Mouth Breathing

[mcsheltie]

The first week and half I had no problem with this. Even on my back. Now suddenly I am mouth breathing. I added a chin strap. But even with it really tight it isn't helping a lot.

I don't have any problems keeping my tongue on the roof of my mouth while I'm awake. I can now drink and talk with the machine running.

Do you think the reason this is happening is that I am finally getting into a deeper sleep? My AHI has risen with the mouth breathing. Not enough to worry about, just a fun fact.

I'd rather not wear a FF mask. So any tips would be appreciated.

[Sleeprider]

Sometimes leaks come and go. Your situation does not sound too serious. I think chin straps are not much of a defense and either nasal therapy works or doesn't. Some people find a soft foam cervical collar helps. There is not magic formula, and as long as you mostly breath through your nose, it may not be a problem.

[mcsheltie]

Sometimes leaks come and go. Your situation does not sound too serious. I think chin straps are not much of a defense and either nasal therapy works or doesn't. Some people find a soft foam cervical collar helps. There is not magic formula, and as long as you mostly breath through your nose, it may not be a problem.

I'll try the collar. Thx!

I wake up with a sore throat. And I snore when I mouth breath. So it is something I'd like to stop.

Do you think it is happening because I'm getting into a deeper stage of sleep now?

[Sleeprider]

It could be a deeper sleep, or maybe a passing phase. I think you will find the cervical collar puts pressure from behind the jaw to keep your mouth closed, while a chinstrap tends to push the jaw back. The difference actually helps to keep your airway open. What is your median or average leak?

[mcsheltie]

It could be a deeper sleep, or maybe a passing phase. I think you will find the cervical collar puts pressure from behind the jaw to keep your mouth closed, while a chinstrap tends to push the jaw back. The difference actually helps to keep your airway open. What is your median or average leak?

I would like it to be a deeper sleep!

The chin strap is doing nothing. I've tried every adjustment possible.

I was a mouth breather before CPAP. When I didn't do it all the first week or two I was hoping therapy fixed that.

24 L/min

[Rcgop]

Yes, yes, and yes. Been there, done that. First I got used to the mask, then learned to sleep, now have to cure leaks. Then started sleeping better, then AHI goes up. Have to fix leaks again.
Welcome to the journey. What I thought were setbacks were really just stages in the journey. Each stage gets better and better. It has been 8 months for me and I thought I was there twice. I know I am close as my afternoon naps are for fun now and not a requirement.

Have patience, make subtle changes and pay attention to the effects.

[Rcgop]

I don't have any problems keeping my tongue on the roof of my mouth while I'm awake. I can now drink and talk with the machine running.

I can barely walk and chew gum. Nice feat. Actually, I can yawn and breath. Not tried drinking yet. Talking is still a bit of a problem but working on it.

[FrankNichols]

Chin straps mostly just remind you to keep your mouth closed, since most stretch, and your jaw is strong, and even if they hold your jaw closed, you can still breath through your lips. I now, been there and tried everything - including gluing and taping my mouth shut... I ended up having to go with a FFM.

Good luck!

[chill]

And when Frank says he tried everything, he really means everything! It was an impressive display of dedication, perseverance, and ingenuity.

[holden4th]

I forgot to put my collar on last night and when I woke up at about 1:30 am I certainly knew it from how dry my mouth was.

AHI was 3.38 for the whole night and yet it was only 0.46 for the 4+ hours I forgot to put the collar on and the vibratory snore was zero which doesn't make sense to me. Maybe after all this time I'm mastering the tongue suck technique.

However, my RERA reading for this period was 7.08 which I know is not good.

With the collar on the RERAs went down to below 2.0. For me the collar is important in my therapy for limiting mouth breathing. Hope it works for you.