Taping My Mouth Shut!

[janp]

Well ... I just started exhaling through my mouth at night ... generating a sizable "leak" and of course not helping my cause!

What kind of tape is used to "keep my mouth shut"? Anything else used besides the tape?

I'd like to avoid going to a full face mask.

Thanks all.

Jan

[Gerald]

I'm using 3M #2080 Blue 2" wide Delicate Release Painter's Masking Tape from Lowe's paint dept. About $10 per roll.

I use about 10" each night, fold ends down to form "handles"......and remove in the morning by pulling parallel to my face. No pain....no discomfort....during removal.

Also, i cover the tape with a band made from the leg of panty-hose-tights to assist the adhesive in the prevention of "blow-outs". The band goes over the tape and around the back of my head. Attached to the band......just ahead of each ear....is another band that goes over the top of my head. It's a "positioner" to keep everything in place during the night. Instead of sewing (relatively difficult with "stretchy" material), I plan to use super-glue or hot glue the next time I build one.

Gerald

[rested gal]

I use the blue painter's tape ever since I saw Gerald's first post about it. Works well for me, too. Before that, I used Johnson & Johnson waterproof adhesive tape, but had to use two horizontally overlapping strips of that to form a large enough patch to cover the mouth well and truly above and below my lips. The painters tape is wider and easier to use for me.

For new readers who are wondering, "What?? Tape??!!"
LINKS to: Mouth leaks - Air Leaks - Tape - DIY Guard
viewtopic.php?t=8011

[OutaSync]

I found that the painters tape was too sharp on the edges and cut the bottom of my nose. I use 3M micropore tape, 2 inches wide and about 4 inches long. Underneath that I cover my lips with lanolin and then some lip shaped white tissue wrapping paper. That way I don't have to tuck in my lips which has resulted in several bloody lips when I bit them during the night. I still have to use a chinstrap to keep my jaw from dropping.

[janp]

Thanks all for your responses.

I was going to ask about the need for something on my lips to protect them ... it's been answered.

Geez ... I can see my husband now ... coming at me with a roll of painter's tape in one hand and a paint brush in the other ... and a big smirk on his face!

Jan

[junie]

When taping some of us use chapstick on our lips then tuck your lips inward before taping.

[Lee Lee]

I use Nexcare Durable Cloth Tape. I do it differently than most. I chop off 6 2 inch pieces and tape vertically, making sure that each corner of the mouth is taped well.
It's really comfortable. I do tuck my lips, but have found I'm getting major wrinkles, which I hate! I'm thinking full face mask is next.
I also use chapstick, but have to be careful, so as not to cause the tape to come un-glued!

[bdp522]

I've been using Roosters method (link below) of mouth taping for a couple of years now. Works great for me. I do put a thin coat of milk of magnesia on my face before taping. It helps protect my skin from the adhesive but allows the tape to stay-put all night.

viewtopic.php?t=9653


Brenda

[grandmma]

The other alternative to taping is Polident Strips.

You take one, wet your lips and place between. Close firmly & clamp for a few minutes. If it does not seal, wet a little more & reseal. If it is too damp, just fan off & reseal. Has the advantage of no marks in the morning, and although can be messy is very easy to remove. You can open your mouth once sealed, it just takes conscious effort I've found.

In my case it also (after a lifetime of mouth breathing due to sinus & hayfever issues) has taught me to breathe through my nose, tongue in the correct spot to block the throat, and lips stay closed all night.

Doesn't work for all, and some need 1 1/2 strips, but worked for me, and my son also.