MOUTH BREATHING

I have had a CPAP machine for 8 years. Changed to a full face hybrid w/nasal pillows last year. I end up breathing thru my mouth to the point that it hurts and i can only recover saliva by getting out of bed. Not really sure what my settings should be. New machine not a possibility. $$ Any thoughts. Also like to sleep on my side and I get leakage. Annoying.

Try adding a chin strap.

If your machine is 8 years old you are due for a new machine with a humidifier and heated hose and data that shows just how well you are doing.

There are ways to get machines without paying new prices - some sellers on this forum like Stl Mark or McDover routinely post used ones (or even new) for sale at great prices (you'll have to PM them, but can't unless you're a member), plus you can try Craig's List, but be veerrryy careful of what you see - check blower hours etc. A machine as old as yours just won't help you for much longer at all and best to look for one now before you're left with nothing at all. Some people also routinely use tape at night (3M micropore, Blue painters' tape - they come off easily) or a chinstrap, but the straps tend not to be as effective. But you still need a machine.

I got 2 boil and bite youth mouth guards from Walmart. I mold one for my top teeth and one for my bottom teeth. This really helps me.