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+--- Thread: [Pressure] First week at new Pressures (/Thread-Pressure-First-week-at-new-Pressures)
First week at new Pressures - jallen - 07-14-2022
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These are the stats for my first week at the new pressures as prescribed by my doctor, and the current configuration for my machine.
I have a mustache and goatee along with a rather substantial overbite (approx. 0.75in) that I've had all my life. I can fall asleep with my lips closed although that isn't a guarantee that they will stay that way, and they usually don't.
Since starting with the new pressures my leaks seem to have gone up. I have tried tightening the mask some to account for the higher pressures but that doesn't seem to be helping much. Last night I noticed that there were 4 or 5 times where my mouth was filling with air and it was escaping through my lips. The sound and vibrations from that kept waking me up. I've also noticed that my mouth has been a lot drier.
I'm not sure mouth tape would be a viable option given the facial hair and overbite. What else can I do to minimize the amount of leakage?
RE: First week at new Pressures - Nightynite - 07-14-2022
You should at least try the tape. When I was training myself to breathe through the nose so I could use a nasal mask, I used the tape. I also have a beard and mustache. Some nights it would come off but I stayed with it. Nothing is perfect with this cpap stuff, you have to tell yourself your gonna be successful. You can get the tape in different widths. I just put it on my lips. You may need wider tape with your overbite. Good luck.
RE: First week at new Pressures - jallen - 07-14-2022
I'm not even sure where to find it locally. Is that something I have to order off of Amazon?
RE: First week at new Pressures - Crimson Nape - 07-14-2022
Your local pharmacy should have 2" (52mm?) wide paper first aid tape. When used for sealing, you should fold-over at least an inch (25mm) on each side of your mouth, for pull tabs, for fast and easy removal.
- Red
RE: First week at new Pressures - jallen - 07-14-2022
Gracias!
RE: First week at new Pressures - jallen - 07-18-2022
I tried using the tape. By day 3 it was causing sores around the outside edges of my lips so I had to stop using it.
Given the size of my overbite (I have to push my bottom jaw forward a bit to get my lisp to close over my teeth, and after a long period of time doing that my jaw muscles start to cramp), combined with the the fact that I am also missing two teeth (one on the upper right just before the very last tooth, and one on the lower jaw left side, just before the very last tooth) I don't ever really seem to get a very tight seal because when my mouth and cheeks fill with air my lips start vibrating from the escaping air like I am playing a trumpet.
You'd think after just over two months on the machine (63 days) I'd have all the bugs and issues worked out. Should I look into using a chin strap, should I try a different mask?