A workable alternative to mouth taping!

[mindy]

Hi Rose,

Vetwrap is the "vet" version of something similar to the lightweight self-sticky ace bandage wrap.

I might try the headrest sometime. I've never used a FF mask and I asked my doc if I should get one for those times when I have colds. The sleep tech fitted me for the FP 432 and said I got almost no leaks. It seemed comfortable but, of course, I won't really be able to tell until I use it for a night. I tend to move around a lot at night as far as position so will wait and see.

In any case, I'm getting good results with the nasal pillows, especially as I'm gradually increasing my pressure. Sleep doc thinks I will need to go up to 14 after seeing my EP charts from first 2 months. I'm currently up to 12 - 14. So much for "mild" sleep apnea! It really is amazing how much better I feel -- best in about 15 years.

Mindy

[RosemaryB]

[quote="mindy"]Hi Rose,

Vetwrap is the "vet" version of something similar to the lightweight self-sticky ace bandage wrap.

I might try the headrest sometime. I've never used a FF mask and I asked my doc if I should get one for those times when I have colds. The sleep tech fitted me for the FP 432 and said I got almost no leaks. It seemed comfortable but, of course, I won't really be able to tell until I use it for a night. I tend to move around a lot at night as far as position so will wait and see.

In any case, I'm getting good results with the nasal pillows, especially as I'm gradually increasing my pressure. Sleep doc thinks I will need to go up to 14 after seeing my EP charts from first 2 months. I'm currently up to 12 - 14. So much for "mild" sleep apnea! It really is amazing how much better I feel -- best in about 15 years.

Mindy

[rested gal]

Great combo fix, Rosemary!

Jerry, your leak line looks better than just "decent." Looks very good.

[SleepyNoMore]

Rose, where can we buy the Vetwrap? I'm sorry if you already had it posted but i'm to tired to read every single post tonight ! Thanks

[RosemaryB]

Rose, where can we buy the Vetwrap? I'm sorry if you already had it posted but i'm to tired to read every single post tonight ! Thanks

Hi Shirley,

It wasn't me using the vetwrap. I use Johnson & Johnson First Aid Hurt-Free Wrap, 2-Inch width. That can likely be gotten at any drugstore chain or places like Target, Meijer, KMart, etc. It sounds like the vetwrap is similar, however, the J&J is latex-free and very comfortable on my skin, so you may want to try it if that's important to you. I am going to check out the vetwrap to see if it's less expensive, though. If so, I'll try to use it. All this taping and poligrip adds up $.

[mindy]

Rose,

As I understand it, the vetwrap is also latex-free. It's used for things like wrapping horses legs

I got mine through amazon.com - very cheap. It was mentioned in an earlier thread - it's actuall "Vet wrap".

Googled: vet wrap site:cpaptalk.com

viewtopic.php?t=10728&postdays=0&postor ... 12604279c4

Mindy

[RosemaryB]

Thanks, Mindy. I did a search for it and found out it is made by 3M under the name Vetrap. Went to their website and they had an MSDS sheet for it. It does have latex. That may or may not be a problem for someone. I'm very conservative with the allergy stuff since I have multiple allergies and if I'm using something daily that's a worry.

If someone is not concerned about allergies, it certainly is cheaper than the J&J hurt-free first aid wrap that I've been using. The cheapest I've been able to find is $4.69 for a roll of the J&J wrap. The Vetrap is less than half that for the same quantity and you can buy it in bulk.

[mindy]

Thanks, Rose!

Mindy

[oceanpearl]

Visiting the Eastern Virginia Medical School's sleep clinic week before last I wast told that mouth taping is a dangerous act. It seems that a high percentage of people who have OSA also have GERD. The sleep doctor there told me that I was taking my life into my own hands if I were taping my mouthor using Polident strips to seal it He said that he had heard of a few cases where people choked to death from this practice..
His suggestion was FFM or a head band

[mindy]

I have heard that and can see how that can be. I try to be sure that whatever I do is *very* easy to pull off. When I use polident strips, I place them vertically - one on each side, rather than between lips. That means that if I open my mouth wide, they pop off immediately. My sleep doc knows about it and did not suggest I stop.

The taping Rose mentioned is lightweight and also comes off very quickly. One doesn't need to be fully awake to do so.

I've heard of people using duct tape and that sounds risky to me. I do believe that each of us needs to exercise caution with any modifications and use common sense. If I had severe GERD, I doubt I'd be using any taping. On the other hand. I wouldn't think that a FFM isn't all that different than judicious mouth taping in terms of possible risks.

mindy

[sleepycarol]

When I hurt my ankle the doctor wanted me to keep it wrapped using the kind of tape you are talking about. She (doctor) suggested that I go to Orschelen's or a Farm Supply Store and get the vet wrap to save on cost. I used that stuff for about 5 or 6 weeks while my ankle healed from a sprain. Towards the end my skin was becoming irritated by the material in the bandaging and I switched to an ankle brace.

For those with allergies try it out before placing near your mouth and nose in case of reactions to the material in it.

[Goofproof]

When I hurt my ankle the doctor wanted me to keep it wrapped using the kind of tape you are talking about. She (doctor) suggested that I go to Orschelen's or a Farm Supply Store and get the vet wrap to save on cost. I used that stuff for about 5 or 6 weeks while my ankle healed from a sprain.

Glad to hear you healed ok and can still pull that wagon. Lucky you didn't go to a XPAP doctor for help, you may have gotton shot. Jim

[goose]

I don't think it would work easily for the face, but for ankle taping with the stuff, I'd always use that cotton medical sock material under it so that the "tape" (Vet wrap) didn't make contact with the skin.
"In the old days" ( ) when we taped our ankles for football, we used real stiff tape (not the good stuff they have today) and I always used the sock under it.....Made it much easier to cut off as well since it wasn't stuck directly to the skin.

Rose, if you can post some pix of your solution that would be great. I use the Headrest mask as well and love it!!! Still working on RG's tights solution as well....
I tried the poligrip strip to see if my leak line would improve but it didn't -- I'm not a mouth breather so I don't think I'm leaking much if at all through my mouth....
My leak line is rocky but consistent -- too high, but it doesn't wake me.....So I'm still searching for the cause.....

cheers
goose

[RosemaryB]

[quote="oceanpearl"]Visiting the Eastern Virginia Medical School's sleep clinic week before last I wast told that mouth taping is a dangerous act. It seems that a high percentage of people who have OSA also have GERD. The sleep doctor there told me that I was taking my life into my own hands if I were taping my mouthor using Polident strips to seal it He said that he had heard of a few cases where people choked to death from this practice..
His suggestion was FFM or a head band

[RosemaryB]

For those with allergies try it out before placing near your mouth and nose in case of reactions to the material in it.

I second that. I'm cautious with this because I'm prone to allergies and have acquired some over the years. I'd rather limit any daily exposure to latex, since it's one of those things people acquire an allergy to.