Does my BiPAP detect mouth breathing?

[mikeq]

Does the Respironics DreamStation Auto BiPAP detect and report mouth breathing? Does it report it as a mask leak or something else?

Is there a better place I should be looking for an answer to this sort of question?

Thanks,

[PoolQ]

I think I know the answer. It would show up as a major leak, I don't know how a machine would tell the difference between a mask leak and a mouth leak (open mouth). Your question comes down to how do you know if you are opening your mouth or knocking your mask sideways.

if you our someone else catches you doing it.
video yourself at night (yep people do this)
some machines have a mask leak alarm
pick one and do your best to counter it, if it still happens, pick the other one and repeat.

[zonk]

Hi mikeq and welcome aboard
Leak is a leak, whether mask or/and mouth leaks
PR machines report total leak (mask leak + mouth leak + mask vents leak)
SleepyHead doesn't support DreanStation yet but if you sign-up for "Respironics DreamMapper", you'll see if you had any large leak and % of time in large leak if any any, also shows 'mask fit' score
Chinstrap can helps keep mouth closed and minimize mouth leaks

[PaytonA]

A leak is a leak but whether it is a mouth leak or a mask leak determines the methods that one might try to solve the problem. Mouth leaks are generally large but not necessarily. If you have chipmunk cheeks and air is escaping from your closed mouth one bubble at a time that is a mouth leak but not very big.

If it is not a leak that you can feel while awake or when awakened then chances are that it is a mouth leak and I would try chin strap and if that did not work then full face mask. Chin straps are kinda like masks. A chin strap may work great for someone and not at all for you. There are many different chin straps and at least they are cheaper than masks.

Best Regards,

PaytonA

[trish6hundred]

Hi mikeq,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Much success to you with your CPAP therapy.