I HATE tape!

HisServ · Post by **HisServ** » Wed Feb 15, 2006 3:00 pm

I tape my mouth shut every night so that I don't have mouth leaks and wake up hissing. But I can't STAND tape. In the mornings when I pull my tape off sometimes I'll pull off some of my skin with it. Right now my skin under my lips is all red and yucky because of that. I'm sure I'm just making it worse by continuing to use the tape but what do you do? Then I'll think I have taped myself up really well and I'll wake up at midnight and my whole top lip is untaped. How does that happen? So then I have to untape and retape all over again.

On the upside, those are really my only problems (besides have to wake up to cough as well which really rather irritates me.) And I'm able to use the machine most nights all the way through and I feel SOOO much better than what I used to feel that I just can't even explain it. I know I'm lucky to be able to feel as good as I do and use the machine as much as I do. I'm so thankful that I finally found something that helps and that I wasn't crazy after all.

Now, when am I going to get up the courage to try using the breeze again instead of the activa?

Any suggestions on the tape issue and how to heal quickly from when I pull my skin off??

yardbird · Post by **yardbird** » Wed Feb 15, 2006 3:04 pm

I'm still working on LipGlue (tm) if that's any consolation.

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Wed Feb 15, 2006 4:08 pm

HisServ, fortunately, I don't mouthbreath - it sounds horrible.

I'm sure you've already read all the material, but just in case:

Have you tried the "paper" tape?

Have you tried using a little moisturizer in the sore areas just before you tape? That would prevent those areas from worsening.

Have you tried a full face mask?

So sorry you're having a bad time with it.

Joe_0206 · Post by **Joe_0206** » Wed Feb 15, 2006 5:29 pm

HisServ,

Maybe this is a dumb question, but why not try the chin strap? I'll have to admit mine does not work very well. It easily slides off the top of my head . As my wife says... "couldn't hurt."

snoozie_suzy · Post by **snoozie_suzy** » Wed Feb 15, 2006 6:08 pm

Hello His Serv~

I don't mouth tape, I use the Full Face mask, but here are a couple threads on the subject.

Good Luck,
Snoozie_Suzy

viewtopic.php?t=6871&highlight=taping

viewtopic.php?t=6843

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Wed Feb 15, 2006 10:12 pm

I've found the following taping procedure helpful:

1. Put Blistex lip conditioner on my lips (the kind that comes in a little box
2. Fold lips in
3. Put paper tape on lips.

That somehow protects my lips, and doesn't bother the tape.

O.

snork1 · Post by **snork1** » Wed Feb 15, 2006 10:19 pm

We need to come up with Post-it glue for the lips.

I am allergic to the all types of tape, including the so called hypoallergenic types, so I can relate to your issue.

I went the mouth appliance route for mouth leaks, along with working on training the tongue.

rock and roll · Post by **rock and roll** » Wed Feb 15, 2006 11:51 pm

Try the OUCHLESS tape for kids or the OUCHLESS Bandaids as tape, they won't pull off your skin. You can train yourself not to mouthbreath. I did. Oh there is the occational night that I do but only for a little time and I keep water next to the bed and two swigs, that is cured. I FIND THE AURA THE EASIESS TO DO THIS WITH. Others may have better luck with something else. But you can do it and I find the posistion you have your neck while laying on a pillow determines how much you mouth breath. Experiment, and just do away with the tape. Good Luck!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 7:35 am

I've tried very hard to train myself to not mouth breathe, but my tongue just does NOT want to co-operate. I think it's because of the orthodontic problems I had as a kid. I DO use the paper tape and if I put any kind of moisturizer or anything, the tape doesn't stick. It's like a curse. And it's not actually my lips that get torn up, it's the skin under my lips. Oh well, I guess it's just one of those unwanted "side effects" of treatment. With CPAP we don't have side effects like typical medications we get sores and tear our skin off, etc...

Maybe when my situation changes and I get a little bit more money, I can opt for one of those custom mouthguards that's supposed to keep your tongue in place. People have success with those??

Oh and thanks for all the suggestions!

HisServ · Post by **HisServ** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 7:36 am

Sorry. The above was me. Forgot to sign in.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 9:40 am

I've had success with a 2inch self-stick wrap around the back of the neck ace bandage. It's soft, reuseable, easy off. A 3foot piece will do and leaves the rest for another time. Don't try the one with the sharp clips and the 3inch one is just too wide.

SLEEPYCD · Post by **SLEEPYCD** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 3:23 pm

To all you mouth tapers,
I also, like Ozij, put just a little Blistex lip conditioner on my lips before I tape up for the night. I've tried several kinds of tape without success. Then, I found 3M Nexcare Waterproof tape (real soft and pliable). I can cough, move my lips, slobber all over it (I know, aren't I pathetic), and it stays put all night. Plus in the morning, it doesn't hurt to take it off!!! Costs about $3.25 at Walmart for a roll of tape. Try it, see what think.
Carolyn

Neurosurgery NP · Post by **Neurosurgery NP** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 5:29 pm

I used to tape too. I then got a chin strap. I still taped for a few weeks after starting to use the strap, but then eventually weaned off of the tape. I now just use the chin strap.

I HATE tape!

I HATE tape!

Eyes Shut - Mouth Wide Apart

Taping