My experience with mouth taping and related solutions, and further advice

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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ozij
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Re: My experience with mouth taping and related solutions, and further advice

Post by ozij » Wed Dec 07, 2022 8:04 pm

Try vertical on top of the horizontal, or the wider strip. Make sure to leave folded in tabs so that taking the tape off in a hurry, should the need arise, is easy.
When you've taped the horizontal, test it by blowing gently to see where there might be weaknesses. And it's worthwhile to make sure the horizontal piece is a bit longer than the corners of your mouth.

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Machine: Resmed AirSense10 for Her with Climateline heated hose ; alternating masks.
And now here is my secret, a very simple secret; it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye.
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Deborah K.
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Re: My experience with mouth taping and related solutions, and further advice

Post by Deborah K. » Thu Dec 08, 2022 7:29 pm

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BJ ... =UTF8&th=1

The link will take you to the 2-inch tape that I use. It's easy to put on and can be removed and used again many times so it's not as expensive as it appears. It looks weird on, but it is in fact very comfortable to wear. Once it's on, I don't even notice it

I tried the 1-inch first, but the 2-inch works a lot better. I cut a strip that is about 4-1/2 inches long as I drool, and shorter allowed a channel to form that caused air leakage. I now use the 5-yard pack, as it is cheaper per inch.

I'm hoping that you find a perfect solution very soon. :)
Machine: Resmed AirSense 10 Autoset For Her
Mask: Bleep Dreamport mask system

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ozij
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Re: My experience with mouth taping and related solutions, and further advice

Post by ozij » Thu Dec 08, 2022 9:41 pm

Deborah K. wrote:
Thu Dec 08, 2022 7:29 pm
t's not as expensive as it appears
And a pack of 3 is much cheaper than a pack of 1. This is true for the 1" rolls as well.

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Machine: Resmed AirSense10 for Her with Climateline heated hose ; alternating masks.
And now here is my secret, a very simple secret; it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Good advice is compromised by missing data
Forum member Dog Slobber Nov. 2023

ReverseBall
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Re: My experience with mouth taping and related solutions, and further advice

Post by ReverseBall » Sun Dec 11, 2022 4:08 pm

I have used the MedVance silicone tape in conjunction with the scunci the last two days and it's been pretty good. I think using the witch hazel wipes to get rid of oils on the skin has been a huge help because last time I tried silicone tape it wasn't nearly as good. The 1" tape seems to be working good with the scunci, but I can try the wider tapes in the future

That said I've found that the Swift FX was causing minor leakages. It's my go to nasal mask but I kind of hate it - the nasal pillows have to come at just the right angle onto my nose, else it leaks. So unless I've got it tightened just right, it leaks when I sleep on my side/fidget. Can leaks at the nose/mask area cause dry mouth? I woke up with slight dryness despite the mouth area being seemingly intact, so something is still likely going on.

As for other masks, I think the p10 has the perfect nasal pillow shape for me, but the frustrating thing is the vents. Inhaling is fine but with exhaling, it takes significantly more effort compared to the Swift FX (which has much larger vents). I've mentioned before about seeing some poster documenting issues with the p10 vents clogging and I don't know exactly how credible that is... but there are times when it feels like I'm suffocating because of how hard it is to exhale. The swift doesn't have this issue, so I begrudgingly use it. I will try out the bleep eclipse asap, but it seems shipment delays is problematic. Are there other masks similar to the p10, but with larger vents?

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Pugsy
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Re: My experience with mouth taping and related solutions, and further advice

Post by Pugsy » Sun Dec 11, 2022 4:43 pm

ReverseBall wrote:
Sun Dec 11, 2022 4:08 pm
). I've mentioned before about seeing some poster documenting issues with the p10 vents clogging and I don't know exactly how credible that is...
I used the P10 for years and years....got it right after it was first released a long time ago.
I have never, ever had the vent holes clog up at all. I have never done anything special with the cleaning of the frame (which isn't all that often) beyond running hot water through the holes.

I have often wondered how people can get those holes blocked. If anything I rarely wash the frame anyway...if it was all that easy to clog up those holes I would think I would have seen it.

I like the diffused venting of the P10 and hate the powerful venting of the Swift FX.

Heck now even with the Bleep/Eclipse I put a filter over its vent holes because without the diffuser it vents like the Swift FX.

Right now I am mainly using the P10....awaiting the arrival of my box of Eclipse supplies I ordered back this summer so I am saving my meager Eclipse supplies. I was having to re-use the Beta Eclipse metal rings since that has been the hardest part to get.

I can't remember last time I washed the P10 but the vent holes are totally clear still yet.

I think your worries about the venting on the P10 are unfounded but you could just make extra effort to keep those holes clean if it really bugs you all that much.

_________________
Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Additional Comments: Mask Bleep Eclipse https://bleepsleep.com/the-eclipse/
I may have to RISE but I refuse to SHINE.

If you want to try the Eclipse mask and want a special promo code to get a little off the price...send me a private message.

ReverseBall
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Re: My experience with mouth taping and related solutions, and further advice

Post by ReverseBall » Sun Dec 11, 2022 6:35 pm

Pugsy wrote:
Sun Dec 11, 2022 4:43 pm

I used the P10 for years and years....got it right after it was first released a long time ago.
I have never, ever had the vent holes clog up at all. I have never done anything special with the cleaning of the frame (which isn't all that often) beyond running hot water through the holes.

I have often wondered how people can get those holes blocked. If anything I rarely wash the frame anyway...if it was all that easy to clog up those holes I would think I would have seen it.

I like the diffused venting of the P10 and hate the powerful venting of the Swift FX.

Heck now even with the Bleep/Eclipse I put a filter over its vent holes because without the diffuser it vents like the Swift FX.

Right now I am mainly using the P10....awaiting the arrival of my box of Eclipse supplies I ordered back this summer so I am saving my meager Eclipse supplies. I was having to re-use the Beta Eclipse metal rings since that has been the hardest part to get.

I can't remember last time I washed the P10 but the vent holes are totally clear still yet.

I think your worries about the venting on the P10 are unfounded but you could just make extra effort to keep those holes clean if it really bugs you all that much.
I wonder if humidity/environment can make a difference in this sort of thing... I didn't use to have too many problems with the p10 from what I recall, but in recent uses of the p10, I have woken up feeling like I'm suffocating. Just really hard to breathe out. Terrifying feeling. Regular cleaning didn't quite seem to get rid of the issue.

On the other hand, I like the vents on the swift fx and bleep dreamport because it allows my breathing to feel unconstricted, but have issues with each of those masks. Here's hoping the bleep eclipse works well with me when it comes out soon.

I tried to poke a few holes in the p10 with and a needle and while that allowed the exhale to feel better, the inhale now feels a bit too leaky/substantially reduces the pressure.

ReverseBall
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Re: My experience with mouth taping and related solutions, and further advice

Post by ReverseBall » Sun Dec 11, 2022 6:48 pm

Hmm I just found a knockoff/3rd party design for a p10 frame replacement
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B09 ... UTF8&psc=1
It seems to allow you to match the p10 nasal pillows with a frame that has more venting (at least according to the item description). I ordered this to give it a shot - if it's as advertised it might be exactly what I need. The knockoff brand is medihealer, which IIRC I used some of their filters in the past. Seemed fine...

Does anyone have experience replacing the p10 headgear on a frame? Is it easy to "slide/click" in and out?

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Pugsy
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Re: My experience with mouth taping and related solutions, and further advice

Post by Pugsy » Sun Dec 11, 2022 6:58 pm

ReverseBall wrote:
Sun Dec 11, 2022 6:35 pm
I wonder if humidity/environment can make a difference in this sort of thing..
I dunno but I pretty much use maximum humidity. The least I have used is the humidity setting of 6 and right now (and most of the time) I use the setting of 8.
ReverseBall wrote:
Sun Dec 11, 2022 6:48 pm
Does anyone have experience replacing the p10 headgear on a frame? Is it easy to "slide/click" in and out?
Are you talking about the stretchy part of the headgear? It's easy to change...take off and put back on. There's even a video of the process.
Easy as long as those side arms on the frame of the aftermarket frame are exactly the right size.
I have done it hundreds of times over the years because for years that headgear has finally become too loose and lost its ability to tighten up so it ends up being just too loose to give the needed tension to keep the mask from sliding around all over the place.
The hot water and dry it in the dryer trick eventually just doesn't work....so that's why I got real good at putting on new tight stretchy headgear.

_________________
Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Additional Comments: Mask Bleep Eclipse https://bleepsleep.com/the-eclipse/
I may have to RISE but I refuse to SHINE.

If you want to try the Eclipse mask and want a special promo code to get a little off the price...send me a private message.

lynninnj
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Re: My experience with mouth taping and related solutions, and further advice

Post by lynninnj » Sun Dec 11, 2022 8:45 pm

ReverseBall wrote:
Sun Dec 11, 2022 4:08 pm
I have used the MedVance silicone tape in conjunction with the scunci the last two days and it's been pretty good. I think using the witch hazel wipes to get rid of oils on the skin has been a huge help because last time I tried silicone tape it wasn't nearly as good. The 1" tape seems to be working good with the scunci, but I can try the wider tapes in the future

That said I've found that the Swift FX was causing minor leakages. It's my go to nasal mask but I kind of hate it - the nasal pillows have to come at just the right angle onto my nose, else it leaks. So unless I've got it tightened just right, it leaks when I sleep on my side/fidget. Can leaks at the nose/mask area cause dry mouth? I woke up with slight dryness despite the mouth area being seemingly intact, so something is still likely going on.

As for other masks, I think the p10 has the perfect nasal pillow shape for me, but the frustrating thing is the vents. Inhaling is fine but with exhaling, it takes significantly more effort compared to the Swift FX (which has much larger vents). I've mentioned before about seeing some poster documenting issues with the p10 vents clogging and I don't know exactly how credible that is... but there are times when it feels like I'm suffocating because of how hard it is to exhale. The swift doesn't have this issue, so I begrudgingly use it. I will try out the bleep eclipse asap, but it seems shipment delays is problematic. Are there other masks similar to the p10, but with larger vents?
Someone once suggested using a waterpick to focus pressurized water into the vents of various masks. If you have one they work well in at least giving me a sense that I tried something special with them.

I love the N30 (sorry if you already tried and I didn’t read back that far. )

Lanolin or Ayrs saline nasal gel might help you too. I don’t like the P10 angles either but use the mask on occasion.

_________________
Machine: AirSense 11 Autoset
Mask: ResMed AirFit N30 Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Newbie who loves her machine!
Beware the schoolyard bullies, mean girls, and fragile male egos. Move along if you can’t be kind.

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ozij
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Re: My experience with mouth taping and related solutions, and further advice

Post by ozij » Mon Dec 12, 2022 2:06 am

Pugsy wrote:
Sun Dec 11, 2022 6:58 pm
ReverseBall wrote:
Sun Dec 11, 2022 6:48 pm
Does anyone have experience replacing the p10 headgear on a frame? Is it easy to "slide/click" in and out?
Are you talking about the stretchy part of the headgear? It's easy to change...take off and put back on. There's even a video of the process.
There's no clicking involved.
Only releasing the fabric.

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Machine: Resmed AirSense10 for Her with Climateline heated hose ; alternating masks.
And now here is my secret, a very simple secret; it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Good advice is compromised by missing data
Forum member Dog Slobber Nov. 2023

ReverseBall
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Re: My experience with mouth taping and related solutions, and further advice

Post by ReverseBall » Mon Dec 12, 2022 2:12 pm

Looking forward to trying out both the p10 knockoff frame and the eclipse later this week.

Last night was using the medvance silicon tape + scunci again, using the Swift FX. This time, I cranked the humidity up to 3 (usually leave it on 2) - this is for the Resmed Vauto so scale of 1-5. Seemed like decent sleep and didn't notice any leaking (both nasal mask seal seemed good last night and the tape integrity seemed intact) but still woke up with a slightly dry throat. Is it possible that even with no leak, the throat gets dry? What's a little unusual is that the mouth wasn't that dry, mostly the throat.

I did notice the water chamber was near the min by the time I woke up - with the high humidity setting in my current environment it seems to get near empty partways through the night. Maybe that's a factor. Will turn it back down to 2 tonight.

lynninnj
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Re: My experience with mouth taping and related solutions, and further advice

Post by lynninnj » Mon Dec 12, 2022 4:28 pm

ReverseBall wrote:
Mon Dec 12, 2022 2:12 pm
Looking forward to trying out both the p10 knockoff frame and the eclipse later this week.

Last night was using the medvance silicon tape + scunci again, using the Swift FX. This time, I cranked the humidity up to 3 (usually leave it on 2) - this is for the Resmed Vauto so scale of 1-5. Seemed like decent sleep and didn't notice any leaking (both nasal mask seal seemed good last night and the tape integrity seemed intact) but still woke up with a slightly dry throat. Is it possible that even with no leak, the throat gets dry? What's a little unusual is that the mouth wasn't that dry, mostly the throat.

I did notice the water chamber was near the min by the time I woke up - with the high humidity setting in my current environment it seems to get near empty partways through the night. Maybe that's a factor. Will turn it back down to 2 tonight.
You have me thinking. We just turned the pellet stove on for the winter season and it really dries things out even with water on it all day (kinda like what the baseboard heaters do.)

It might be time to set up the humidifier in the bedroom. Like you, I have been waking with a nearly empty water chamber and maybe that will do the trick as far as the bedroom goes. (Thanks!)

_________________
Machine: AirSense 11 Autoset
Mask: ResMed AirFit N30 Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Newbie who loves her machine!
Beware the schoolyard bullies, mean girls, and fragile male egos. Move along if you can’t be kind.

ReverseBall
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Re: My experience with mouth taping and related solutions, and further advice

Post by ReverseBall » Tue Dec 13, 2022 10:10 pm

A minor update: I've noticed that I've been waking up in the middle of the night with my heart racing once or twice a week. I've never really looked into this before, does this tend to be related to sleep apnea/ low oxygen levels? What is the course of action here? I could look into getting an oxygen monitor but just not exactly sure what this usually means. Never really went out of my way to monitor oxygen before

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ozij
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Re: My experience with mouth taping and related solutions, and further advice

Post by ozij » Wed Dec 14, 2022 12:50 am

First contact your doctor - don't go about self-diagnosing, nor asking strangers on the internet to attempt to find reasons why you wake up in the middle of the night with your heart racing once or twice a week.
Then, look at your OSCAR graphs for those times when you woke up. Get them ready for your meeting with the doctor - they will show the way your breathing behaved before those wakeup.

You doctor may want you to wear a 24 hour pulse monitoring system (called Holter). S/He may also want to track your oxgynation with a medical grade oximeter.

Don't try to self-diagnose.

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Machine: Resmed AirSense10 for Her with Climateline heated hose ; alternating masks.
And now here is my secret, a very simple secret; it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Good advice is compromised by missing data
Forum member Dog Slobber Nov. 2023

ReverseBall
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Re: My experience with mouth taping and related solutions, and further advice

Post by ReverseBall » Wed Dec 14, 2022 5:04 pm

Yeah, you're right I'll ask my doctor tomorrow. The heart racing seems outside the scope of tweaking/optimizing cpap settings.

The knockoff p10 frame arrived today and I actually like it quite a bit. It's vents are large and quite similar to the swift fx vents and that's wonderful for me - no struggling on the exhale at all, and the genuine p10 nasal pillows are lovely. I'm really liking it, but will continue to try out more configurations (including the eclipse) to cover my bases.

However I am still trying to figure out the mouth breathing situation. I noticed that the scuncis I cut up for ear holes have lost somem of their elasticity, and I think it's because of the ear cutouts. I have started wearing a beanie underneaththe knightsbridge to prevent sliding, and I noticed today that the beanie underneath also helps the scuncis (without ear holes) stay on comfortably because the ears are padded. So I'll give silicon mouth tape + scuncis a try for another night or two, but I do still perceive a tiny bit of mouth leaking. At least I think my throat is a little dry upon waking.

I am considering giving the full face mask a real try at my dentist/orthodontist's suggestion, as I have never even worn one before and I want to see how it impacts dry mouth. Is cpap dot com the most reasonable place to get one these days? I have a prescription on hand. I used to like getting cpap (nasal) masks them from ebay but it seems they cracked down on that. Would love suggestions for full face masks (perhaps for side sleepers) as I know almost nothing on that topic.