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Higher Cpap pressures - Hip2bsquare - 01-27-2019
I have a Dreamstation and a Nuance nasal mask. I switched to a Nasal mask because of leakage around my full beard. I also wear a Responics chin strap to keep my mouth closed. The combination seems to work well so long as the cpap pressure remains at 11 or lower. If the machine climbs above a pressure of 11 it starts to inflate my cheeks and open my lips to expel the air and awakens me. Has anyone with a nasal mask found a resolution for this problem?
Thanks,
Tom McDowell
RE: Higher Cpap pressures - Walla Walla - 01-27-2019
Borrowed from our Facebook editor. "Tongue Suck Technique for prevention of mouth breathing: Place your tongue behind your front teeth on the roof of your mouth let your tongue fill the space between the upper molars gently suck to form a light vacuum. Practicing during the day can help you to keep it at night."
The other way is to use tape over the lips.
RE: Higher Cpap pressures - Gideon - 01-27-2019
It happened to me. My solution was to shut down the CPAP, refit the mask then restart. Once I was literally blowing air out my mouth I could not stop it. Only restarting the CPAP solved my immediate problem.. Long term the "tongue on the roof of my mouth trick" is what finally resolved it. I haven't had that problem for years.
RE: Higher Cpap pressures - mesenteria - 01-28-2019
With the understanding that it can't be recommended, and certainly NOT for all people who experience mouth leakage, or who are mouth breathers, and for whom the tongue sucking technique does not work for some reason (can't be done properly due to morphology, or because it fails soon after falling asleep), taping may bring relief. Or a chin strap. Or, in some severe cases, both. Even a foam cervical collar can make the difference.
I tape. Did on Night #2, at the suggestion of my therapist, and I haven't looked back. If you elect to try it for giggles, look for a plastic spool of 3M Corp's Nexcare white tape that is 2.5 cm wide, and you want the water-proof kind. Fold a small tab over on itself at one end and use that to remove the tape when it comes time to do that.
RE: Higher Cpap pressures - Hip2bsquare - 01-28-2019
Thanks for your help, will give it a try.
Tom
Thanks, I will also try the tape