Mouth Breathing - Cheek Pain

I typically use the wisp nasal mask with no issues and will continue to do so whenever possible. However, there are periods where my allergies plug my nose to the point where I have to mouth breath. The only medication that we've found that can tackle the severe congestion is Afrin type sprays and I do not want to go down that road ever again. Even Sudafed falls short sometimes. It is very frustrating because, after years, I've finally found a mask that just works for me...you know, except when I can't use it.

I'm trying various full face masks so that I can have an alternative when I can't use my wisp. At a pressure setting of 10, my cheeks balloon out. At first, it feels like an overworked muscle type of pain. Within about an hour is so uncomfortable that I can no longer sleep. I'm guessing there really isn't much I can do to stop the ballooning except maybe counter pressure. Does anyone have tips for after market gear or modifications I might be able to make to help offset and prevent pain?

I tried the Air Fit mask but it pinched the bridge of my nose too much. I'm currently trying to make the Simplus work. I really feel like I can tolerate this one if I can just address the cheek pain.

Donee wrote:I typically use the wisp nasal mask with no issues and will continue to do so whenever possible. However, there are periods where my allergies plug my nose to the point where I have to mouth breath. The only medication that we've found that can tackle the severe congestion is Afrin type sprays and I do not want to go down that road ever again. Even Sudafed falls short sometimes. It is very frustrating because, after years, I've finally found a mask that just works for me...you know, except when I can't use it.

I'm trying various full face masks so that I can have an alternative when I can't use my wisp. At a pressure setting of 10, my cheeks balloon out. At first, it feels like an overworked muscle type of pain. Within about an hour is so uncomfortable that I can no longer sleep. I'm guessing there really isn't much I can do to stop the ballooning except maybe counter pressure. Does anyone have tips for after market gear or modifications I might be able to make to help offset and prevent pain?

I tried the Air Fit mask but it pinched the bridge of my nose too much. I'm currently trying to make the Simplus work. I really feel like I can tolerate this one if I can just address the cheek pain.

Train yourself to keep your tongue to the roof of your mouth......press the tip of it behind your top front teeth.
That should help block the air from getting into your mouth.


Den

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That's typically how I sleep. The issue is the nights where I cannot get enough air through severely congested nasal passages. My only option is to mouth breath at that point.

Donee wrote:That's typically how I sleep. The issue is the nights where I cannot get enough air through severely congested nasal passages. My only option is to mouth breath at that point.

Are you doing nasal cleansing before bedtime?
How high do you have your humidifier setting on your machine? (too much heated humidity can cause more nasal congestion)
If it's set high, try turning it down or off.

If you use a full face mask, you can breathe through your mouth and not lose your therapy benefits. You might get some dry mouth, but you'll still have your therapy.


Den

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Agree with Wulfman - too much humidity can hurt, I use passover only to kinda dry out my mucus filled sinuses and nasal rinses (NeilMed bottle) every morning to flush my sinuses clean.It does sometwhimes take the discipline of 10-12 deep nasal breaths to clear them at night too.