Mouth Breathing

[m.floriani@comcast.net]

I am considered a mouth breather at times. Should I only be using a full mask ? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Jeannh]

I think you have to weigh that against leak data and comfort (which may potentially lead to compromised compliance). Lots of folks happily use a FFM.

A FFM gives you a larger potential leak area.
But, if a FFM keeps you from using the xPAP, then the rest is moot.

[Julie]

If the FFM is well fitted to you then I wouldn't think mask leaks would be a major problem if you need one... certainly mouth leaks can be worse!

[Jay Aitchsee]

In case you missed it in another thread.
"Avoiding Mouth Leak" by ResMed: http://www.resmed.com/us/clinicians/com ... clinicians

[zoocrewphoto]

I am a mouth breather. It took me a few weeks to master the minor leak up by my eye, but people here told me how to fix that and it worked. I needed to lower it a little on my face.

Once that was mastered, it has been a great mask for me. My leak line is pretty much zero every night, and I can breathe through my mouth all night long since I can barely breathe through my nose.

[Michelle P]

My Jaw drops which I considered to be a mouth breather. However, a RT shared with me is that a true mouth breather has to breathe all day with your mouth open which I do not do. I tried FFM and found them to hurt my face. Those that did not tear up my face tore up my nose. I tried the Quattro FX for her and liked it but could never eliminate the leaking into my eyes. So I went chin strap and alternate between a nasal mask and a nasal pillow mask.

[zoocrewphoto]

My Jaw drops which I considered to be a mouth breather. However, a RT shared with me is that a true mouth breather has to breathe all day with your mouth open which I do not do.

I can breathe through my nose if I am basically doing nothing. Every now and then, I have to open my mouth and take a larger breath. If I had to tape my mouth shut, I would probably have noticeable oxygen desats within half an hour. It is not something i would want to try. When I am actively walking around, doing things, my mouth is open slightly. I learned a long time ago to keep my lips almost closed so that I don't look like my mouth is open.

I tried FFM and found them to hurt my face. Those that did not tear up my face tore up my nose. I tried the Quattro FX for her and liked it but could never eliminate the leaking into my eyes. So I went chin strap and alternate between a nasal mask and a nasal pillow mask.

I had that problem at first. I had to reposition it slightly lower on my face to prevent the leaks into my eyes. After that, it was perfect.

[Michelle P]

Thanks Zoocrewphoto. I tried repositioning it lower. It worked briefly but then started leaking in my eyes. I have been considering trying Quattro Air for Her.

I loved the softness of the mask. I just could not control the leaks in my eyes.