Paper Tape Made All The Difference In My Leaks!

I posted last week, puzzled as to where my leaks were coming from since my mask fits and I was taping so my mouth could not open. Someone suggested that I could be breathing through the tape. I have always used the Nexcare Flexible Clear tape, because I found it easier to remove than Nexcare Gentle Paper tape. I tried the paper tape because it looked less less permeable than the flexible tape, and for three nights, my leak rate has been 0.00!

Thank you once again to everyone here who takes the time to contribute their knowledge and experience.

Thanks for the follow-up, that is a big help too!

jilliansue wrote:I posted last week, puzzled as to where my leaks were coming from since my mask fits and I was taping so my mouth could not open. Someone suggested that I could be breathing through the tape. I have always used the Nexcare Flexible Clear tape, because I found it easier to remove than Nexcare Gentle Paper tape. I tried the paper tape because it looked less less permeable than the flexible tape, and for three nights, my leak rate has been 0.00!

Thank you once again to everyone here who takes the time to contribute their knowledge and experience.

I never thought about this, but I do agree that the 3M transpore plastic tape I use is slightly more breathable than the micropore paper tape I have on hand. I usually use the paper on my nose bridge. Also, agree on the plastic being easier to remove.

I was wondering where leaks were coming from with nasal masks and my taping system, even though the leak level is acceptable. I wasn't feeling any leaks. The tape could explain it. I might have to try the paper. However, I did get really good leak numbers last night with nasal mask and plastic tape. Perhaps, the tape application might be a factor as well. Hey, as long as it's working.... Congrats on the excellent leak numbers!

Best,

Mike

If you tape your mouth’s lips because you want to reduce your mouth air leak and thus improve the XPAP treatment, then you’re likely to invite a Meteorism situation. In such a situation you lock- in extra ingested air in your GI tract. The extra air has no easy way to go and be vented to the atmosphere. You better off keeping your mouth somewhat open to let some trapped air go out to the atmosphere, even if this mouth air leak has some negative effect on the XPAP’s proper treatment. An elastic Chinstrap that allows some mouth opening could solve this problem. “Meteorism”, is a similar medical term to “Aerophagia”, but the latter term is used more often for intestinal air distention resulting postoperatively.

If you post your ResScan Leak graph then the shape of the graph could indicate the source of the leak. In my situation all those inverted "U" shapes are from mouth leaks:

Lately I've been using 3M NexCare gentle paper tape... however, I agree, it is certainly more difficult to get off the next morning. To solve that, I rub a little petroleum jelly on one edge of the tape where I start to peel, then slowly pull the tape back upon itself (ie. none sticky sides touching) as I use my forefinger to spread the petroleum jelly into the exposed contact area as I pull. If I slowly and evenly pull the tape back on itself while letting the lubricant loosen the exposed glue/skin interface (all the while being sure not to pull straight up), then I get a painless and easy removal with no torn skin. If I rush it... ouch! For me it takes about a minute to complete and I find it's worth the time spent.

avi123 wrote:If you tape your mouth’s lips because you want to reduce your mouth air leak and thus improve the XPAP treatment, then you’re likely to invite a Meteorism situation. In such a situation you lock- in extra ingested air in your GI tract. The extra air has no easy way to go and be vented to the atmosphere. You better off keeping your mouth somewhat open to let some trapped air go out to the atmosphere, even if this mouth air leak has some negative effect on the XPAP’s proper treatment. An elastic Chinstrap that allows some mouth opening could solve this problem. “Meteorism”, is a similar medical term to “Aerophagia”, but the latter term is used more often for intestinal air distention resulting postoperatively.

If you post your ResScan Leak graph then the shape of the graph could indicate the source of the leak. In my situation all those inverted "U" shapes are from mouth leaks:

Is this true in every case or variable by person? The reason I ask is I always had more air in the GI with a ffm. I understand with taping that I probably do have a little air escaping from the mouth as I don't tape the very corners. Even so, my leak lines are acceptable. However, I taped last night with nasal mask and had virtually no leaks and none of the U shaped variety. The line was very similar to what I get with my ffm, and the pressures were the same. I still had a good night GI air wise. Might it be that in some of our cases that GI air is more related to excess from opening our mouth during therpay?

Best,

Mike

Sir NoddinOff wrote:Lately I've been using 3M NexCare gentle paper tape... however, I agree, it is certainly more difficult to get off the next morning. To solve that, I rub a little petroleum jelly on one edge of the tape where I start to peel, then slowly pull the tape back upon itself (ie. none sticky sides touching) as I use my forefinger to spread the petroleum jelly into the exposed contact area as I pull. If I slowly and evenly pull the tape back on itself while letting the lubricant loosen the exposed glue/skin interface (all the while being sure not to pull straight up), then I get a painless and easy removal with no torn skin. If I rush it... ouch! For me it takes about a minute to complete and I find it's worth the time spent.

Good system! My paper tape on the nose comes off easy enough because I have a little lansinoh under it. If I get anything too sticky, I just jump on in the shower with the tape on. The hot moisture allows it to ease on off

Best,

Mike

...If I get anything too sticky, I just jump on in the shower with the tape on. The hot moisture allows it to ease on off

Best,

Mike

Now this is brilliant. I never would have thought of this in a million years. Its a great idea.

Sir NoddinOff wrote:Lately I've been using 3M NexCare gentle paper tape... however, I agree, it is certainly more difficult to get off the next morning. To solve that, I rub a little petroleum jelly on one edge of the tape where I start to peel, then slowly pull the tape back upon itself (ie. none sticky sides touching) as I use my forefinger to spread the petroleum jelly into the exposed contact area as I pull. If I slowly and evenly pull the tape back on itself while letting the lubricant loosen the exposed glue/skin interface (all the while being sure not to pull straight up), then I get a painless and easy removal with no torn skin. If I rush it... ouch! For me it takes about a minute to complete and I find it's worth the time spent.

Thank you for this technique!

[quote="avi123"]If you tape your mouth’s lips because you want to reduce your mouth air leak and thus improve the XPAP treatment, then you’re likely to invite a Meteorism situation. In such a situation you lock- in extra ingested air in your GI tract. The extra air has no easy way to go and be vented to the atmosphere. You better off keeping your mouth somewhat open to let some trapped air go out to the atmosphere, even if this mouth air leak has some negative effect on the XPAP’s proper treatment. An elastic Chinstrap that allows some mouth opening could solve this problem. “Meteorism”, is a similar medical term to “Aerophagia”, but the latter term is used more often for intestinal air distention resulting postoperatively.

If you post your ResScan Leak graph then the shape of the graph could indicate the source of the leak. In my situation all those inverted "U" shapes are from mouth leaks:


Very interesting! I am using the tape because I am trying to find a solution other than the chinstrap which I have used the past 4 years. I have not had issues with extra ingested air, unless I could have that and not be aware of that.

Your graphs and explanations were very interesting. Unfortunately for me, I have a Resmed S8 which does not work with Sleepyhead. I have the Rescan software and proprietary card reader, but it appears that my card itself is malfunctioning as I cannot get any of my computers to recognize it any longer when I plug it in. I suppose I could look for a new card, if I can find one, since I am not sure when I will upgrade that machine.

Macpage wrote:Is this true in every case or variable by person? The reason I ask is I always had more air in the GI with a ffm.

avi doesn't understand basic anatomy, and doesn't realize that the nose, mouth, trachea and esophagus all open into the nasopharynx, and his occasionally mentioned idea is horse crap.

palerider wrote:

Macpage wrote:Is this true in every case or variable by person? The reason I ask is I always had more air in the GI with a ffm.

avi doesn't understand basic anatomy, and doesn't realize that the nose, mouth, trachea and esophagus all open into the nasopharynx, and his occasionally mentioned idea is horse crap.

Come on, PR, tell us how you really feel

jilliansue wrote:

palerider wrote:

Macpage wrote:Is this true in every case or variable by person? The reason I ask is I always had more air in the GI with a ffm.

avi doesn't understand basic anatomy, and doesn't realize that the nose, mouth, trachea and esophagus all open into the nasopharynx, and his occasionally mentioned idea is horse crap.

Come on, PR, tell us how you really feel

I feel that even a momentary glance at the oronasal anatomy would dispel the idea that there's any credence whatsoever in this "theory".