Mouth Breathing

[FriedRice]

I've been trying different things to get mouth breathing under control.  I switched from full face to nasal pillows.  Nasal pillows are much more tolerable for me.  However, the downside comes with mouth breathing.

While I could easily switch to a full face mask, I was reading about how bad mouth breathing is.  So my thinking was that the goal should be to mitigate mouth breathing rather than just rely on using a full face mask.  

If I can eliminate the mouth breathing either by taping or chin strap, I think this would be preferable to using a full face mask.

[Sleepster]

While I could easily switch to a full face mask, I was reading about how bad mouth breathing is.  So my thinking was that the goal should be to mitigate mouth breathing rather than just rely on using a full face mask.  

Switch to a full face mask. It doesn't matter if you breathe through your mouth when you're wearing a full face mask. That's what they're designed for.

The issue with mouth breathing being a problem arises only when you're wearing a nasal mask. The reason is becaaue if your mouth falls open the pressurized CPAP air will escape out your mouth. Now your CPAP machine can't maintain the pressure splint in your airway and it collapses. It's true that a chin strap or a soft cervical collar may mitigate the problem, but a full face mask is the best solution.

[FriedRice]

True, good point. I think I'm going to go to the CPAP store today after work and get another full face mask. I have the Vitera and it's just OK. Leaking too much for my liking.

I looked up mouth breathing and most seem to suggest it's not healthy or good and you should try and eliminate it.

[Crimson Nape]

A quick word about the Vitera. Most people overtighten the upper straps. This prevents the roll seal to fully inflating, thus leakage. Think of the upper straps as placeholders, while the lower straps provide proper tension control. If the Viteria's seal is allowed to fully inflate, it is very forgiving for facial structure and movement.

[FriedRice]

A quick word about the Vitera.  Most people overtighten the upper straps.  This prevents the roll seal to fully inflating, thus leakage.  Think of the upper straps as placeholders, while the lower straps provide proper tension control.  If the Viteria's seal is allowed to fully inflate, it is very forgiving for facial structure and movement.

Good to know thank you.  I will try it again.

The more I read about mouth breathing though, it's something I feel I should try and eliminate.  Comes with a lot of other health issues.

[Crimson Nape]

Agreed! However, using an FFM allows you to mouth breathe and still receive the proper therapy pressure to address your apnea.

[FriedRice]

Very true. I tried again and struggled with getting the Vitera to properly seal. Frustrating. I'll keep trying or switch to another brand if need be.

[Crimson Nape]

Another thing I forgot to mention; Based off reports from other members, the F&P masks, in general, like to be worn lower on the face as opposed to a mask like the Resmed "F" series.

[Sleepster]

The more I read about mouth breathing though, it's something I feel I should try and eliminate.  Comes with a lot of other health issues.

That's true only for nasal masks. Mouth breathing through a full face mask is NOT a problem.

Plus, unless you have some kind of issue with your sinuses, you will find yourself breathing through your nose almost all the time. Especially when you have the extra pressure from your CPAP machine.

The real issue is mouth-leaking. As I mentioned before, when wearing a nasal mask the pressurized CPAP air can escape through your mouth, ruining your therapy. This can happen to you even if you're not a mouth breather. When that air leaks out of your mouth like that it can also disturb your sleep.

If you can view your leak rate graph on your computer you can tell if you're mouth-leaking.

[Big Guy]

I started out with a Resmed F20 AirFit. I then went to the F30 AirFit once it hit the market.