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user since July. AHI looks good but still many leaks - Advice?
Thank you for your help on this forum. I have been a lurker for several months and I am going back to my doctor for the first time since getting my Resmed 10
I am still struggling with leaks and pressure. nose pillows and pressure of 8.
Usually I am at 2-3 AHI now.
I twitch a lot and maybe that is the reason for my leaks?
Sometimes I get dry mouth but I would prefer not to have a full mask. Maybe just tape my mouth?
I wake up several times during the night but I feel well rested in the morning and get about 7 hours of real sleep. Just would like to remove those leaks
RE: user since July. AHI looks good but still many leaks - Advice?
Your leaks appear to be typical for air pressure escaping via the mouth. The best way to control these leaks is just to practice excluding pressure from the mouth by using the tongue at the roof of your mouth behind the teeth, and suck like with a straw. This creates a strong seal that can work through the night once you are aware of how to do it. Taping and chin straps all can let pressure enter your mouth, and this can leave you with the air-filled cheeks and discomfort of that pressure in your mouth, rather than in your airway where it belongs. Many members successfully tape, chin straps or soft cervical collars as aids, but eventually you want to practice control over your airway using your tongue and keeping the jaw closed. A full face mask is not all that bad and puts the mouth and nose under the same air pressure so it can be easier to maintain that seal.
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04-20-2018, 09:24 AM (This post was last modified: 04-20-2018, 09:26 AM by Ron AKA.)
RE: user since July. AHI looks good but still many leaks - Advice?
I use a nasal pillow mask too, the AirFit P10, and have problems with leaks and I do open my mouth at times. I attribute the mouth opening to pressure which in my case runs a bit higher at about 11 cm. I also have had a hard time keeping the mask straps in the right place on my head and they move around and even fall off in the night. For the last two nights I have used a chin strap and it seems to help. I put the mask on first and then the chin strap. The chin strap encourages me to keep my mouth closed, and it also keeps the nasal pillow mask in place. I never have to readjust it in the night, which I was continually doing before. These chin straps are often sold as anti snoring devices and are cheap on eBay. See pic below. They have a Velco patch at the top of the head and at the back for adjustment.
Good luck and I wish you success with your ongoing xPap therapy!
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RE: user since July. AHI looks good but still many leaks - Advice?
I would avoid the chin strap shown above. They tend to pull back on the jaw and that can lead to soreness in the Jaw and TMJ. The better solution is a soft cervical collar which has the added benefit of preventing positional issues that can cause obstructive apnea events.
Membership in the Advisory Members group does not imply medical expertise or qualification for advising Sleep Apnea patients concerning their treatment.
