Mouth Breathing- HELP!

[Guest]

I was just diagnosed, and have had my Philips Respironics C-Flex for 3 nights.
I've been able to get the humidity, mask fit and ramp the way I want it, but am having trouble if my
mouth opens while I sleep. The machine goes to full flow, my mouth dries completely out, and then I wake up
and have to start all over again. As a CPAP "newbie", what's my next step? Do I have my machine adjusted wrong?
Do I need to have my mouth taped shut? Any info is appreciated.

[apneawho]

What type of mask are you using? Please register and then go to user control panel and add your equipment so members can help you.
Depending on what mask you are using, you can use a chin strap, you can tape, you may find a full face mask or a hybrid mask work for you. We can make suggestions if we know what equipment you are using. Thanks

[n0hardmask]

I was just diagnosed, and have had my Philips Respironics C-Flex for 3 nights.
I've been able to get the humidity, mask fit and ramp the way I want it, but am having trouble if my
mouth opens while I sleep. The machine goes to full flow, my mouth dries completely out, and then I wake up
and have to start all over again. As a CPAP "newbie", what's my next step? Do I have my machine adjusted wrong?
Do I need to have my mouth taped shut? Any info is appreciated.

Welcome to the forum, and to one of the most common hassles of beginning CPAP treatment. Two things: you can search for mouth breathing and find tons of posts.
Also, if you will register and add in your equipment, we can be more specific when we offer suggestions for help. Follow the bottom link in my signature below to add in your equipment.
Your machine is most likely just doing it's job, trying to keep a regulated pressure.
And yes, taping is one of many possible solutions, but there are many things you can try. Welcome and keep CPAP-ing and reading CPAPTALK.

[Guest]

I am brand new as well and having the same problem with waking up with my mouth widen open and the air rushing out of my mouth. Any experienced users can offer some help pleas?

[Chronocidal Guy]

I've only just started on CPAP about a month ago, but I know that I tend to mouth breathe sometimes, and just asked my supplier for a full face mask from the start.

Now, this has good and bad points..

The good part is that I don't have trouble breathing. My sinuses tend to be congested a lot, so if my nose is plugged up, the full face mask means I'll be able to breathe still.

The disadvantage is that now I tend to swallow a lot of air when I sleep. If I leave my mouth open, I'll sometimes just get air blown into my stomach, and I wake up having to burp.

Full face masks also tend to be harder to fit, and like to leak a lot. I've been able to stop mine from leaking, but I'm still experimenting with the fit, because it sometimes irritates the bridge of my nose. Making or buying a mask liner can help with that though.

I'm going to see about maybe trying a nasal pillow and see if it's better, but I know I'll need to tape/strap/glue my mouth shut when I try it, or the air will all leak out my mouth.

[ozze_dollar]

I think we all have this problem. I use a nasal mask and a chin strap. The chinstrap always slips through the night but still works ok. I tried the mouth taping only once. I wasnt very happy with my mouth taped but I am sure if I persisted I could get used to it. I find the FF mask difficult to cope with.

[jazzer4]

I was using a chine strap (several different kinds) and it worked to some degree.
But my numbers are the best they've ever been now that I'm using blue painters tape.
So I guess the chine straps were not working very well.

It did take a few nights to get used to the tape but it's not as bad as it sounds and I
feel so much better the next day.

[ameriken]

Guests...it does help to register and complete an equipment profile. Many questions can be answered by people who use the same equipment as you. There are many different masks which may have their own individual problems.

If you don't want to register, at least let us know what you're using.