Another question about blowfish / chipmunk cheeks

Why am I awakening more and more with air in my mouth? When I first got my bipap setup, this didn't happen at all, but then I discovered the chin strap wasn't doing its job and so I switched to taping. That worked fine for a couple of nights, and then I started awakening first once or twice a night with air in my mouth, and now 8 or 10 times a night! I think my IPAP is set too high (I was titrated sleeping on my back, but I'm a side sleeper), but don't know how to change it. I find myself getting short-tempered by the end of the night, and not feeling rested!

1. Can I change the IPAP setting on my Respironics M-Series Auto by myself?
2. Is the only real solution to go to a FF mask?

Thanks once again.

Chipmunk Cheeks I love it!

You may find that the chin strap was putting pressure on your cheeks and that helped prevent it from happening.

Yes, you can change the settings but without having data capabilities you would just be guessing and possibly not getting the therapy you need.


Chuck

I think the chinstrap wasn't sealing your mouth...allowing you to mouth-breathe instead of Chip-cheek.

I don't know much about BiPAP machines, but the "Auto" in the name suggests it is determining the pressures for you, unless it's set for a manual mode. In any event, I'm sure you can change the settings to your liking. It ain't rocket surgery...

I doubt a setting change will affect your chipmunk thing, tho.

With your mouth sealed, as long as you keep your tongue pressed up and back, all of the xPAP air is routed down your throat. But after you fall asleep, your tongue may relax, allowing the pressure to inflate your mouth.

Try it before you fall asleep. With mask and machine on, drop your tongue. Your bed partner will be yelling "Alvin!!!" in no time.