[Equipment] Slobbering

[txrpls]

Hi All,

I have been using CPAP for a couple of weeks now and I cannot seem to find a solution to this problem. I have an Amara View and an Airfit F20. I have the same symptoms with both masks. I first I thought it was my humidifier, but last night I wore the mask without the machine hooked up and I have the same symptoms. I slobber out the sides of my mouth while wearing the mask. It does get a little less pronounced when I turned the humidifier off. Any ideas what could cause this? I have adapted to everything else pretty well, but this feeling is driving me nuts and wakes me up during the night.

[Sleeprider]

The problem is not likely connected to CPAP therapy, although the mask provides a place for saliva to accumulate. If you were on nasal therapy, you would not open your mouth, or you would have severe leaks. If that is not an option, then an absorbent material around your mouth in the mask may reduce the sense of wetness. Something unscented would be better, and many incontinence pads (don't laugh) actually turn liquids to gel. You may be able to cut something like that into strips that would work. Not a problem I have dealt with, so perhaps someone with more direct experience can comment.

[txrpls]

Thanks for the reply. I checked with my son-in-law, who is an orthodontist, who said that corner mouth leakage is quite common in older people. He said I probably don't notice it during the day, because of evaporation as well as at night. He said that it is caused by sagging facial muscles. Gravity does not discriminate against anyone. 

[Sleeprider]

What did he think about wearing Poise Pads around your mouth?  

Congrats on the successful son in law.  

[txrpls]

I didn't ask about the Poise Pads  I did get a chin strap and also switched to an F20 AirTouch and this seemed to help considerably. I know I have still have some problem, but the memory foam makes it a lot less perceivable.

[Sleeprider]

Aw, darn! I had something special in mind when you got back here with a mouthful of poise pads.

Glad the noninvasive solution is working better for you.

[txrpls]

I received my P10 yesterday and tried it with my chinstrap. Much more comfortable and I do not have that wetness feeling. My number was not quite as good (1.31) from the previous nights F20 airtouch (0.84), but I felt like I got a better nights sleep. Definitely more comfortable.

[Sleeprider]

Resistance is futile...welcome to the Hive.

[ShaunBlake]

Resistance is futile...

But oh, so much fun! Stop trying to Dalek the rebels!

[DariaVader]

I received my P10 yesterday and tried it with my chinstrap. Much more comfortable and I do not have that wetness feeling. My number was not quite as good (1.31) from the previous nights F20 airtouch (0.84), but I felt like I  got a better nights sleep. Definitely more comfortable.

When you get better sleep, you may have a higher AHI --- when you aren't sleeping at all, it's 0