Tape for mouth leaks

I've read that some of you are using blue masking tape over your mouths to prevent mouth leaks. I've found a different product that may be safer to use. It's medical grade tape in two shapes, "horseshoe" and "bomerang", that is applied below the mouth and up onto the cheeks. It holds the mouth closed, but with enough of an opening that one can cough. Called Chin-Up Strips, the tape can be purchased both on the company's website and elsewhere online. (Do a google shopping search for "chin-up".) The Chin-Up Strips website is at http://www.chinupstrip.com/. I think the tape works better than a chin strap.


Here is a diagram showing how to apply the tape:

First, Cheek Tabs are applied - Fig. A.
Next, hold cheek tabs with "index" fingers - Fig. A.
Next, use middle fingers & thumbs to pull Chin Section away from lips.
Next, say the word "UP" and hold position - Fig. B.
Then press the Chin Section on the Chin - Fig C.
(You can also apply under the mouth first, then stretch the skin and apply to the cheeks.)
IF SKIN SENSITIVE: Do one or more of following before applying the strip:
a. Do not wash the natural oil off your face before applying the strip and/or
b. apply strip to palm of your hand and remove it one or more times and/or
c. apply medicated ointment to cheeks and chin and rub in until not slippery.
(They sell protective barrier wipes on the website, or one can use vaseline or a moisturizer. I ripped off some skin the first time I tried to remove the tape so this is an important step.)
P.S. insert dental appliance or night guard before applying the tape!

Do you use chin-ups? If so, which shape do you prefer? Are they hard on the skin?

Yes, I have used it several times. I have been using the boomerang shape.

I do have very delicate skin, very prone to irritation & contact dermatitis. The tape does not bother me while it's on, unlike Bandaids, which cause a red irritation. It stays on all night without irritation or loosing its adhesion. However, the first time I tried to remove the tape, I ripped off some skin on my cheek. Then I watched the video and read the tip about using some vaseline or moisturizer lotion before applying the tape. They sell some "protective barrier wipes" on the web site, so I've ordered that, too. If you have sensitive skin, do read their website and watch the video about applying the strips.

The tan horseshoe shape is the tightest hold. The tan boomerang is a lighter hold. The tan strips use a thin paper-like rayon tape and the adhesive is supposed to be hyperallergenic. The tape can be gently peeled off.

The white tape is non-woven polyester. "Women and Men with oily skin select this one." "Work well over mustache and shadow beards". The white tape must be removed in the shower or after soaking with warm water.



To try them, you can order a variety pack, containing four strips of each type, for $9.99.

This might work if my problem was keeping my mouth closed, but I have no problem keeping my mouth shut (well, just don't ask my husband ). I use the tape because my lips part under the pressure and air --and therapy escapes as they "flutter." Even using medical grade paper tape, I spring a leak at the left corner of of my lips. Drives me nuts and my therapy suffers. I also tried polygrip, but could not make that work as well as the tape. Then I bought some polygrip strips--BINGO--I tear the strip in half and put each half at the corners of my mouth. Then lightly apply a strip of medical paper tape over the whole thing. This is working really well and my leaks from my lips are finally under control. The strips are also easier to remove than the oozy polygrip in the tube. This is certainly not attractive at bedtime, but after being married for 22 years, nothing much surprises my hubby anymore. I do have to go to a national conference for work this September and share a room with my supervisor--she knows all about the CPAP--I am a very vocal advocate of its use to anyone that will listen, but the "accessories" my come as a shock to her!

I have to cough a lot at night, so taping wasnt working, so a few nights ago, I cut a quarter inch slit in the tape, and that did the trick!
I could still cough, but it kept my mouth closed, and I wasnt breathing out of the little slit that much I dont think.. it has to be TINY, or
it wont work..
I use medical paper tape.

I use this:
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/deluxe ... hleak.html

Yes, it looks silly, but it works perfectly...even without the two side straps. I didn't want a strap that pulled back on my jaw/chin, and this one fit the bill perfectly. It took about three nights to get used to it, but now, I don't even feel it. And the best part, not waking up with a hurricane blowing out of my mouth.

I have been trying to get used to CPAP and finally got used to nasal pillows. My pressure was just raised in a retitration and now my taping method (horizontal across mouth and onto cheeks about 1/2 in.) is not working. My mouth is filling with air, and popping open I guess under the pressure, and waking me up. I tried taking a sleeping pill to get me past the discomfort, but instead, I kept waking up very, very frequently -- every few minutes -- as my jaw popped open. Chin straps do not work, as the problem really is my mouth filling with air I guess.

What other taping methods might I be able to use?

I was given a hybrid, but the nasal pillows pull out, they're at the wrong angle. Also it leaks around the edges of the mouthpiece insert.

Nancy1

Nancy.......

Please start a thread of your own......give us data about what tape you're using.....what pressures you're running.....what equipment you have.....and a bunch of us will help you.

G

Gerald wrote:Nancy.......

Please start a thread of your own......give us data about what tape you're using.....what pressures you're running.....what equipment you have.....and a bunch of us will help you.

G

Bump +1