Question about Face Mask or Chin Strap for Mouth Breathing

Stephanie 411 · Post by **Stephanie 411** » Sat Oct 15, 2005 8:44 pm

I have started breathing out of my mouth again and my chin strap doesn't keep my mouth closed because it comes off or becomes positioned so that it isn't strong enough. Granted, it's the cheap universal chin strap. I've been wondering if I should try another strap (are there any someone would recommend?) or go to a full face mask. I was thinking of the Comfort Full, but from what I've read people say they're hard to get used to. I use the Respironics gel now and it works but it hurts the bridge of my nose and gives me a permanent red mark.

THANK YOU in advance for your advice! I learn so much from you guys.

Barb (Seattle) · Post by **Barb (Seattle)** » Sat Oct 15, 2005 9:13 pm

None of the chin straps worked for me because my lips (and the air behind them)LOL would come bursting out. The straps didn't cover my lips. I tried tape, but the drool under it was just gross LOL I used an ace bandage wrapped around my head and pulled over my lips - the 4" wide stuff worked great. Nice and stretchy, yet tight enough to keep my lips sealed. The ONLY reason I stopped with the nasal mask and went to the full face mask was congestion that I couldn't resolve. Now, I think I'll try nasal pillows (have an appointment Monday) because I've heard that they push the air through, and maybe congestion won't be a problem. Actually, I've had an "ok" time with the ComfortFull, but the doctor put the machine at pressure 12, and this causes the mask to make obscene noises that wake me up. It also leaks a lot at that pressure. If it's at a lower pressure though, I don't usually have any problems with it.

Stephanie · Post by **Stephanie** » Sat Oct 15, 2005 9:26 pm

Thank you for telling me your experience with the chin straps! I also drool. If I get a face mask will the drool collect there? (This is gross, I know.)

I have congestion and have tried the nasal pillows but stopped using them because they came out during the night. And of course with my mouth coming open I'm not getting the solution I need.

Why does the face mask help congestion? Between my open mouth and congestion, it sounds like the face mask may be the way for me to go.

But is it heavy and difficult to wear on your side?

Thanks again for helping me!

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Sat Oct 15, 2005 9:47 pm

Stephanie,

The ResMed Ultra Mirage FF works for me. I can't answer your question about why the FF helps congestion, but it seems to for me. I use my humidifier unheated (passover) and if I'm somewhat congested when I go to bed, by the time I awake in the morning, it has cleared up..
I'm also a side sleeper and the pillow seems to help keep tha mask in place. I don't consider it heavy.

Best wishes,

Den

Barb (Seattle) · Post by **Barb (Seattle)** » Sun Oct 16, 2005 7:51 am

Yep, it will collect a small amount ...it collects a little in the corner. If it bothers me, I just lift the mask a little and wipe *ick* IF I get pillows, I'll be using the ace bandage again...hope it works with that set-up, or I'll be back to the problem of mouth opening What's really strange is that for me being such a severe mouth breather....my mouth pops open the minute the machine was on, with my nasal mask LOL My mouth has pretty much stayed closed with the FF mask. I just put it on, and breathe normally...wish that happened with the nasal mask withOUT a chin strap! It is heavier than other masks, but I have even slept on my tummy a couple times.

Ms Piggy · Post by **Ms Piggy** » Sun Oct 16, 2005 7:53 am

If you want to give your original chin strap another chance try sewing, or better yet, safety pinning a cross piece to it, if pinned you can adjust the tension until you get it right & then sew..
If it slips backwards you will have to put a peice of elastic, or other material, strap across your forehead. If it slips forward put the elastic round the back of your head. I works for me.

dkeat · Post by **dkeat** » Sun Oct 16, 2005 8:17 am

Stephanie 411 wrote:I have started breathing out of my mouth again and my chin strap doesn't keep my mouth closed because it comes off or becomes positioned so that it isn't strong enough. Granted, it's the cheap universal chin strap. I've been wondering if I should try another strap (are there any someone would recommend?) or go to a full face mask.

I noticed that cpap.com has a two piece chin strap called the "premium chinstrap" from Respironics. It looks very impressive and I ordered it but won't get it until Tuesday. Anyone here ever use one? That might possibly help. I have the same problem and am hoping it will.

I get the permanent red spot on the bridge of my nose as well. I think it is genetic. I mean, if your nose is big enough, you get the red spot.

Good luck.

dkeat · Post by **dkeat** » Sun Oct 16, 2005 8:20 am

Barb (Seattle) wrote:I used an ace bandage wrapped around my head and pulled over my lips - the 4" wide stuff worked great.

Hi Barb

I have heard of ACE bandages but I am not sure what they look like. Are they the long sort of rolled up elastic bandage that they use for sprained ankles and stuff like that with a metal clip with sharp spikes to hold the whole thing together?

Thanks.

WillSucceed · Post by **WillSucceed** » Sun Oct 16, 2005 8:20 am

I found the Ruby chinstrap to be really effective. I was mouth-breathing like crazy but have found that getting my nose working again (Nasonex), nasal pillows (Breeze) and training myself to create the seal with my tongue has solved the problem.
I really wanted to avoid a full-face mask so that I was not tempted to just give in and mouth-breath. I spend the day reminding myself to keep my tongue up against the back of my top front teeth so that I am breathing through my nose only.
I found the Ruby chinstrap helped alot until I got myself trained to keep my tongue in the right place.

dkeat · Post by **dkeat** » Sun Oct 16, 2005 9:50 am

WillSucceed wrote:I found the Ruby chinstrap to be really effective. I was mouth-breathing like crazy but have found that getting my nose

Hi Will,

I checked out the ruby red chinstrap after reading your post. Wow, that thing really looks like it means business. Too bad they didn't have it when I was looking through cpap.com. It looks to be a bit more effective than the one that I ended up buying, but who knows, maybe it will work for me.

WillSucceed · Post by **WillSucceed** » Sun Oct 16, 2005 10:08 am

I purchased/used the Respironics Premium chinstrap and found that it was OK, but not great. It wore out pretty quickly as the elastic got sloppy. The Ruby strap worked much better for me. I went out and bought some neopreme (the material that the Ruby is made of) and asked a friend who sews to make me a duplicate or two. This was significantly cheaper than buying additional Ruby straps.

Regarding the red mark on your nose, ditch the mask you are using and switch to nasal pillows! I've had great success with Breeze (a bit of a pain to get adjusted but, once you have it figured out, it is great) and Respironics Comfort-Lite (don't buy this one yet -new headgear is coming out in a month or so). I've also had some success with Swift and know that lots of others on this forum really like the Swift.

stunned1 · Post by **stunned1** » Sun Oct 16, 2005 10:10 am

Will

Do you find you feel more rested in the morning with a nasal mask as opposed to a FF mask? Do you think the treatment is better because of less chance of major air leaks? I am a mouth breather and have been using the Ultra Mirage FF mask, no problem all night, but in the morning I feel very fatigued. I am wondering if I should get the Ruby chin strap and use my nasal mask.

Also I have a breeze which I tried but the pillows irritate my nose and was thinking of a comfort curve and getting a good chin strap.

Appreciate your input.

Lisa

dkeat · Post by **dkeat** » Sun Oct 16, 2005 12:08 pm

[quote="WillSucceed"]I purchased/used the Respironics Premium chinstrap and found that it was OK, but not great. It wore out pretty quickly as the elastic got sloppy. The Ruby strap worked much better for me. I went out and bought some neopreme (the material that the Ruby is made of) and asked a friend who sews to make me a duplicate or two. This was significantly cheaper than buying additional Ruby straps.

Regarding the red mark on your nose, ditch the mask you are using and switch to nasal pillows! I've had great success with Breeze (a bit of a pain to get adjusted but, once you have it figured out, it is great) and Respironics Comfort-Lite (don't buy this one yet -new headgear is coming out in a month or so). I've also had some success with Swift and know that lots of others on this forum really like the Swift.

Barb (Seattle) · Post by **Barb (Seattle)** » Sun Oct 16, 2005 2:33 pm

dkeat wrote: I have heard of ACE bandages but I am not sure what they look like. Are they the long sort of rolled up elastic bandage that they use for sprained ankles and stuff like that with a metal clip with sharp spikes to hold the whole thing together?

Thanks.

Yep, it's the same stuff I take off the clips, obviously. OUCH! It's nice and stretchy *nods* I love it. I'm using it right now above my headboard to secure the hose above my head in place of a bungee cord

Barb (Seattle) · Post by **Barb (Seattle)** » Sun Oct 16, 2005 2:36 pm

I really wanted to avoid a full-face mask so that I was not tempted to just give in and mouth-breath

I thought that is what would happen to me, but I haven't opened my mouth since I've had the full face mask. My mouth stays closed. I wish it would stay closed when I use a nasal mask! LOL

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