Oracle Oral 452 - first time issues/difficulty

Use a mild soap and rinse thoroughly!!
The image shows the maximum disassembly needed to wash this mask. The inner flap just pulls off of the outer flap and mouthpiece. The swivel diffuser snaps out of the outer flap assembly. Do not remove the adjuster ring its a real PITA to get back on and adjusted correctly. Only wash the inner flap and the outer mouthpiece assembly. If you wash the swivel diffuser, you should remove the filter and replace it after all is done. The individual parts should be left to dry and only assembled when they are completely dry - about 1 to 2 hours later depending on your humidity.

I was able to learn how to keep my nose "closed" with no nose plugs or clips.

It's the soft palate (the top of your mouth) that closes off the air when, for instance, you blow up a balloon. When you blow up a balloon, no air comes out your nose, and you don't have to pinch your nose closed.

I put on the Oracle, turn on the machine and blow gently back into the mouthpiece like I'm blowing up a balloon. I can feel my nose close off. Then I sort of freeze up and consciously relax slowly, taking care to let my mouth, throat, and nose stay in the same position. To me, it feels like the air pressure helps keep the soft palate flap closed.

I found I could keep my nose closed when I slept, but my throat and nose were uncomfortable and I couldn't really sleep well with it.

I must keep my nose closed as a normal thing. I can lay down and no air comes out my nose, even with this mask and no plugs. Just not used to having my jaw open so far. Not that it really is that far, but my teeth are usually only open a few mm. Since I have trouble getting enough air through my nose when I am upright and working, I have learned to keep my mouth open just enough to get enough air, but not looking like I go around with my mouth hanging open.

At the dentist, they have to keep telling me to breathe through my nose. It's not normal for me.