Unable To Sleep

ajnitti · Post by **ajnitti** » Wed May 31, 2006 10:11 am

Solution Needed

I started my therapy on MAY 17th since then I have had 2 types of masks the mirage activa and the resmed swift. I find the resmed swift a better product, My question is with the chin strap I still get dry mouth and pain in my throat. How do i rectify this problem my doctor wants me to get a full face mask. which I refuse.

GoofyUT · Post by **GoofyUT** » Wed May 31, 2006 10:21 am

Don't fret!! It WILL get easier. I also use a Swift and love it! Several folks have had EXACTLY the same problem as you are ewxperiencing and have come up with solutions. Many use PoliDent strips to help seal their lips. Others have taped their lips shut each evening using surgical tape. Sounds yucky, I know, but apparently, those who have tried either have found them to be unintrusive solutions.

Just search here, using the search function with key words like mouth-breathing or Swift, and you'll get lots of suggestions.

So, DON'T FRET!!

Chuck

puffing billy · Post by **puffing billy** » Wed May 31, 2006 11:43 am

I know exactly what you mean about the dry mouth and the throat.
I managed to cure mine with a gumshield (actually a Mandibular advancement device) and a chinstrap.

Billy

Offerocker · Post by **Offerocker** » Wed May 31, 2006 12:24 pm

HI!
I couldn't tolerate the chin strap - just another darn strap to me, but I'm glad it works for others.
I've found that a 2" piece of surgical (easily removed - you get used to it) tape works great. Part of the 'nightly ritual'; just be sure to make small tabs at both ends by turning down a little of the tape. When removing, be sure to pull from the top down - the direction the hair (usually) grows.

It took me a while; 4 masks, and now actually look forward to 'it'. I'm a mouth-breather, thus the tape. I sleep on my side, thus the type of mask I'm most comfortable with.

Keep at it, - OH, I remember sticking a sour drop or something in my mouth (prior taping) so that I would salivate for awhile.
You may want to increase the humidity level if you have a heated humidifier. Bad thing to say in the summer, eh?

as previously recommended, do searches on dry mouth, etc.

Good luck, and let us know how you're doing, and what works for you. We may learn a new trick, who knows!

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Wed May 31, 2006 1:09 pm

I just want to expand a bit on Offenrocker's reply. First of all, the paper surgical tape, I use, is Durapore 2", and you can get it at Wallgreens.
I also apply a bit of Chap-Stik to my lips, before taping.

I get along much better with a taped mouth and nasal pillows, than with my full-face mask. Currently I go 3 days with the CL2, then 1 day with the UMFF, then 3 days .......etc.

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Wed May 31, 2006 1:41 pm

I agree with those last two posts.

But I can't make the tape stick with Chapstick on. I would like to know about that one!! I apply it in the morning when I take the tape off (above my lips too). It wears off soon and seems to moisterize. But then again I have always been a chapstick junkie.

Tape is the way to go. There is another thread going on this topic right now. New to CPAP and Having some problems. You might want to read that one too.

Mask