing through it with the mask on. My pressure is very low (6 cm h20) and I tried using the chinstrap, but it did not work for me. I have been using 1 piece of tape vertically over my lips for months; it does not keep my lips sealed, but it helps keep my mouth shut. My question is, if I stop using tape, and my mouth/lips are open, will I leak air and not know it? I do not get the gush of air through my mouth when there is no tape on it, but I don't know if I am still leaking smaller amounts of air, decreasing benefit of therapy. Thanks for your help...

Some people say they can train their tongue to maintain the seal at the back of the throat (so they don't lose therapy air via the mouth). Personally, I don't know how you can do that, when the deepest sleep produces total relaxation. But anyway...

Mouth leaks wake some people up, and others sleep right through them. Any therapy air you lose, whether via mouth leak or your mask just not sealing well, is detrimental to your therapy. So even if your mouth isn't "open," if your taping procedure isn't keeping your lips sealed, you're not getting optimal therapy. What is your leak rate?