Can you train your mouth not to open?
Like many of you, I get too many leaks with a nasal mask. I was told by the CPAP tech that one can train his or her mouth to stay shut. Using a chin strap or tape isn’t my cup of tea!
They told me you can even use a nasal mask even if your nose is congested, and if you’re a mouth breather you can train you mouth to stay shut.
If any of you have done so, what is your secret? Please share. I’m sure I’m not the only one who wants to use a nasal mask successfully WITHOUT straps and tape!
RE: Can you train your mouth not to open?
YOu can't train your mouth not to open. BUT you can train your tongue to stay on the roof of your mouth and block air from coming out your mouth. Put your tongue on the roof of your mouth right behind your top teeth and suck it back. It makes an excellent blockage. The problem is of course when you fall asleep your tongue fall back down to where is been.
You do train you tongue to stay up there by doing it all day and night. No one knows you are doing it and it WILL take a few weeks. I have done it, I had leaks and nothing worked until someone here years ago tolk me about it now I have almost no leaks.
RE: Can you train your mouth not to open?
Actually you can train your conscious mind the maneuvers necessary to help your sleeping mind to resolve leaks. Exercises include sipping and swallowing water from a straw while using CPAP, talking and opening your mouth while under pressure teaches you to control pressure and breathing in ways that will also translate to sleep. Put on the mask and turn on the pressure, then get active doing these practice exercises and once you resolve the choking, snorts and escape of pressure, you will have mastered the pressure. You may experience arousals as you first apply this knowledge to your sleep, but you have the tools to contain and control the pressure. Don't hesitate to use physical aids like pulling your pillow between your shoulder and jaw while sleeping on your side, or an air travel C-collar comfortably placed under the chin or jaw to help keep your mouth more closed. If all else fails, take a look at the Resmed F40 mask as a hybrid minimal alternative to full-face.
RE: Can you train your mouth not to open?
As Stacey said you train your tongue by breathing through your nose all day. Your nose WILL open just by using it. Mouth breathing causes more congestion. What you do in the day will affect what you do at night. That said, some of us never fully get there at night. I use a soft cervical collar.
Breathe through your nose
Reduce sugar and processed food
Soft collar and seal your mouth
Membership in the Advisory Members group does not imply medical expertise or qualification for advising Sleep Apnea patients concerning their treatment.
