I hate you people....taping data update

Going to walgreens to buy some tape to tape my mouth shut tonight. I am sure I will never hear the end of the good-natured ribbing I will get from my wife. And I blame you people

I feel like I have to see whether the leaks go away (e.g. I am breathing through my mouth) or not.

I really don't want a full face mask - I guess the next step would be to try a papcap type thing.

Try CpapCap AND tape. The only way to stop mouth leaks for me.

Bev

No, you don't. Yer just jealous of those who are getting a good night's sleep w/their xPAP. And you don't wanna do the taping bit but know it is probably gonna work and at least its worth a try.

Good for you, Elader!!! Show to go that you are determined to make this work and to get some restful sleep. Hang w/us. You're gonna do all right. It just takes Patience, Perseverence, Determination - and a Sense of Humor which you seem to be holding on to despite not a whole lotta success w/CPAP yet.

Elander, notice how it's all the women who know about mouth taping? Wonder who gets the credit for this He's my hero

Couldn't help it, ladies

I tried the tape and poligrip strips and frankly found both to be a royal pain in the butt. Even if they ahd worked for me, it is unlikely I would have continued for very long. Went with a pap-cap chinstrap as a last effort to stay with the Swift LT and it has worked like a charm. At least for me, it wasn't so much a need to keep the lips sealed, as it was the need to keep my lower jaw from dropping. May just be the pressures my apap reaches at times however once my tongue drops and allow air to come into the mouth, there's just no way tape is going to keep it from leaving the lips. So if the tape doesn't work, don't be afraid to try the pap-cap before giving up hope!

I taped for six months and even wrote this: viewtopic.php?t=9653&

Eventually a great FF mask (Hybrid) hit the market and I was able to quit the taping.

Good luck.

After ripping the skin of your lips a few times, it will be a F/F mask that solves the problem.
Any other approach ends up being so annoying over time that few ever persist.

Good luck

DSM

Why don't you want a full face mask?
Personally, I'd feel more claustrophobic with my mouth taped, panty hose wrapped around my head and whatever other "lab rat" contraptions have been designed to keep a person's mouth from leaking.

I knew my limitations, so I started with a full face mask........and stayed there.

Den

Wulfman wrote:Why don't you want a full face mask?
Personally, I'd feel more claustrophobic with my mouth taped, panty hose wrapped around my head and whatever other "lab rat" contraptions have been designed to keep a person's mouth from leaking.

I knew my limitations, so I started with a full face mask........and stayed there.

Den

After some tweaking, I finally had it down to only one advantage (among the obvious and some not-so-obvious) disadvantages: With taping there is no dry mouth and throat.

Elader - good luck!

To take the tape off in the morning, I find that applying some hand lotion / cold cream and letting it soak in for a few minutes helps to remove it. You can also apply some milk of magnesia before applying the tape, to make it easier to take off in the morning.

rooster wrote:After some tweaking, I finally had it down to only one advantage (among the obvious and some not-so-obvious) disadvantages: With taping there is no dry mouth and throat.

Please Explain - why would there be less dry mouth/throat with taping than with FFM? Is that due to the pressure going down the mouth? Sorry if this seems like a stupid question from me!

I've been using my (much hated) UMFF the last few days and I have noticed quite a dry throat, but I thought that this was more due to GERD and my general dehydration with being sick (and having the pressure lower than normal (to give my lungs a break) which has been causing more events). Previously I never really noticed a big difference between the FFM or the taping re: dryness.

I taped until I started using Polident strips, and then guess what happened....she got OSA and now she is the one taping.....Karma...LOL!

Elader, 52 posts by you since Oct, haha, I doubt you can keep your mouth closed that tight ALL night long.

I used the tape and the denture strips to bring my Swift numbers down. You still get dry mouth from the air blowing into your mouth from the back door but not escaping out the mouth. My results were not any better, until I tried the FF. Got my pap cap today and will be going back to the swift for a little experimentation snooze tonight.

My advice to you while your mouth is taped, Don't sneeze as you may blow your Swift off your face and your wife off the bed at the same time

dsm wrote:After ripping the skin of your lips a few times, it will be a F/F mask that solves the problem.
DSM

For the past 3 months, I've been using blue painter's tape for delicate surfaces, and have never had a bit of trouble with irritating my mouth, much less ripping the skin. I use plain old chap stick on my mouth, roll my lips in when taping, and press the tape all around very firmly to seal. I've found it almost unbelievably easy to adjust to, and have only had it leak one time when I actually forgot to wash my face before bed. I have no allergies or congestion to speak of, so needing to cough or sneeze is not an issue for me. If it were, I'd probably go for a FF mask (which I have on hand for when I might get a cold). Make sure you pull the tape against itself--NOT straight out from your face--when you are pulling it off. It's not painful that way. I really bet you will see even better numbers over the next few days. Good luck!

Elader....
We absolutely love you! What a light-hearted way to go at this. I actually laughed until I cried as I imagined you going into the store to buy the tape. I remember the day I did the same thing. It really isn't funny but it hit a note. You know, I taped a few nights and then I let the nasal mask come down lower over my upper lip and I don't open my mouth any more and neither do I have leaks. I haven't taped, glued (yes, you can get marine glue) poligriped.. you name it and I did it. I don't need it now.. Maybe, just maybe you won't either after a bit. Anyway ,thanks for the chuckle. I bet you a dollar you are gonna make it. I like your spirit. What it is ..is just what it is, so we will deal with it, huh. I know the pressure you feel re the effect on your wife. I put my mask on after the lights are out. Isn't that silly...TOO vain...

Elander....

Plr66 is spot-on correct.......I can only add that you should use 2" wide Blue 3M.....the most delicate release you can buy....and you'll do well. I've been using the stuff for over 6-months....every night without fail....and my AHI average is about 0.3. Many times I achieve a 0.0......and sometimes I get close to 1.0. I periodically test my blood Oxygen saturation level......and it's staying well above 93%.

I have no reason to change what I'm doing.......it's tweaked and tuned......and I'm doing well with Blue Tape.

Gerald