Jet-propelled dragon breath

[BlueFreak]

I'm a new CPAP user (got it last week, last night was my fifth night on the machine), and while it may not be a completely seamless transition, I'm happy to report that I'm not having any major issues that make me want to stop using my machine. I have been initially fitted with the ResMed S8 Escape II w/HH and a ComfortClassic nasal mask, and the machine pressure is set to 8cm H2O; I'm still in the 30 day return window, so after what I've seen on this board I'm definitely going to try and talk myself up to a full data machine such as the S8 Elite II.

Anyway, the one big issue I've run in to so far is that while my severe snoring has stopped, much to my spouse's appreciation, I now have brief episodes of what my spouse has described as "jet-propelled dragon breath." I'm not normally a mouth breather when I sleep, so at first I was surprised to hear about this, but I think I've figured out what is going on after being woken up in the middle of a dream.

While I may not be a mouth breather during much of my sleep, I apparently am a "talker" when I dream, enough so that I open my airway enough to allow the CPAP pressure to escape out of my mouth. I've clearly been REM-sleep deprived (I actually have no REM sleep the evening of my split sleep study!), and therefore I've been having a lot of REM-sleep catch-up these past few days, so I'm not sure if this phenomenon will eventually peter out, but I wanted to get some advice.

Based on your experiences, do you think that a simple chinstrap would be enough to keep my mouth closed when I dream, or should I consider a full-face mask over just the nasal mask? Any other suggestions that might work? Thanks for your help!

[Muse-Inc]

Try the RespCare Hybrid full face mask, pillows and covers mouth (handles mouth breathing), does not cover the nose or touch the forehead.

[Julie]

I would consider the mask over a strap, as they are just not that effective - may keep your jaw closed, more or less, but your lips open and out comes the air (along with the talking . If you try taping for a couple of nights you might see if it's more effective before spending.

[Gerald]

A couple of things you can do for "dragon breath".....

Purchase a tongue scraper..... I use http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Tungs-Products ... B00064JGBO
and it woirks great.

Also, consider taping your mouth at night. I use 3M Blue 2" Painter's tape - delicate release product #2080. It's quite effective, inexpensive, and does the job.

Gerald

[Arizona-Willie]

Or you could try a Quattro full face mask.

Then you can open your mouth all you want. No problem.

They are vewy vewy popular here.

Anyone wants to take my Quattro away better bring a lunch cause it's gonna be a loonngg fight.