DSM, My primary mask before I started using the Activa was the Ultra Mirage. I agree with you that the Activa is very comfortable. When I first starting using it, it was very hard for me to get used to how loose to have the headgear straps. I just wish that it had the Ultra Mirage's exhaust system. I have got a new pillow and it has greatly reduced my problem with the exhaust noise.
Today am giving up ...
You can get the raw material for the DIY tongue guide at your local sports equipment store ("Big 5" is my source at about $3-$4 each).dsm wrote:As per usual RG (my angel) has the ideas. I plan to explore the use of these moulded teeth guards. Just hope we can get em locally.snork1 wrote:Definitely try RG's suggestion of the DIY tongue guide for stopping mouth leaks. I don't even use a chin strap anymore. Its definitely worth a couple of bucks for a couple of boilable shapeable mouthguards and a saturday of playing around with the concept.
Cheers
DSM
To me, the tongue guide is the greatest break through in CPAP since the heated hose.
Remember:
What you read above is only one data point based on one person's opinion.
I am not a doctor, nor do I even play one on TV.
Your mileage may vary.
Follow ANY advice or opinions at your own risk.
Not everything you read is true.
What you read above is only one data point based on one person's opinion.
I am not a doctor, nor do I even play one on TV.
Your mileage may vary.
Follow ANY advice or opinions at your own risk.
Not everything you read is true.
I have a couple of bulk warehouse type sports places nearby. Will use my lunch break to try them for these guards.snork1 wrote: You can get the raw material for the DIY tongue guide at your local sports equipment store ("Big 5" is my source at about $3-$4 each).
To me, the tongue guide is the greatest break through in CPAP since the heated hose.
May thanks for the valuable comments on this approach.
DSM
xPAP and Quattro std mask (plus a pad-a-cheek anti-leak strap)
Shock Doctors
Today I was able to purchase 2 'Shock Doctor' mouldable mouthguards.
These can be shaped after placing in boiling water.
Cheers
DSM
These can be shaped after placing in boiling water.
Cheers
DSM
xPAP and Quattro std mask (plus a pad-a-cheek anti-leak strap)
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NeurosurgeryNP
- Posts: 304
- Joined: Sun Jan 30, 2005 6:58 pm
- Location: Long Island, NY
- Contact:
I started to tape when I first was on CPAP. I am using the Activa. I found out that the best way foe me to prevent mouth leaks was:
1: I use a tape called Hytape - it is a tape which is zinc oxide based and is gentle on the skin. Like DSM, I also had trouble getting it off - although this tape is gentler than any I have tried, it still can get stuck on the lips. I solved this problem by using 3" tape and using a 2" X 2" gauze folded in half to cover my lips before I taped (I am sure that u can use a paper towel or something else to do this - it was just convienent for me working in a hospital). If you go to Google and put in Hytape, it'll show you a place to but it online.
2: I used a chin strap in tandem with the tape for the first month or so.
Now, after 4 months of this, I am able to go with just the redmed sullivan chin strap with minimal mouth leaks.
Hope this helps. Jen
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): activa, CPAP
1: I use a tape called Hytape - it is a tape which is zinc oxide based and is gentle on the skin. Like DSM, I also had trouble getting it off - although this tape is gentler than any I have tried, it still can get stuck on the lips. I solved this problem by using 3" tape and using a 2" X 2" gauze folded in half to cover my lips before I taped (I am sure that u can use a paper towel or something else to do this - it was just convienent for me working in a hospital). If you go to Google and put in Hytape, it'll show you a place to but it online.
2: I used a chin strap in tandem with the tape for the first month or so.
Now, after 4 months of this, I am able to go with just the redmed sullivan chin strap with minimal mouth leaks.
Hope this helps. Jen
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): activa, CPAP
Growing old is mandatory. Growing up is optional. -Jimmy Buffett
NeurosurgeryNP wrote: 1: I use a tape called Hytape - it is a tape which is zinc oxide based and is gentle on the skin. Like DSM, I also had trouble getting it off - although this tape is gentler than any I have tried, it still can get stuck on the lips. I solved this problem by using 3" tape and using a 2" X 2" gauze folded in half to cover my lips before I taped (I am sure that u can use a paper towel or something else to do this - it was just convienent for me working in a hospital). If you go to Google and put in Hytape, it'll show you a place to but it online.
Hope this helps. Jen
Jen,
I will give that a go. I do like the Activa.
DSM
xPAP and Quattro std mask (plus a pad-a-cheek anti-leak strap)
----To Jen/NNP,
For mouth leaks, I use a 3M product called "Nexcare Gentle Paper
Tape for Sensitive Skin, Gentle Adhesive, Breathable." Is the one you use, Hytape, even easier on the skin? Since you are a nurse, figured you'd know the best choice! I do double up two strips of it on the back of my hand to make it wider and by doing so figure some of the adhesive gets left on my hand. Similar to when I'm masking a delicate, recently painted or varnished surface. I'll run the strip of masking tape over my jeans to remove some of the tack and then place the tape.
It's still not that easy to get off get the tape off my mouth by morning so always looking for something better! The piece of gauze is a great suggestion.
I wear a splint/nightguard for bruxism at night (created by my dentist several years ago). It doesn't seem to alleviate mouth leaks. Maybe I'll try the DIY method.
----To DSM,
I found that when congested I can breathe much easier with my Swift nasal pillow interface than with the Activa. I just prefer the Swift overall anyway
lynn
For mouth leaks, I use a 3M product called "Nexcare Gentle Paper
Tape for Sensitive Skin, Gentle Adhesive, Breathable." Is the one you use, Hytape, even easier on the skin? Since you are a nurse, figured you'd know the best choice! I do double up two strips of it on the back of my hand to make it wider and by doing so figure some of the adhesive gets left on my hand. Similar to when I'm masking a delicate, recently painted or varnished surface. I'll run the strip of masking tape over my jeans to remove some of the tack and then place the tape.
It's still not that easy to get off get the tape off my mouth by morning so always looking for something better! The piece of gauze is a great suggestion.
I wear a splint/nightguard for bruxism at night (created by my dentist several years ago). It doesn't seem to alleviate mouth leaks. Maybe I'll try the DIY method.
----To DSM,
I found that when congested I can breathe much easier with my Swift nasal pillow interface than with the Activa. I just prefer the Swift overall anyway
lynn
_________________
| Mask | Humidifier | |||
 |  | |||
| Additional Comments: i love resmed stuff! | ||||
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NeurosurgeryNP
- Posts: 304
- Joined: Sun Jan 30, 2005 6:58 pm
- Location: Long Island, NY
- Contact:
I found that the Hytape is best for me anyway. I have tried many tapes, but I guess I make lots of saliva, and anything with less adhesive than a strong tape, did not work for me - the saliva got into the seal and it opened up all of the way. The Hytape, although strong, is zinc oxide based, and I never experienced a rash because of it.
Growing old is mandatory. Growing up is optional. -Jimmy Buffett
[quote="lynn"]----To Jen/NNP,
...
.....
I wear a splint/nightguard for bruxism at night (created by my dentist several years ago). It doesn't seem to alleviate mouth leaks. Maybe I'll try the DIY method.
----To DSM,
I found that when congested I can breathe much easier with my Swift nasal pillow interface than with the Activa. I just prefer the Swift overall anyway
lynn
...
.....
I wear a splint/nightguard for bruxism at night (created by my dentist several years ago). It doesn't seem to alleviate mouth leaks. Maybe I'll try the DIY method.
----To DSM,
I found that when congested I can breathe much easier with my Swift nasal pillow interface than with the Activa. I just prefer the Swift overall anyway
lynn
Remember:
What you read above is only one data point based on one person's opinion.
I am not a doctor, nor do I even play one on TV.
Your mileage may vary.
Follow ANY advice or opinions at your own risk.
Not everything you read is true.
What you read above is only one data point based on one person's opinion.
I am not a doctor, nor do I even play one on TV.
Your mileage may vary.
Follow ANY advice or opinions at your own risk.
Not everything you read is true.
-
Janelle
I don't use any device except what God gave me....my tongue. Placing your tongue tip against either your lower or upper incisors effectively blocks your throat. My tongue is so used to being in this position, it even does it during the day.
On another note: Nasal congestion: use the nasal spray BEFORE going to bed and it will last all night long. Best are the steroidal sprays like Nasacort AQ which you get from the Dr. These actually last about 24 hours, too, and you'll find after several months of xPAP therapy and the humidifier you will seldom need them at all, except maybe for a cold.
On another note: Nasal congestion: use the nasal spray BEFORE going to bed and it will last all night long. Best are the steroidal sprays like Nasacort AQ which you get from the Dr. These actually last about 24 hours, too, and you'll find after several months of xPAP therapy and the humidifier you will seldom need them at all, except maybe for a cold.