Sudden case of mouth breathing THOUGHTS?

[dieselgal]

Has anyone else on here done fine for a couple of years and then suddenly started mouth breathing at night?
I have been on CPAP for 3 years now and have never had problems with mouth breathing but recently over about the last 10 days it seems that I wake up realizing that I have been breathing through my mouth and I am all dried out. I don't have a cold, not really congested. Doesn't seem like anything is new but now I have this issue!!!! WHAY....isn't having to wear a mask, being overweight and having to wear this get up enough?

[SleepyHead09]

since i am new too thing call sleep disorder sorry i can't tell or give you a reason. i have been looking around cpap.com and seen some i think they are called chin straps. helps keep your mouth closed. have you changed sleeping positions or got a new pillow? sorry i could not help out more

[JeffH]

Happened to me seven years on cpap. I don't know how long I was mouth breathing but after I found this forum, got a data machine, and started taping / Polident stripping I solved the problem. My GF and a motorcycle riding buddy had both told me that I was breathing thru my mouth at night, but I didn't believe them.

Tape, FFmask, or strips.

JeffH

[drubin007]

Happened to me seven years on cpap. I don't know how long I was mouth breathing but after I found this forum, got a data machine, and started taping / Polident stripping I solved the problem. My GF and a motorcycle riding buddy had both told me that I was breathing thru my mouth at night, but I didn't believe them.

Tape, FFmask, or strips.

JeffH

what, tape the mouth closed? I only ask because I am a noob to the world of cpap as well...

When I open my mouth I feel air rushing all over.. its wierd. Makes yawning a challenge...

Today will be night 7 on cpap for me... I am using the nasal pillows now? (they plug my nostrils). THe one I have does
have a chin strap on it. Not sure how or why (and not complaining) but I was always a mouth breather. since going on cpap I do not. hope it stays that way!!!

[Gerald]

Drubin.....

"Mouth Breathing" is a misnomer. Actually, "Mouth Leaking" is more descriptive.

You're losing all hope of good therapy......right out of your mouth.

The system (your lungs and upper respiratory area) has to be pressurized....and that means no leaking.....by either mask or mouth.

Purchase 2" Blue 3M #2080 Delicate Release painter's Tape from Lowe's, and Lansenoh Lanolin (for your nares) at your local drug store.

Until we (this bunch of outlaws on this forum) figure out a better way to stop mouth leaks, the above is the best advice.

Gerald

[slapmeawake]

Yes, after a year on CPAP I too starting opening my mouth some. I think since we are no longer struggling for breath after awhile we just relax and our mouths open. I keep trying to find a ff mask that works for me but so far no joy. I use my nasal mask and tape also. It works and like the previous poster said, Until they find a better method, this is the best we can do right now. Maybe a FF mask would work for you, try one. The Quattro is the closest so far to working for me but it still bothers the bridge of my nose some. Good luck

[DannyP]

I have been on Cpap for almost three years also and I had problems with the Mouth Breathing in the Beginning along with the Aeropragia. Thought I had it conquered until last night. I didn't sleep well last night ( Probably Three Hours at the Most ) and awoke this morning feeling like Crap with Dry mouth and severe bloating in the Abdomen. I figure I was Mouth Breathing Most of the Night. I Finally took some Gaviscon and drank a 7-up to relieve the aeropragia. Also i think my Reflux was acting up again nd My Chest and throat was tight this morning. I Guess I will Tighten the Chin strap more tonight to see if that helps me any. Also- I intend to loosen the straps on the mask tonight. Best of luck with the problem. I feel your Pain.

[dsm]

Has anyone else on here done fine for a couple of years and then suddenly started mouth breathing at night?
I have been on CPAP for 3 years now and have never had problems with mouth breathing but recently over about the last 10 days it seems that I wake up realizing that I have been breathing through my mouth and I am all dried out. I don't have a cold, not really congested. Doesn't seem like anything is new but now I have this issue!!!! WHAY....isn't having to wear a mask, being overweight and having to wear this get up enough?

That has happened to me this past 2 weeks after almost a year of comparative comfort re nose/mouth balance. I put it down to us here having just shifted into winter & cold weather.

Nasonex & occasional Otrivin are still helping a bit. Went to an ENT 4 weeks back who basically said 'your on Nasonex for life' ! - seems there are a number of reasons for me to be a mouth breather - these include devitaed septum, polyps (non fungal) in nasal cavity, immature development of the junction between airway & throat, allergy reaction by turbinates, tonsils over sized & need to be removed + having GERD

ENT says she can do a one time opp that puts me off work for 2 weeks (mostly the tonsils) but all in all says that not a lot will change.

My experience with mouth breathing has been to learn to live with it.

Good luck with yours

DSM

[Raj]

Assuming no change in pressures, I suspect some physiological change is at work. Perhaps the mouth, tongue, or cheek muscles responsible for blocking mouth leakage have weakened, in which case they could probably be reconditioned with exercises. Or your sleeping position has altered. If you've gained weight recently, that also could make a change in your sleeping posture. It's also possible that you're getting some nasal blockage in the night, forcing you to open your mouth.

[dieselgal]

Thanks guys for all the suggestions and input. I am still taking notes and trying to figure this out and by the way RAJ....thanks for noticing. I have gained about 15 lbs which most people don't even notice since I have the body of baby hippo anyway. Very possibly my body has figured this out and it is causing me problems! I guess what I should do is lose some weight and get into better shape.................nah.....like that's gonna happen. Knowing me I will just try taping.

[roster]

For anyone who mouthbreathes or mouthleaks, here is the approach I recommend:

1. Try a full face mask.
-Make sure you have the proper size.
-Make sure you have it adjusted correctly.
-Read the manufacturer's instructions/watch the video over and over until you practically have them memorized.
-Place your machine on a safe perch in front of a mirror.
-Try the mask on with the machine running at the pressure you will use.
-Check for leaks and readjust if necessary.
-Move the head and neck around and continue to check for leaks.
-Pay attention to how the hose places torque on the mask.
-Adjust the mask and headgear according to the manufacturer's instructions.
-Remember, no mask should be adjusted tightly - this is a common mistake. Adjusting tightly often causes leaks. The masks are designed to be adjusted loosely.
-Pay close attention to hose management in the bed. Hose torque on the mask can cause problems. Have a well-studied technique for managing the hose that fits your sleeping habits and your mask.

2.If you cannot get the mask to work try a total of three or four different face masks. Run each through the same routine as above. It is not unusual to take a few weeks with a single mask before you get the hang of it.

3. Perseverance is critical. Learning to properly use and sleep with a full face mask is the best thing a mouthbreather/leaker can do for his life and health.

4. If you take the above steps over several weeks and just cannot get a FF mask to work, then try a nasal mask with some of the "last resort" techniques such as chin straps or mouthtaping.

5. Do make number 4 a last resort and always remember number 3, even if only to come back to it later.

6. Post questions and comments on the forum about your full face mask journey. There are many members here who are very successful with full face masks.

[JoyD.]

Rooster said:
For anyone who mouthbreathes or mouthleaks, here is the approach I recommend:
1. Try a full face mask.

. . . And I'm sure Carbonman would say "ditto"

I've steered clear of FFM so far for many reasons I've picked up on this forum. But mostly because I hate things on my face and head . . . and, like a squirrel in her nest, I love to scrunch up in my nest of several pillows

So far, the deconstructed Headrest is my favorite since it is so minimal, the sides are completely clear and the nosepiece doesn't get dislodged with turning. But I would like to bring my AHI's down consistently to "0 to 2" and improve my leak line.

However, the next mask I get could be a FFM to have one on hand. Here are the features I am looking for (which may be impossible to find in one mask or be too much to expect from a FFM):

1. Be MINIMAL - not large and clunky. Feel as natural as possible.
2. Have a safety valve.
3. Not press so tightly against the face that it leaves marks in the morning (female vanity)
4. Stable; not dislodged easily.
5. Comfortable for a side sleeper and "pillow scruncher".
6. Won't allow air to get in the eyes (I have dry eyes already!)
7. Won't press on the upper lip to affect my teeth (loosening, pain, etc); I do wear a mouthguard for TMJ which could be painful with a mask pressing on it).
7. Doesn't require a lot of "pre-use" fixing, like pressing squashed earplugs all along the edges so it will seal.

. . . This is sounding ridiculous. Perhaps I am looking for Nirvana!

Now be easy on me, you guys and gals

Joy

[cflame1]

7. Won't press on the upper lip to affect my teeth (loosening, pain, etc); I do wear a mouthguard for TMJ which could be painful with a mask pressing on it).
7. Doesn't require a lot of "pre-use" fixing, like pressing squashed earplugs all along the edges so it will seal.

Joy... even one that sits on your upper lip shouldn't bother your teeth unless you have to have it tied down too tight. My mouth guard doesn't cause me any trouble with my Hybrid.

[gerrymoorerrtdotcom]

When was the last time you replaced your mask? Have you had your system downloaded lately to see if there is a change in your therapy? Leakage of course would be high, but is it occuring all night? Gerry

[roster]

..........
1. Be MINIMAL - not large and clunky. Feel as natural as possible.
2. Have a safety valve.
3. Not press so tightly against the face that it leaves marks in the morning (female vanity)
4. Stable; not dislodged easily.
5. Comfortable for a side sleeper and "pillow scruncher".
6. Won't allow air to get in the eyes (I have dry eyes already!)
7. Won't press on the upper lip to affect my teeth (loosening, pain, etc); I do wear a mouthguard for TMJ which could be painful with a mask pressing on it).
7. Doesn't require a lot of "pre-use" fixing, like pressing squashed earplugs all along the edges so it will seal.

.........

Joy

For me, the Hybrid mask fits all those requirements except for "feel natural".

A few of my liberal friends use the all-natural, pesco-vegetarian, antibiotic-free, organic, free-range, pasture-fed, macrobiotic, fat-free, commune-grown, low-carb, local-grown, co-op distributed, fresh, unprocessed, HFCS-free masks, but they are not for me.