Large Leak Question

[parkdj808]

Hello,

I have realized that I get large leaks from my mouth and the only way to correct the situation is with the use of a chin strap and mouth tape. I am attaching a sleep sample without chinstrap and mouth tape and one with.  
The sample with the chinstrap and mouth tape shows a 0.00% for Large Leak on the colored side bars but in the Large Leak graph shows a bunch of green graphs of leaks.  Can someone explain why it is 0.00% yet shows a leaks in the graph?

Sample 1: 
Without chinstrap and mouth tape
Large Leak 3.21%
   

Sample 2
With chinstrap and mouth tape
Large Leak 0.00%
   

Thanks for any help and clarification!
David

[staceyburke]

Look at the number that the side of the chart for large leaks.   One (dose not show large leak) high is 21 the other one the high is in the 45.  The size of the leaks are much different the scale is changed so it fills the graph.

[parkdj808]

Ahhh I see. Well, I guess I have to keep using a chinstrap and mouth tape. Ha. 

You use a full face mask? Do you do that because you’re a mouth breather?

[staceyburke]

I do use a full face mask because of mouth breathing. But I have been training myself to keep my tongue on the roof of my mouth (some people call it the “tongue suck” method.

I have actually gotten to the point last month to just use a nasal cannula and it has been doing ver well.

Any time I thought about it sitting reading a book or watching TV I would keep my tongue on the roof of my mouth. It took about 3 months before I tried it at night. Took another month to be able to do it all night.

[parkdj808]

Interesting. I am going to research that method and give it a try! 
At least in the meantime, I know the chinstrap and mouth tape is working for me but it would be nice if I could eliminate them. Thank you for sharing the knowledge and your experience.

[OpalRose]

Keep using the chinstrap and tape for now if it's working for you.

In the meantime, practicing this method will pay off in the long run. You'll need some patience. Practice during the day, and eventually you will notice that your tongue stays at the roof of your mouth naturally.

Tongue Suck Technique:
Place your tongue to the roof of your mouth with tip of tongue behind front teeth.  (NOT PUSHING ON TEETH).
Gently suck upwards and back.
This places the tongue in a natural position, with the back of tongue sealing the back of the throat so that if your mouth/jaw drops open while sleeping, no air will escape.