[Treatment] Mouth filling from inside

[Walla Walla]

Sorry about that. Missed the machine type.  

[mikeinstlouis]

I just got off the phone with the medical equipment place and they told me that my insurance covers either the Dreamstation or Airsense 10.  Seems like most prefer the Airsense 10.


So do people ever stop doing this air-mouth blast thingy??  Like a learning curve?

Mike

[mesenteria]

Not I.  I had to tape from Day 2.  I still do.  It works for me and for countless others.  It has its risks, but so does untreated apnea.  Nothing of value comes easily or cheaply.

If you elect to try taping, I would suggest the common drug-store 3M product called NexCare.  They offer a 2.5 cam wide spool that is described as 'water resistant'.  This is advisable because of spittle slowly emitting from your loose lips while you sleep.

I have never tried the collar, and don't much care for the idea of a chin strap.  In time, I may try my wife's collar.  She snores like a drunken sailor, and has obvious apnea, but our vaunted Canadian health care system is exceedingly slow with contact with specialists.  I urged her to try a collar.  She detests it, but persists because I tell her she sleeps much more healthily with it.  And that's God's truth.

[Walla Walla]

If they let you swap the machine out for a Resmed Air Sense 10 Autoset I would highly recommend doing it. It's the better machine IMHO.

[silentsnore]

My suggestion: try the full face mask, probably will have to go through several until you find the one that works for you.
I find it funny how people try everything else, before trying the FFM. Some are even okay with taping the mouth every night. 

Also, as WW, I too strongly recommend the ResMed Airsense 10 machines

[snorybob]

mikeinstlouis : 

Eventually the air-mouth thing will stop .With a lot of patience and positiveness you'll get there. The answer is in one of the previous post. The 
solution are all good . You just have to find the suitable one. 

If you don't like the idea of a FFM there is the FFM/hybrid Resmed Mirage liberty. check the reviews . I had your problem, pressure to high(12) so I got it lower(9) then raised it a fraction (0.2 cm/h2o) every 3 days , didn't feel the difference and now back to my best # and high pressure # don't bother me anymore.


I have tried all the above ideas and for me what works better is (not recommended) the cervical collar ,p10 mask and tape .I get good AHI #(0.1/0.2) and feel rested in the morning, but that's me. Same for the machine ,I really like the resmed.   

BTW it took 4/5 months for a very noticeable energy change. Hope it's faster for you !




 
                                                                            
                                                                                       snorybob.

[Apnea Infant]

Hello mikeinstlouis

Definitely go for the Resmed Airsense 10 Auto. It is best by far.

The tongue suck technique as described really well by others will prevent the air from coming outa your mouth and go into your airways which is where it is needed. It does take some getting used to but do persist as it is worth it and becomes really effective. I have used a soft neck collar to help too as it prevents chin tuck and my mouth opening as a result. Now that is routine for me and gives me results I am happy with.

[sheepless]

mike, I have become a zealous soft cervical collar convert. among all the suggestions for mouth leak, it's the only one that works for me. I don't like to wear it, but can't pap effectively without it. initially I was skeptical because I'm not a jaw-drop mouth wide open guy; more of the chipmunk cheeks and lip flutter type. getting my leaks under control has been instrumental in seeing more accurate data and improving the efficacy of treatment.

[michael9346]

Mike many of your concerns mirror my concerns. The key word you used is "patience". Anyone who says this is a cake walk, is kidding us. I have been on cpap for 16 months and on the forum for 4 months. I believe I've had sleep apnea since 1992. Maybe I could have avoided the heart  attack in 1999, the triple heart bypass in 2004, A fib in 2012 if I would have got help a long time ago. 

I am so thankful I found the people on this forum. The ones that help me are so knowledgeable when it comes to sleep apnea. What amazes me are they are volunteers. They do it because they genuinely care about the human race and offer up their time to help me. This apnea seems to be an epidemic. All the sleep doctors and DME's are so inundated with patients it would be impossible for me to get answers from them, as fast as I get from this group of people.

I have the same type of machine as you and it was originally set at 4 - 20 which is actually the factory setting. Maybe if 7 seemed to be difficult for you then set the "ramp" to 4 to 7 to gradually get to 7. Set it for enough time for you to fall asleep. I started out using ramp, but now I no longer need it. It will take practice to get used to the tongue suck, but it will come. I use a nasal mask as you do, a Dr Dakota Eliminator Cervical collar and tape my mouth. This has given me the lowest AHI numbers as well as other lower events. I dislike the tape so I am trying to find a full face mask that I am comfortable with. So far that has been a challenge. In time, I will find the right mask and discontinue the tape. With the right clinician settings, proper flex setting you will be able to inhale and exhale the air the machine delivers. Lastly I am replacing my machine for the Resmed Airsense 10 auto. I truly believe it is the better of the two.

Best of luck,
Michael

[mikeinstlouis]

I never realized that finding a face mask that is comfortable and works is going to be that much of a challenge.. it looks like the ResMed is the winter. My mom has a newer Respironics and she's happy with it too