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Using the bleep eclipse and mouth tape. Have found some moderate success with being on BiPAP S mode 18/13 with trigger very high and rise time of 900 msec. I've noticed my data looks fantastic when the air does not go into my mouth, puff up my cheeks, and cause mouth leaking. Even though the leaking is under the threshold of 24 l/min, how do I reduce the air that is coming into my mouth? I've tried double taping my mouth and trying to keep my tongue in the roof of my mouth but my tongue relaxes at night and none of that seems to work. Any suggestions to reduce this mouth leak?
I have only had air in my mouth a couple of times, but when I did I blew out pretty hard and pulled my cheeks in and it went away. Maybe it would work for you too.
What kind of tape are you using? I use 2" wide cover roll flexible tape, and it works great even with a bit of facial hair. Proper beard hairs will stick to the tape enough to be uncomfortable when you go to remove it though. I have found that scrunching everything up tight and pulling the tape from the top down to the bottom works well, so that once you are fully relaxed the tape is holding your mouth shut tight. I still get chipmunk cheeks from time to time, but it's always easy enough for me to vent that air out my nose once I'm awake.
Look, I'm an engineer, not a doctor! Please don't take my opinion as a substitute for medical advice.
Maybe it has to do with your chin dropping slightly. I find my cervical collar reduces how much I get chipmunk cheeks when my mouth is taped because it keeps my chin up.
I use the 3M sensitive blue surgical tape for my mouth, but I'm not sure it would work for you since you have a beard.
The Nexcare 3M, one-inch-wide tape works well for me. I close my mouth and lips tight and apply two to three pieces vertically from my nose base to below my chin. I also use an oversized Velpeau collar that prevents me from opening my mouth.
Ever considered just reducing your pressure some? Your AHI is right at one. It very well could be that if you get the leaks under control, then you’re retaining more therapy pressure, which potentially could give you the same results at a lower pressure.
I mouth tape and I noticed that the more stubble I have on my face the harder it is for mouth tape to work. I also have a goatee that a tape across. The shorter my goatee hair the better I get a seal. Days without shaving make it harder to prevent leaks at the corners. So I have to be more diligent trimming and shaving to help stop mouth leaks.
