Mouth Breathing

Macpage wrote:

sleepydc wrote:DMHE, I know I'm a little like a person who discovered a hammer and then starts thinking of every problem as a nail, but for my FFM use I found it started working a whole lot better when I started using tape. Fo me, the tape solves most of the issues with "mouth breathing" and "draw drop," which interrrupts the seal of a FFM (full face mask) because my face changes shape when that occurs and the seal is broken. It's not for everyone, but here's what I'd suggest:

Some people end up using chin straps with FFM's. I tried and disliked chin straps. I have now been using surgical tape for about a year now, and it has worked wonders and works very well for me. I use silk surgical type tape you can get off of Amazon, 2" wide. There's also a 1" wide version. If you gently pull it off in the morning, there's usually no problem. Just type something like "3M-Durapore-Silk-Tape 2 inches x 10 yards - box of 6" or the like on the Amazon site. For me, it works very well with a full face mask (FFM) -- the FFM helps prevent pressure problems if my jaw does open slightly, and the tape substantially prevents my jaw from dropping and also thereby keeps my face largely in the same "position" as I fall asleep (thereby avoiding the inevitable leaks that can occur when your facial shape changes from the point of initial placement/tightening of the mask). .I would second this, and I want to thank Sleepdc for the information. It was this info in another post that led me to try taping with my ffm

I would second this, and I want to thank Sleepdc for the information. It was this info in another post that led me to try taping with my ffm. It might really help with the mouth opening. You've got nothing to lose and try the chin straps, headbands, etc. mentioned in posts. Something might work.

It sort of freaked me out to look in the mirror at night with a mouth taped. I thought for sure I would suffocate in my sleep. However, right from the start it really made the mask work better and was really comforting. In fact, I find it more comforting than the mask. I often wake-up and completely forget it's there. I can "never" say that about the mask! It also led me to be able to try interfaces other than ffm's. Even with some congestion, I'm still finding it works. I'm also pretty comfortable in my tape configuration that I can pop it off just by opening my mouth with force. Of course, there are some risks and safety concerns to research. You just have to be smart and comfortable with what works for you. Good luck!

Thanks again Sleepdc. Therapy changing advice for me!

Best,

Mike

palerider wrote:

sleepydc wrote:DMHE, I know I'm a little like a person who discovered a hammer and then starts thinking of every problem as a nail, but for my FFM use I found it started working a whole lot better when I started using tape.

we're all just glad you found tape, and not nails... that'd hold your mouth shut, for sure, but the side effects are unpleasant.

DMHE wrote:Thanks for your suggestions. You are correct, what have I got to lose, except of course more sleep. I see that some members do have a sense of humor, thanks Palerider for the smile, I really need one these days . DMHE

Sleeprider wrote:Granny, it doesn't happen often, but this time you're wrong. I was not being an alarmist, and you are certainly welcome to sit around and wear a mask without a machine running all you want; however what I originally said was correct. Using a mask without the machine on increases respiratory effort and risks rebreathing CO2.

When you put on any mask without operating the device, exhaled air is exhausted in small part through the mask vent, but mostly back into the CPAP hose toward the machine. It is rebreathed during inhalation, and concentrations of CO2 build as this cycle repeats. Only when the machine is running is exhaled air flushed through the vent.

From the Resmed Airfit F10 user manual (feel free to look at any mask, it will be the same): http://www.resmed.com/us/dam/documents/ ... er_eng.pdf

The mask should not be used unless the device is turned on.
Once the mask is fitted, ensure the device is blowing air.
Explanation:
CPAP and bilevel devices are intended to be
used with special masks (or connectors) which have vent
holes to allow continuous flow of air out of the mask. When
the device is turned on and functioning properly, new air
from the device flushes the exhaled air out through the mask
vent holes. However, when the device is not operating,
insufficient fresh air will be provided through the mask, and
the exhaled air may be rebreathed. Rebreathing of exhaled
air for longer than several minutes can, in some
circumstances, lead to suffocation. This applies to most
models of CPAP or bilevel devices.

palerider wrote:

Sleeprider wrote:When you put on any mask without operating the device, exhaled air is exhausted in small part through the mask vent, but mostly back into the CPAP hose toward the machine. It is rebreathed during inhalation, and concentrations of CO2 build as this cycle repeats. Only when the machine is running is exhaled air flushed through the vent.

ffm's have anti-asphixiation valves to provide extra air and co2 flush when the machine stops operating.

nasal and pillow masks don't, because of the presumption that you'll open your mouth if you start feeling the need for 'more air'.

Greg Riddle wrote:It's just as bad as having a huge apnea.