Hello to all.  First time to post anything, anywhere!  I have been using a CPAP machine successfully for over ten years.  My weapon of choice is nose mask and chin strap.  Started having problems in the last six months or so with mouth breathing.  It is especially a problem when I get over-tired and/or if I've had any alcohol.  I have tried adjusting straps both tighter and more loose but to no avail.  I purchased a full face mask and thought that would solve the problem but I can't seem to get the seal to last through the whole night.  Starts out fine but I wake up in the night with air escaping everywhere with the slightest movement of any part of my face.  Tried all three sizes of full face masks but no-go.  My doctor agreed to prescribe a higher pressure setting from the 10 I was at up to as high as 16.  So far I've only gone up to 12 but that has neither improved my problem nor made it any worse.  I had jokingly thought of taping my mouth shut as it appeared there could be no other solution.  Now, after reading a few posts here in this forum, I realize that maybe it isn't such a joke after all.  Although I gather from comments here that the practice is not considered  "mainstream", it looks like some of you are doing it.  I am looking for tips on what kind of tape you are using including size.  And also, if anyone has been doing this for some time, any side effects, ie: permanent rash, sores, etc.  If you use tape on your mouth are you finding that you still need the chin strap as well?  Any and all input on this would be greatly appreciated.  I did ask a respiratory therapist about this idea a while back and she laughingly said that she had heard of people trying it but she wouldn't recommend the practice.

Thanks,
Ed

For a while , before my full face mask , I had some wide elastic banding sewed into a loop that kept enough pressure on my chin to keep my yap shut.  It wasnt elegant , but worked.  They make headbands with lots of stretch these days , may that would help.


Good Luck.

coopshsr,

Which brand/style of full face mask did you buy?  There are several different manufacturers that make them and they're all different.  The ones that come to mind are:  Respironics ComfortFull (what I use), ResMed Ultra Mirage, and Fisher & Paykel Flexifit 431.  I know I'm forgetting one, but it's really late and I'm really tired.  If anybody can post the name of any others they can think of.  If you had one that didn't work, it might be a good thing to try a different one.  Just my $.02 worth, if it is really worth that much!


_________________
<>< Sleepy Scott <><
Job 7:13-15

Coopshsr,

When we go into REM sleep, our bodies go into a state of paralysis. Our brain tells our bodies DO NOT MOVE. This is the reason some people have sleep apnea: their bodies are so relaxed during the later stages of sleep and REM sleep that the airway can collapse. Drinking alcohol also relaxes the body, which can cause the airway to collapse. People who do fine on their CPAP during the week and have a few drinks on the weekends can find they have problems sleeping or have more apneas that wake them up. This is because your body gets super-relaxed from the alcohol you consume.

Fisher and Paykel makes a full face mask that extends to the chin area, which might work if you are opening your mouth in your sleep. ResMed's Ultra Mirage full face mask is nice as well. Make sure you have your respiratory therapist or DME use a TEMPLATE when fitting you for your mask. They will often look at you and say, "I've been doing this for years, I can tell you need a large mask." Tell them NO, use a template!!!

Don't make your mask too tight. This will crush the cushion and that can cause your mask to leak. Good luck!