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stube40 wrote:I've recently converted from full-face to nasal pillows and, as a mouth breather, I need to tape up my mouth.

I've been using sports tape (ie a form of adhesive cloth), but last night my wife said she could hear me on a couple of occasions trying desperately to suck small amounts of air through the cloth with my mouth. Hence, I'm looking to get a better tape that prevents this.

Any suggestions?

FWIW - the reason I'm not using a chinstrap is that I hate having straps all over my head and this is the biggest reason I couldn't get on with full-face masks (i would rip them off in my sleep). The tape doesn't seem to both me at all though.

Occasionally I have used a paper tape with success. Regardless of the type of tape, I highly recommend that you fold over about a 1" length onto itself to provide a release/pull tab. This makes tape removal more efficient.

Another alternative I've found to the tape is using a cheapie mouth guard. After putting it in your mouth, apply suction to it and seems to keep the mouth closed and your tongue stuck to it.

Nothing like laughing at someone's honest attempt to make therapy work. Jackasses.
If tape works, have at it. Many here seem to benefit from the stuff and can suggest what they use or avoid and why.

ElvishKnight wrote:Lol!!!

Seriously to this thread?

Sounds absolutely crazy to me... Taping your mouth shut.

There has to be a better way!!!

I for one will give you a pass since you are new to the board! I've been doing it for two years +. If I didn't I'd have leak rates that make a leaf blower seem tame!

I've found J & J Hurt Free to work best, but even with it I occasionally have a small reaction rash. The HP Lanolin I use for the nasal pillows works great to heal a rash.

I'm sorry to offend people..... But the thought of going to bed like a hostage with tape across my mouth is a pretty Horrific thought to me! I personally could not do it. It's bad enough to have sleep apnea and all that goes with it.... I guess if it works for some.... Good luck.

ElvishKnight wrote:I'm sorry to offend people..... But the thought of going to bed like a hostage with tape across my mouth is a pretty Horrific thought to me! I personally could not do it. It's bad enough to have sleep apnea and all that goes with it.... I guess if it works for some.... Good luck.

So don't you do it!
Many of us find tape to be the least objectionable way to get our mouths shut.
Some people are terrified at the very idea--they should not do it.
The rest of us will do whatever works.
If it bothers you, don't think about it.
Or meditate until it liquifies your brain--it works for me.

Or meditate until it liquifies your brain--it works for me. [/quote]

Love it!!!

Just throwing this in here but the cloth tape they use for surgical bandaging is fabulous! I haven't used it on my face but pretty much everywhere else. I'm very sensitive to glue and that stuff (3M makes it) does not bother me. It didn't pull on fine body hairs either.

Hubby swears by Duct tape for everything Comes in nice colors and designs now too.

postitnote wrote:Hubby swears by Duct tape for everything Comes in nice colors and designs now too.

have him try some duck tape instead *lol* http://www.duckbrand.com/

palerider wrote:

postitnote wrote:Hubby swears by Duct tape for everything Comes in nice colors and designs now too.

have him try some duck tape instead *lol* http://www.duckbrand.com/

Very familiar with that brand of tape. I have several I keep for the house. White to blend in to a repair on a laundry basket. Navy blue that I used to edge a carpet remnant for a back door rug. You probably dont want my whole list of colors. Hubby only uses two kinds of tape, black electrical and gray duct tape. His is the do-it-yourself center duct tape that is used on actual duct work for heating and AC ducts. He's kind of boring that way but I have to admit he can fix about anything with that stuff.

postitnote wrote: His is the do-it-yourself center duct tape that is used on actual duct work for heating and AC ducts. He's kind of boring that way but I have to admit he can fix about anything with that stuff.

that's been replaced by aluminum tape now a days... that stuff is *amazing*

like this: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Nashua-Tape- ... /100030120

Duck tape may be a bit TOO sticky for some folks, especially if their skin is delicate.
It does seem to have a following on crime TV, though.
Watch out for some "off-brand" tapes. Some really REEK. I mean the stench will keep you awake!

chunkyfrog wrote:Duck tape may be a bit TOO sticky for some folks, especially if their skin is delicate.
It does seem to have a following on crime TV, though.
Watch out for some "off-brand" tapes. Some really REEK. I mean the stench will keep you awake!

I was just kidding about the duct/duck tape. You can wax your legs with that stuff! Years ago, I had a roll of priority mail tape from the post office and it had such a strong stench from something that reminded me of diesel fuel. I gave it back to the PO and told them I'd use the stickers instead. The cloth surgical tape I mentioned is really gentle but strong.

stube40 wrote:I've recently converted from full-face to nasal pillows and, as a mouth breather, I need to tape up my mouth.

I've been using sports tape (ie a form of adhesive cloth), but last night my wife said she could hear me on a couple of occasions trying desperately to suck small amounts of air through the cloth with my mouth. Hence, I'm looking to get a better tape that prevents this.

Any suggestions?

FWIW - the reason I'm not using a chinstrap is that I hate having straps all over my head and this is the biggest reason I couldn't get on with full-face masks (i would rip them off in my sleep). The tape doesn't seem to both me at all though.

Surgical tape is an option, but I would be concerned about possible dermatitis or other problems resulting from long term use. Would you put tape on and off you other other mucus membranes on a permanent basis?

I am/was a mouth breather and started with FFMs as a training wheels mask -- specifically the Quattro, which has a very good cushion design for jaw drop, and then the FullLife that has a built in chin strap. Finally, I also have used the Hans Rudolph V2 that has a chin cup that really helps keep the chin closed while sleeping. There is an older Fisher Paykel mask, the Forma, that also cups below the chin.

I would recommend anyone try those masks before resorting to adhesive tape. Eventually, after getting acclimated to them, you will train yourself to breathe nasally, while using the FFM. It takes time but it happens.

Check lanky lefty's cpap videos on youtube for more info as well.

Good luck!

hyperlexis wrote:

stube40 wrote:
Surgical tape is an option, but I would be concerned about possible dermatitis or other problems resulting from long term use. Would you put tape on and off you other other mucus membranes on a permanent basis?

But isn't that what they use for people on vents and to hold stuff in place before and after surgery? I have ultra sensitive skin and this 3M tape is the only one that does not cause a rash for me. I assumed the surgical tape was made to be more gentle on skin. It's not expensive. I pay less than $4 for a roll about across as my middle finger. I buy it at a home healthcare shop that's open to the public. Local hospital owns it.

Here is a new product designed specifically for that! It is called LipSeal Tape, which you should be able to search for!