Hi, I am new to the forum. It's the best one I've seen. I've been using my machine since November, and I could write a book on everything that's happened, or gone wrong, but I'll spare you.
Finally , something "clicked" and I've been able to use it all night long,every night.
I have to tape my mouth shut, even though I'm not a mouth breather, because the air rushes out of my mouth if I don't.
Last night, I did everything the same as always, but something weird happened.
I kept waking up with my cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk!! I mean, fully blown up! My mouth was chock full of air. I was able to expel it by lifting the tape, a little.
This morning I got up with horrible, stabbing pains in my stomach, so I know I swallowed a lot of air.
I think the handwriting is on the wall, so to speak. I guess I should go with the old full face mask, right? The taping thing doesn't always do the trick.
Anybody else had this problem?
The Taper Caper
9 posts
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The Taper Caper
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Taper Caper
Lee Lee, after 2+ years of using a chin strap that just wasn't doing the job with my nasal pillows, I finally made myself start taping about a week ago in accordance with Rested Gal's excellent instructions.
On occasion, before I fall asleep my mouth will suddenly puff up with air. The first time it happened it was quite startling, but I found that I could expel it through my nose without swallowing or removing the tape.
I have never been awakened by it, nor have I had any bloating or stomach pains so I don't know if it's happening during my sleep or not.
I do know that, based on how I now feel in the morning, that before taping I was definitely losing air through my mouth during the night, and negating at least some of the CPAP benefits.
Sorry this doesn't help you directly, but I thought I would share my experiences so far.
Good luck
On occasion, before I fall asleep my mouth will suddenly puff up with air. The first time it happened it was quite startling, but I found that I could expel it through my nose without swallowing or removing the tape.
I have never been awakened by it, nor have I had any bloating or stomach pains so I don't know if it's happening during my sleep or not.
I do know that, based on how I now feel in the morning, that before taping I was definitely losing air through my mouth during the night, and negating at least some of the CPAP benefits.
Sorry this doesn't help you directly, but I thought I would share my experiences so far.
Good luck
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Erick72122
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inacpapfog
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LeeLee, that cheek puff you refer to is my major problem with cpap threrapy! Currently, I'm winning the battle by using a chin strap to does not allow my cheeks to expand when I am sleeping. (I am a mouthtaper too!)
Also, I have found that head position makes a huge difference in the air being diverted to the mouth! Just before I fall asleep, I relax my tongue from the roof of my mouth to check for air rushing in. If I detect air, I move my head until I'm in a position that keeps the pressurize cpap air within the nasal cavity. I fall asleep in that ideal position. (The chin strap comes in handy AFTER I am asleep and might change body positions!)
Another solution is the DIY mouthpiece that you see on this board. I use it sometimes, but my teeth often hurt the next morning. You can get a professional mouthpiece made by your dentist. $$$$$
Also, I have found that head position makes a huge difference in the air being diverted to the mouth! Just before I fall asleep, I relax my tongue from the roof of my mouth to check for air rushing in. If I detect air, I move my head until I'm in a position that keeps the pressurize cpap air within the nasal cavity. I fall asleep in that ideal position. (The chin strap comes in handy AFTER I am asleep and might change body positions!)
Another solution is the DIY mouthpiece that you see on this board. I use it sometimes, but my teeth often hurt the next morning. You can get a professional mouthpiece made by your dentist. $$$$$
It definitely is scarey and ironic all the crapola I attach to my head for a peaceful night's sleep.
The problem with the tape is, as you found out, that it doesn't help keep air out of your mouth. You really need to TRAIN the tongue to do this, no matter what method of mouth sealing you use.
I favor the DIY tongue guide myself, at the moment. But even if you don't go that route and want to stay with taping, I suggest spending at least a minute or so working on training your tongue every night. We are talking a long term effect here, not an instant solution. Strap on whatever is your preferred device for blowing air up your nose and while just sitting or lying there, PRACTICE shutting the air flow off at your mouth with your mouth OPEN, ONLY using your tongue. I prefer to use the back of my tongue against the roof of the mouth, others prefer the front.
The idea is to form a HABIT. Just like teeth grinding is a "habit", you want tongue sealing to eventually become a GOOD habit. It may not work in DEEP sleep for a long time, if ever, but you can at least elminate a lot of your mouth leak and chipmunk cheek time.
The problem with the tape is, as you found out, that it doesn't help keep air out of your mouth. You really need to TRAIN the tongue to do this, no matter what method of mouth sealing you use.
I favor the DIY tongue guide myself, at the moment. But even if you don't go that route and want to stay with taping, I suggest spending at least a minute or so working on training your tongue every night. We are talking a long term effect here, not an instant solution. Strap on whatever is your preferred device for blowing air up your nose and while just sitting or lying there, PRACTICE shutting the air flow off at your mouth with your mouth OPEN, ONLY using your tongue. I prefer to use the back of my tongue against the roof of the mouth, others prefer the front.
The idea is to form a HABIT. Just like teeth grinding is a "habit", you want tongue sealing to eventually become a GOOD habit. It may not work in DEEP sleep for a long time, if ever, but you can at least elminate a lot of your mouth leak and chipmunk cheek time.
Remember:
What you read above is only one data point based on one person's opinion.
I am not a doctor, nor do I even play one on TV.
Your mileage may vary.
Follow ANY advice or opinions at your own risk.
Not everything you read is true.
What you read above is only one data point based on one person's opinion.
I am not a doctor, nor do I even play one on TV.
Your mileage may vary.
Follow ANY advice or opinions at your own risk.
Not everything you read is true.
9 posts
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