Thumb Sucking and CPAP user
For those who are, maybe, too shy about posting this....
If you suck your thumb while sleeping a CPAP machine is an issue. I've solved the problem by using a nasal pillow and chin strap. But I found out that using an adult sized pacifier with the nasal pillow and chin strap is a very workable alternative.
RE: Thumb Sucking and CPAP user
I bet that works to prevent mouth leaks.
RE: Thumb Sucking and CPAP user
I had the exact same thought! That is a solution that I have not heard before.
04-26-2017, 10:52 AM
(This post was last modified: 04-26-2017, 10:54 AM by lazurm.)
RE: Thumb Sucking and CPAP user
Well, based on the data sent by the CPAP machine, there were no leaks. I'm not sure, though, how it'd be without the pacifier but, if I try it, my thumb goes in automatically while I sleep.
Prior to obtaining the CPAP I had research the net extensively and there's virtually nothing on the topic, so the info here is unique in that sense. That's the main reason I'm sharing it as I know that at least 1% of adult males suck their thumb, and probably it's a slightly higher percentage. Surely there must be those who, though having this issue, are too shy to express it.
RE: Thumb Sucking and CPAP user
That act of sucking makes it nearly impossible to have a leak from the mouth when using nasal pillow. I'm not going to judge you or recommend anyone take up the habit, but you're certainly not alone. An internet search of "adult thumb sucking" returns countless results.
04-26-2017, 04:12 PM
(This post was last modified: 04-26-2017, 04:14 PM by chill.
Edit Reason: Forgot part
)
RE: Thumb Sucking and CPAP user
No need to be shy, I sucked my thumb until, I forget. High school maybe? And I wet the bed regularly until I started on CPAP. That is more embarrassing and inconvenient. CPAP stopped that, happily.
I am liking this idea a lot. It seems a lot better than taping your mouth shut that some people have resorted to. Safer too!
RE: Thumb Sucking and CPAP user
(04-26-2017, 02:41 PM)I think, though, that an adult pacifier is more reliable (especially for the great majority of adults who don\t suck their thumb) because it's a lot less likely to leave one's mouth overnight, especially if there's a chin strap attached with mild pressure. I'm actually a bit surprised that little has been written about this as it's well known that a form of an adult "pacifier" exists that promises to deal with sleep apnea, though reliable data isn't available. This device looks like a pacifier but actually isn't in that one's tongue is meant to be vacuum sealed into it and there are many reports that it isn't very successful.My experience with an adult pacifier, made from silicone, and at the correct size, along with mild chin strap pressure absolutely works for me. I think it's even better than my thumb because I think I occasionally put my thumb in and out during the night (though I'm not completely sure about this). If a pacifier falls out during the night, it stays out, and this hasn't happened. I don't have experience with the latex version of adult pacifiers but I tend to think they aren't as good, being too soft and prone to deterioration, wear and allergy sensitivity. Sleeprider Wrote: That act of sucking makes it nearly impossible to have a leak from the mouth when using nasal pillow. I'm not going to judge you or recommend anyone take up the habit, but you're certainly not alone. An internet search of "adult thumb sucking" returns countless results.
RE: Thumb Sucking and CPAP user
Hi lazurm,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Good luck to you with your CPAP therapy.
trish6hundred
RE: Thumb Sucking and CPAP user
boxer/ football type mouth guard will make it impossible to get the thumb in
or get one from the dentist that helps hold the mouth and tongue from causing problems as well
RE: Thumb Sucking and CPAP user
But the mouth guard won't promote the sucking action that causes the tongue-seal needed to prevent mouth/lip leaking.
