What about these mouth opening solutions?

After years of CPAP use, my mouth started opening and therefore leaking. My doctor had me do a sleep study. My sleep tech tried a chin strap and it worked, except not completely during REM sleep. But she concludes it is the solution.

She also said two other things might work instead of or combined with the chin strap, as though the doctor wouldn’t recommend them. I’m thinking about them, because the one use of the chin strap made me sore like I was grinding my teeth (will this stop after a number of times?).

The first is to put water in my machine (I don’t use water because I don’t need it for hydration). She couldn’t explain exactly why this might work.

The other is to get an over-the-counter mouth guard (and continue using my machine). The idea is that I will naturally keep my teeth clenched (in a light, good way).

What do you guys know?

Which chin strap did you use? My dme gave me a ResMed Sullivan but I felt like it pulled my jaw back instead of holding it up. When I saw my sleep doctor she gave me a respironics ultimate to try and that one works way better for me. It helps me hold my mouth closed but doesn't pull my jaw back.

If you're not using a "full face" mask (just a slightly extended nasal one) that covers your mouth you should look at them, or maybe a hybrid type like the Quattro FX (all found on Cpap.com). Chin straps don't seal lips and air lost using only a nasal mask is wasted therapy.

nielloeb wrote:After years of CPAP use, my mouth started opening and therefore leaking. My doctor had me do a sleep study. My sleep tech tried a chin strap and it worked, except not completely during REM sleep. But she concludes it is the solution.

She also said two other things might work instead of or combined with the chin strap, as though the doctor wouldn’t recommend them. I’m thinking about them, because the one use of the chin strap made me sore like I was grinding my teeth (will this stop after a number of times?).

The first is to put water in my machine (I don’t use water because I don’t need it for hydration). She couldn’t explain exactly why this might work.

The other is to get an over-the-counter mouth guard (and continue using my machine). The idea is that I will naturally keep my teeth clenched (in a light, good way).

What do you guys know?

Hi nielloeb -- Not just any mouth guard. I have one that my dentist made, just goes on my top teeth and does nothing to help me keep my mouth closed. Check out this video by a sleep technician about what kind of mouth guard helps keep mouth closed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8tuVqAd8RI

Some of this is just trial and error to find what works for you.

Water may help because if your nose and throat dry out, you may reflexively open your mouth because of the discomfort.

I use a 3 inch non-adhesive Ace bandage wrapped 3 times around my head from under the chin to the top of my head. It's cheap, but needs to be replaced fairly often as it loses elasticity.

Thanks for the replies.
And thanks, especially, for the double mouth guard suggestion through the video.

I used a chin strap for the first time last week for one night. I am just now almost able to eat normally again. My jaw was so sore that I couldn't even get my molars to 'line up' to chew correctly. I still have a lot of pain on the left side. I wish I had the money to buy another mask, I'd like to try one that covers my mouth too. The nasal mask I'm using is very comfortable but It's not doing the job for me.

nielloeb wrote:And thanks, especially, for the double mouth guard suggestion through the video.

You're very welcome -- if you try it, let us know how it works out.

znurtdog wrote:I wish I had the money to buy another mask, I'd like to try one that covers my mouth too. The nasal mask I'm using is very comfortable but It's not doing the job for me.

Suggestion: Post a new thread letting people know that you'd like to try a full face mask. Often people have extras, or ones they bought and didn't work well for them. Exchanges and even donations happen fairly often in this community.

Hi Nielloeb,
I use a nasal pillow and had some nasty leaks. I went the chin strap route. The Puresom Adjustable started out tight, but has stretched out enough so that it is just right now

Lately, I've been keeping the strap loose and trying to train my brain to keep the mouth shut. It is working. Last weekend I forgot to pack my strap when I left my cabin for home. I have had three nights so far without the strap and my AHIs have been 1.6, .8 and 1.1 sleeping for 8+ hours each night. I will remember to bring my strap back next weekend and will continue to use it every now and then but it is so nice to sleep without it!

-tino

The actual one used in the video is here, according to the guy in the video, whom I e-mailed:

http://www.centurymartialarts.com/Sparr ... llProdInfo

I'm getting it, having not found one locally without breathing holes.

Also, FYI, I tried other masks but my stomach sleeping -- even with a special pillow -- prevents me from using them.

nielloeb wrote:The actual one used in the video is here, according to the guy in the video, whom I e-mailed:

http://www.centurymartialarts.com/Sparr ... llProdInfo

I'm getting it, having not found one locally without breathing holes.

Also, FYI, I tried other masks but my stomach sleeping -- even with a special pillow -- prevents me from using them.

Thanks for posting this -- they have so many models I wasn't sure which one was in the sleep tech's video. I'm going to order a couple (figuring I'll boil the first one to death and then get the second one right !). We'll have to post our results. I'd love to get rid of the tape and the chin strap!

nielloeb wrote:The actual one used in the video is here, according to the guy in the video, whom I e-mailed:

http://www.centurymartialarts.com/Sparr ... llProdInfo

I'm getting it, having not found one locally without breathing holes.

Also, FYI, I tried other masks but my stomach sleeping -- even with a special pillow -- prevents me from using them.

Interesting. Too bad the shipping costs 3X the product. Was trying to find one on Amazon with little success.

Walmart has some on site to store, pretty cheap too with no shipping, search for double mouthguard.

Pachyderm's Nose wrote:Walmart has some on site to store, pretty cheap too with no shipping, search for double mouthguard.

I must be doing it wrong...