Mask and Mouth breathing question.

vernao · Post by **vernao** » Wed May 24, 2006 10:16 pm

I have used CPAP for 3 years, but lately began to have problems taking it off at night and still being sleepy. After a sleep study this month it was determined that the problem is I still breathe through my mouth, even with the chin straps. I have used many - from cheap to expensive and seem determined to open my mouth. I have been told I can't keep my mouth shut before! I was put on a full face mask, and it does help. My problem is, I get extremely dry mouth with this mask. I have a humidifier, but it does not seem to help. Any suggestions appreciated?

Verna

chdurie2 · Post by **chdurie2** » Wed May 24, 2006 10:44 pm

A can of soda or thermos of cold water by your bedside for when you wake up.

vernao · Post by **vernao** » Wed May 24, 2006 11:22 pm

A can of soda or thermos of cold water by your bedside for when you wake up.

I will give that a serious try tonight. Everytime the things gets comfortable the docs have to go dinking around with my "stuff" you know cpap. If they ever get their grimey little pinchers on me it is a lost cause.

How does one get the mouth appliance to help witj escaping air.

Thanks
Verna

linda b · Post by **linda b** » Wed May 24, 2006 11:40 pm

Have you tried the Poligrip Strips on your lips? There was a major discussion going on a week or so ago about it. I've been using them for about a week and absolutely love it. Will never use a chin strap again!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed May 24, 2006 11:41 pm

verna:

i'm not sure what you mean. you mean that air escapes even with the full face mask or you have a mouth appliance that causes leaks? please be more specific, including which face mask you use, if that's the problem, and where the leak problem is. if you're still talking nasal masks, there are tons of archived posts here on tape and glue to keep your mouth shut.

caroline

vernao · Post by **vernao** » Thu May 25, 2006 12:25 am

I will try to clarify what I am asking, but may just make it worse.

The nasal masks were causing me to open my mouth even though I use a chin strap. I have allergies and my nose wants to go shut sometimes which makes it a need to breath through the mouth no matter how I prepare for the bed. I am allergic to tape, so that is out. My nasal mask was changed to full face mask because of this, and it works fine just causes dry dry mouth. I can't use the canalas, and I don't use a mouth appliance.

My machine is a Remstar Pro cflex with a humidifier. The mask is Resmed full face mask. It is comfortable enough, and I am not pulling it off yet - but the dry mouth is so bad my tounge is sore. Any suggestions? I am going to use Biotene gel tonight and see if that helps. Yuck!

Thanks for the help.

Verna[/img]

Offerocker · Post by **Offerocker** » Thu May 25, 2006 12:37 am

I am a 'mouth breather' also. Since being on CPAP and receiving great advice, I am now on a lightweight nasal mask, and use a strip of surgical tape vertically, in center of lips (under nose) to tape shut my mouth. It works! First, suck in your lips, then apply the tape, being sure to make 'tabs' with the tape at both ends. Pull DOWN on the tape in the morning. Experiment with different tapes, or simply ask the pharmacist which he recommends. My mouth has not been dry since.

Mask

Additional Comments: Large mask collection