Mouth leaks/ear problems/lightheadedness

[Jackiep]

I have been using apap for 8 months with great success. I have nasal pillows and was experiencing mouth leaks..so tried a chin strap...still some leakage and I minded all that stuff on my head...so have been taping my mouth without problems until now. I am experiencing lightheadedness and my ears feel full...I do not have a cold or any other symptoms. I am wondering if the taping resulted in the air going up the Eustachian tubes causing middle ear problems ? Any ideas ? Thanks

[OpalRose]

I have been using apap for 8 months with great success. I have nasal pillows and was experiencing mouth leaks..so tried a chin strap...still some leakage and I minded all that stuff on my head...so have been taping my mouth without problems until now. I am experiencing lightheadedness and my ears feel full...I do not have a cold or any other symptoms. I am wondering if the taping resulted in the air going up the Eustachian tubes causing middle ear problems ? Any ideas ? Thanks

Hi Jackiep,
Mouth taping isn't really recommended, but if you have been doing that for 8 months with no problems, then its unlikely that mouth taping would cause problems with your ears. But there are folk here that do have ear issues using CPAP, so the best thing you can do is make an appointment with an ENT just to see what is going on.

[PaytonA]

It is likely that your Eustachian tubes are getting blocked. CPAP seems to normally pressurize the middle ear somewhat but as soon as you get off the hose it should normalize.

Here is a link to a method for clearing the blockage. http://www.fauquierent.net/etd2.htm

I can not take credit for finding this. I just thought it was very interesting.

Best Regards,

PaytonA

[trish6hundred]

Hi Jackiep,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
It would bee a good idea for you to see your doc about this problem.
Much success to you with your CPAP therapy and getting your ear problem straightened out and hang in there for more responses to your post.