Mouth Tape suggestions

[BlueSky1958]

Really hating the full mask I use to keep my AHI well under 5 and O2 sat above 95%. I have nasal pillows, a nasal mask and the Evora mask rigs (all provided by my sleep doc to try out) but they didn't achieve the same results as the FF mask.

BUT - I hate how tight I have to cinch the mask to keep a seal well enough to get good scores. Let me pre-empt some suggestions and say I'm not considering a chin strap or a cervical collar. To me that's replacing one misery for another. May work for some but not for me.

But... I'd like to give the nasal options another chance and as a mouth leaker I think the only way it might work is with tape. I tried a few medical tapes but they were too sticky (felt like I was pulling my lip skin off in the morning).

Any recommendations from users as to what I can consider that won't remove skin and are large enough to get a good seal around perimeter of mouth, and (hopefully) don't cost too much like some (ie PAPMD)

[OpalRose]

I've tried different tapes with limited success.  The only one that works for me is kinesiology tape.  I already used it on my ankles to keep swelling down, so gave it a try.

I cut it approximately 5 inches long.  It comes in a roll 2" wide.  I don't seem to have any problems removing it or any skin irritation, so that's a plus.

If you wash your face when getting up or just throw warm water over your mouth, that tape will come off easier.

The downside is if you have claustrophobic tendencies, (like me), it took some time for me to realize I wasn't going to suffocate. If you can breathe through your nose without issues, you should be ok with taping. I would never use tape if I had trouble with nasal breathing.

Some here have had luck with cover roll tape.  I found it got kind of sticky, but came off easier.

[CPAPfriend]

When I mouth tape, I use this stuff:

[Deborah K.]

I too use kinesiology tape.  I find it more comfortable than the other types and it's even pretty.  Here's a link to mine:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T4P...=UTF8&th=1

To avoid all leaks I need a 5 1/2 inch piece.

[OpalRose]

Funny, that's the exact brand I use. I have green and pink!

[eok361]

which ff mask were you using? i went through a couple attempts before settling on the f&p vitera. it took a few nights to dial in, but it works great (for me) now. and it really doesn't need to be hammered onto your face to get a good seal. quite to the contrary, actually. but everybody's facial structure is different.

the resmed f line never worked for me. and i tried taping, but it was both ineffective and annoying. i used the cover roll stretch tape. i much prefer the mask, even though i went for years with the nasal mask.

isn't the kinesiology tape rather pricey?

[OpalRose]

Yes, kinesiology tape is expensive, but I already have it and use it for swelling in my ankles and feet.

I'm the type that if something works to improve my health, I will spend the extra.

Just want to also chime in on the full face masks. I've tried several, mostly the newer hybrid masks, and have not yet been able to get a great seal. No one mask will work for everyone as our facial structures are different.

Another thing, if you mouth breath, or your mouth/jaw falls open at night, even with a full face mask, you are going to suffer dry mouth and possibly Aerophagia (swallowing of air). That's why some here still use tape even with a FF mask.

[Deborah K.]

OpalRose, great minds really do think alike. I love this tape and am willing to pay more for better comfort.  And it's pretty.  

[eok361]

.

Just want to also chime in on the full face masks.  I've tried several, mostly the newer hybrid masks, and have not yet been able to get a great seal.  No one mask will work for everyone as our facial structures are different.  

Another thing, if you mouth breath, or your mouth/jaw falls open at night, even with a full face mask, you are going to suffer dry mouth and possibly  Aerophagia (swallowing of air).  That's why some here still use tape even with a FF mask.

I didn't mention that I do use a soft collar with my ff mask. No more mouth leaks, or major leaks at all. 

But that's me. I understand many need to use mouth tape to tame their leaking. 

It took menu months for me to find the right combinations of machines, masks, accessories to get a good night's sleep. 

The goal was simple. The getting there was a lot of trial and error. 

Thanks for posting, and good luck, op. Hopefully you get the best solution.

[dfunk]

I used kinesiology tape for a long time. It can be had for super cheap in bulk on amazon. I recently switched to cover roll stretch tape and that seems to work a bit better for me. I also spray my lips with 3m cavilon no-sting barrier film. My mouth desperately wants to fall open at night. Chin straps don't work. Full face masks don't work. The tape mostly works. But I still leak from the corners of my mouth once or twice a week. The spray helps with that. But it's not perfect. I'm still searching of something grippier that is still non-toxic and won't completely shred my lips in the morning. But I'm willing to cope with something that's harder to remove if it means I get consistent rest. My burlesque dancer friends told me they use carpet tape for their pasties at hot, sweaty shows. It's tempting.

I've also recently been sleeping with a cervical collar which has helped a lot. It took a while to find the right one for me. A slightly taller collar with slightly firmer foam has made a significant difference, as has sleeping flat with no pillow. Not looking forward to using the collar in Atlanta Summer, but I'm sure I'll cope. But I digress...