(09-27-2017, 09:03 PM)Bill Mathias Wrote: Walla, your response above is surprising and unnecessary, especially after your helpful response on the previous page...
Please read this with a gently, friendly voice as this is how I would be speaking to you. My written words may seem harsh and I do not mean them to be.
When people here are speaking of using some method to keep their mouth closed, it is so that the therapeutic pressurized air of the xPAP device can reach the throat. The only way to treat sleep apnea is to open the airway to your lungs by opening the throat.
Your doctor suggesting that you keep your mouth shut by tape does not address your need to open your throat and get oxygen to your lungs. Sleep apnea has long-term health consequences and is a threat to your health, even to your life.
For a doctor not to know that is, well, somewhat concerning.
If Walla's joke made you stop for a moment and consider, "Hmmm. Why is my doctor advising something that places my health in jeopardy?" then that is a good thing, to my way of thinking.
I do hope that my writing does not sound harsh or offensive. You've received many good responses. It just seems (to me) that you may be missing the point though and are focusing on comfort issues rather than health issues.
As to sleeping better when your mouth was taped: most awakenings are not remembered. I tested at 70 AHI, yet my memory is only of awakening 2-3 times during the night (certainly not 70 per hour).
eta: I will point out that I am a nose-breather. Breathing from your nose does not help or cure OSA.