Re-training myself to nose-breathe

tina · Post by **tina** » Sun Jun 26, 2005 9:40 am

Have any lifetime mouth-breathers out there re-trained themselves to use a nasal interface? If so, how?!?

I've been a mouth-breather since I was an infant. My nose is usually slightly congested, even with nasal steroids. Assuming I can resolve the congestion (perhaps with deviated septum surgery), is there hope for me using nasal pillows?

When I first started CPAP (5 months ago), I tried a nasal mask for a month, but had to use Afrin nasal spray every night (can't take Sudafed).
I was so conscious of having to breath through my nose that I couldn't fall asleep, and when I did fall asleep, my mouth often fell open (no chin strap). I switched to a full-face mask, which works fine, but digs into my face and moves around so it leaks (I'm a side sleeper).

I appreciate your advice!

Tina

twistedcherokee · Post by **twistedcherokee** » Sun Jun 26, 2005 9:46 am

I am a side sleeper and have a beard, and use a full face mask. I found that if you loosen the mask so that it is comfortable and not digging in, even with a little leakage it works great. May need to boost the cm's up to compinsate. Hope this helps.

Toby

neversleeps · Post by **neversleeps** » Sun Jun 26, 2005 10:12 am

There are lots of previous posts on this subject. Click on the word:Search at the top of this page and enter mouth breathing, or tongue training, or any other combination of words to find what you're looking for.

Here's a good one. Click on this:

Learn not to mouth-breathe?

FairSpirit · Post by **FairSpirit** » Sun Jun 26, 2005 10:19 am

I have always slept with my mouth open a little, so I was worried that I may have to use a FF mask when I started my CPAP. I was really surprised that I do fine with just a nasal mask. I guess having the nasal mask on and getting good air pressure into my nose just makes it easy for me to keep my mouth shut. I've had no problems with opening my mouth. I was really glad because I was hoping that I wouldn't have to use a FF mask.

Looks like you may have to settle for the FF mask, but perhaps you can find one that is more comfy. Have you tried a nasal mask with a chin strap? I know you said in your post that you had not used a chin strap. That just might work for you. Best of luck to you.