Mouth Breathing Mea Culpa

As a follow-up to my June 6th posting, I want to offer a big apology for so arrogantly assuming that mouth breathing couldn't possibly be part of the problem with my first week of CPAP treatment. Little did I know (until I woke myself up while doing it) that once I fell asleep, my jaw was dropping and my mouth opening, hence the poor results.

I have followed the suggestion of several forum users about 3M Surgical Tape over my lips and have to say that, while I was skeptical and felt a little bit like a mummy at first, it really seems to work. My sleep last night, while not perfect, was much better than past nights with the machine and mask and I was pleased not to wake up with such a sore, dry throat.

Any additional or alternative suggestions for keeping my mouth shut -- something my mother never could get me to do as a child! -- would be greatly appreciated

Kurtchan

I have found nothing as effective as taping. After four months of taping it is now becoming so routine that I don't even think about it anymore and it is not uncomfortable.

Some will tell you to use chinstraps. I tried four different chinstraps. All were hot, uncomfortable, and interfered with the mask headgear. They held my mouth shut but air pressure still leaked out between my lips.

Good luck whatever you try.

Hey, Kurtchan, that's great news. That's what you I'ld call an "Aha experience" though under the circumstances, it's probably more of an "mm mm experiece". ... Like Papageno with the lock on his mouth. .

Sleep well.

O.

Search on the subject. There are numerous topics discussing DIY mouthguards, dental appliances etc.

Also search on Poligrip Strips they work like a charm and are much less mummy like and intrusive than tape although I use both methods.

David

Here is a link to click on for more links regarding mouth breathing (brought to you via Rested Gal - thanks RG).

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