Mouth leak

Hello
I suffer a lot from mouth leaks despite taping my mouth shut. I don't know how to properly describe it but it's like my mouth fills like a balloon before the pressure is too great and air comes out despite the tape.... which wakes me up everytime.
This only happens when I sleep on my back. I don't see how a chin strap would be any different...
Any ideas?

Learn to side (or front) sleep? There are ways to keep from flipping onto your back when asleep... we can help if you're interested. Back sleeping does provoke more apneas/hypopneas.

Paricitoi wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 15, 2022 3:35 pm

... it's like my mouth fills like a balloon before the pressure is too great and air comes out despite the tape....

You're having Chipmunk Cheeks.

The following thread might be helpful.

viewtopic/t184266/Please-Help-Chipmunk- ... t=Chipmunk

Paricitoi wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 15, 2022 3:35 pm

I don't see how a chin strap would be any different...

Chinstraps have a high failure rate.

Which mask are you using?

Hello all and thanks for your reply
I try my best to sleep on the side but it's ends up causing a lot of pain on my shoulders. I tried multiple mattresses to solve the pain issue including memory foam but no go.
Regarding the mask, I use the Airfit N20. I also use the N30i from time to time

I'm a mouth leaker as well.
Started CPAP 17 year ago.

In the beginning, after I got over the fear of taping my mouth I could use a nasal pillows mask with mouth taping.
And then I couldn't: I needed more pressure and was getting chipmunk cheeks that woke me up.
At the time, my only solution was a Hybrid mask - one that has nasal pillows and ensures that pressurized air is not streaming from your mouth to the environment.
I had been using that for many years; it meant that even when the valve between my nose and mouth opened, the whole airway was kept open by the pressure. It was very relaxing.

Recently I switched back to mask that does not cover my mouth -- with tape. For some reason I can handle the pillows mask now. Possibly slightly lower pressure, or possibly a conscious attempt not to let air enter my mouth.

I am not a mouth breather when awake. But at night, when my muscle tone drops, I'm a mouth leaker. The air rushing out of my mouth into the room would dry my mouth so badly that I literally had to tear my tongue from the roof of my mouth, suffering hours of pain afterwards.

Try a version of a mask that covers both your nose and your mouth, experience better sleep, learn to relax, and then maybe try types of training mentioned by others.

Paricitoi wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 15, 2022 3:35 pm

Hello
I suffer a lot from mouth leaks despite taping my mouth shut. I don't know how to properly describe it but it's like my mouth fills like a balloon before the pressure is too great and air comes out despite the tape.... which wakes me up everytime.
This only happens when I sleep on my back. I don't see how a chin strap would be any different...
Any ideas?

Full face mask resolved for me. Wish you well.

Architect wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 20, 2022 8:40 pm

Full face mask resolved for me. Wish you well.

Me too!

As others have said, full face masks (FFMs) are a good solution to this problem. In recent years, there have been several models introduced that have a small weight and small footprint. You can view pictures, specifications and reviews at cpap.com. Our members can help you.

Regardless of which type of mask you use, you should practice holding the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth. This is the proper position for sleeping or awake.