Tongue Stabilizing Device (TSD) for Mouth Puffing?

[Unkikonki]

Hi there,

Mouth puffing is ruining my therapy to the point where I sometimes can't sleep at all since getting my cheeks filled with air wakes me up immediately or prevents me from falling asleep.

I tried a full-face mask to no avail. In fact, using a FFM made me notice that I don't even open my mouth at all when mouth puffing, so the mask type, mouth taping and chin straps don't make any difference at all.

I could try reducing the pressure but honestly the current settings were proving very effective. In fact, I felt I was close to finding the perfect settings considering how well I was feeling when I managed to get good sleep.

I'm aware of tongue repositioning training where you stick your tongue against your palate and use suction to keep it in place. I'll try that. However, since this takes time, I need a more immediate solution. Would a Tongue Stabilizing Device do the trick? It wouldn't keep my tongue up against my palate but pulled forward. Do you think that should still prevent air from filling up my cheeks? Has anyone tried this?

[G. Szabo]

It is unclear which TSD you meant. If you considered the Tongue Holder / Retainer with CPAP does not meet expectations. one then it will keep your mouth partially open, so pressure cnnot build up. However it is an uncomfortable solution. Also, you will need a large FFM to accommodate it.

[Unkikonki]

Hi Szabo.

I was referring to this kind of device: https://na.aveotsd.com/

To clarify, the plan would be to use the TSD in conjunction with a nasal mask (ResMed AirFit N20). You mention the TSD keeps your mouth partially open, which might cause leaking, but since the tongue will be in a better position, maybe leaking won't be a problem?

Also, I expect TSD to achieve the sole purpose of mitigating mouth puffing, nothing more. Without mouth puffing, my CPAP therapy works very well.

[G. Szabo]

Also, I expect TSD to achieve the sole purpose of mitigating mouth puffing, nothing more. Without mouth puffing, my CPAP therapy works very well.

It is the same device I provided the review for. It moves your tongue forward and might reduce inhalation obstruction. However, it also keeps your mouth open, which prevents pressure buildup or puffing [chipmunk face]. However, it means that the flow delivered via your nose could escape via your mouth.

[cps22]

I have the same issue with the mouth puffing. Full face masks help a bit but not completely. I have to use a soft cervical collar (actually a Caldera ReLeaf "neck rest"), which keeps my jaw from relaxing and falling down/back. The FFM plus the collar work for me to eliminate the mouth puffing.

[Unkikonki]

It is the same device I provided the review for. It moves your tongue forward and might reduce inhalation obstruction. However, it also keeps your mouth open, which prevents pressure buildup or puffing [chipmunk face]. However, it means that the flow delivered via your nose could escape via your mouth.

I guess I'll have to try it out myself to find out. I just ordered a cheaper version like yours. Thanks for your help.

I have the same issue with the mouth puffing. Full face masks help a bit but not completely. I have to use a soft cervical collar (actually a Caldera ReLeaf "neck rest"), which keeps my jaw from relaxing and falling down/back. The FFM plus the collar work for me to eliminate the mouth puffing.

Thanks. In my case my jaw doesn't even drop, but my cheeks get filled with air regardless, so the collar, chinstrap and mouth taping don't help at all. I think the problem is air pressure somehow finding its way to my mouth, maybe because of poor tongue positioning. I never imagined CPAP therapy could be so frustrating. Every time it seems you are finally making progress, a new side effect arises and screws everything up.