Mouth breathing

[pdean44]

I am still struggling with some mouth breathing issues. I have never been diagnosed with allergies but am pretty sure i have them. Zyrtec seems to help. My wife says i snore a little now and then though not as bad. I woke up last night and noticed some drool around my chin and lips. I have a chin strap and have tried the denture strips method to seal my lips which seem to help sometimes. I have a feeling that in the end i will have to use a full fm. I cant seem to get completely past this issue. I told them in the beginning i was prone to mouth breathing. Soon i have to go back for a follow up so will have to see what they say.

[Julie]

It seems like you're avoiding, or at least prolonging trying on FF masks, though I'm not sure why. Find a good DME that lets you try them while lying down, take your time with sizes and all, and get some sleep .

[Ms.Snuffleupagus]

I know what you mean. I love my Swift Fx but have to tape my mouth for it to work. But the air through the pillows seems to open up my sinuses and I can breathe better. The full face masks seem like so much plastic and silicone on the face. But many use full face masks and get used to them. As Julie says, there are many different models and you just have to see what works for you. I know I get better numbers with the full face masks. I have the Hybrid on order, will see how that goes. Many here have recommended it.

[rested gal]

A lot of people (including me) have that problem and have looked for solutions to let us continue using a non-FF mask if we already have a mask we really, really like:

LINKS to: Mouth leaks - Air Leaks - Tape - DIY Guard
viewtopic.php?t=8011

I tape my mouth AND use a chin strap. Every night. The chin strap is to keep the cheeks flattened somewhat to prevent air filled "chipmunk cheeks" that tend to loosen the tape sometimes.

[pdean44]

I like my mask so really wanted it to work. I am not actually trying to avoid a full face mask. If it is what I need and it works then I will make it work. The thing is I am trying to go along with the doctors and making sure they write prescriptions for this stuff to help stave off out of pocket expenses as much as possible. I am not due for another visit till may 3rd. At that point was going to raise these concerns. I have been trying everything suggested short of taping. Mustache would make that cruel unusual punishment. I believe I have Geneva rights covering that.

[Ms.Snuffleupagus]

Have you tried the PapCap? It works really well for some, better than most chin straps. The PapCap plus model has velcro straps so that you can attach your mask directly to it without using the headgear.

[msudawg]

I started out using a FFM, but am now using a comfortgel nasal mask. I never thought i could use a nasal as I have always been a mouth breather. I used the FFM for 2 weeks and tried to force myself to breath from my nose while falling asleep. After 2 weeks on the FFM I found that my nose is more clear and will open up within a minute of starting my cpap unit. Now I do not even use a chin strap or tape and my leak rate is very flat most nights.

Be sure to try on the FFM while lying down, the fit is much different when sitting up.

Good luck

[harry33]

mouth breathing while awake is bad for your health and doc should investigate

[pdean44]

Have you tried the PapCap? It works really well for some, better than most chin straps. The PapCap plus model has velcro straps so that you can attach your mask directly to it without using the headgear.

Havent tried that one yet

[rise&shiner]

I had to try 5 different ffm to find one that works for me. I chose to go that route instead of of the taping mouth shut and a chin strap somehow that just seemed like to much work and what if I wanted adrink of water during the night I have to start all over again. I love my full face masks and I wish I could say that I had truble getting use to it but for me it wasn't hard to ge adjusted to it which surprised me as I do suffer from claustrophobia. I haven;t had my mask through the califorfnia summers so I might run into some uncomfortability although I live in no0rthern cal and most nights its cool.

[pdean44]

Glad to hear you found one that worked for you.