Just want to comment that another reason people open their mouths is if their pressure is too low, then they may open their mouth in a futile attempt to take in more air.  I did that with a nasal mask (my symptom was that I started snoring) and I needed my pressure increased.  Now, I think I just have become a mouth breather so I use a FF mask.

Vicki


_________________
Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.
Marilyn Von Savant

That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

If you are using a nose only mask, and the air is escaping out your open mouth, then turning up the humidity is not going to do a darn thing, in my opinion. It's like trying to put out a fire with a squirt gun. The solution is to keep the rush of air from shooting through and out of your mouth. Adding even 100% humidity will not keep your mouth moist under such a circumstance.

This is the problem I have, using a nose only mask, and have not so far found what the solution is. Taping mouth shut, even with huge strips, does not help. The air just puffs out my cheeks, and then shoots down into my stomach instead. I then switched to a Total Face Mask, from Respironics, that covered nose AND mouth (thus equalizing the pressure) and that stopped the mouth problem...but the d--n thing leak so badly around the seal that I can 't get any pressure greater than 2cm out of it. Useless.

The only other thing, and I have to wait another 30 days before Apria will supply it, is a mask that covers nose and mouth, but not whole head. I tossed a coin between the Resmed and Fisher Paykel full face masks (chose the F&P) and keeping fingers crossed. In meantime must continue to suffer until the 30 days is up. And if THAT doesn't work, will literally lay down and die I suppose.

Val,

I use the F&P 431 Flexifit.  The ResMed and Respironics masks both leaked on me.  The F&P mask has more silicone sealing against the face, so for many people, it leaks less.  People seem to have trouble with the F&P mask if they have high cheekbones or petite features.

Just put the mask on before you turn the air on to get the best seal.

Vicki


_________________
Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.
Marilyn Von Savant

That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

Nice to hear from you Vicki. Am not sure what is mask called 431 Flexfit, but suspect it may be similar to the one I am getting, which also is called 431, but without the word Flexfit connected to it. Was unable to find out what that mask was. Anyhow, am hoping it will help.