Hi all,
I am new to this forum but not new to using a CPAP, I have been using the equipment successfully for around 5 years but the last few months I have had an array of niggley problems. I seem to be swallowing air as im falling to sleep and it can feel quite uncomfortable as anyone else experienced this?
I have been waking up during the night with a really dry mouth, I use a full face mask because I am a mouth breather, with a humidifier and heated tube, I dont think air is leaking from the mask, like I say I am a reasonably experienced CPAP user. Im petrified to use a chin strap as I feel I would need my mouth open to allow me to breath. I think I will try an artificial saliva, like a spy or patch. Has anyone got any recommendations for a spay or patch that works or even any different tips that I can try?
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Ian
Ian, I had issues with opening my mouth and letting air leak out when using a nasal pillow mask. I tried two different full face masks but could not get comfortable with them. I also was mouth breathing with them, causing a dry mouth. I then went back to the nasal pillow mask, and used a chin strap AND also tape on my mouth. I don't find the mouth tape uncomfortable at all, and think there are significant advantages to only breathing through your nose.
Google "how to mouth tape for a better sleep" under Videos.
Significant advantages if you don't have a bad cold, and than what do you do?
So far I have not had a cold bad enough to not use mouth tape and the nasal pillow mask. I have a ResMed full face F20 mask but hate it. I suppose I might use it if I really had to. I find if I can get my nose clear before I go to bed, it stays that way with the nasal mask. At times I will use Otrivin nasal spray, but most often just blow my nose.
I, too, suffer from Aerophagia (swallowing air). I started with a nasal pillow and could not keep my mouth closed all night. Then the DME gave me a DreamWear Full Face mask. That worked great for 1 night then my jaw decided to relax too much and slide back breaking the seal on my lower lip. The full face mask was no better than the nasal pillow after that. The DME was unwilling to work with me any further since my insurance company would only approve 2 masks in such a limited time. I ended up switching to another Sleep Doc and they gave me a different Full Face mask (air touch F20 or something) and that mask kept leaking at the bridge of my nose blowing air into my eyes. I couldn't even get to sleep with that mask on. I even tried taping my mouth shut one night with the nasal pillow mask and managed to break that seal on the tape and woke up just a couple hours into my sleep.
The only workable solution (as much as I hate it) was to use a chin-strap, underneath the DreamWear Full Face mask. I've reduced my leaks to virtually 0 since I went to this method. Even with the chinstrap, my lips open enough to allow me to breathe through my mouth in the Full Face mask. I'm not at all concerned about not being able to breathe. When I first started with the chin strap, each night before I fall asleep, I put my mask on before connecting it to the machine and verify that I can breathe, even if the machine were to stop working. I haven't had any issues. I've even woken up a coupe times laying face down on the mask drooling and still had no issues breathing. I did have some marks on my face from the mask, but with a shower and about an hour's worth of time that was gone.
Other's have mentioned a cervical collar and the Sleep Doc even mentioned an oral appliance. I don't see either of those being feasible for me. I couldn't tolerate a retainer after braces and can't imagine sleeping with a collar as much as I roll around in bed.
I have swallowed air and recently had a bout with aerophagia. A few questions I have is #1- what is the minimum pressure set at and #2- How much humidification are you using? Higher pressure can certainly cause you to ingest air as well as dry mouth. There are sprays, gels and lozenges for dry mouth in the dental section of most stores. (Walmart included) None has worked for me, and the one that offered me relief the longest was Xylimelts however it tore my gums up where it took a week to heal. Increasing humidity has helped me the most.
I have used the Resmed Airfit & Airtouch F20 and at first they seemed to leak too much. After frustration with trying on 10 other masks I have gone back to the F20's and I had to adjust and readjust to stop nose leaks, but it worked. There are also mask liners available that can stop leaks. I use the medium and rotate between both the foam and the silicone. I run about a 3 on humidity and it's no where near as bad as it use to be. I do not suggest taping your mouth with a full face mask as the humidity can loosen the adhesive and you may choke if you swallow it. I do suggest if you tape to try a nasal mask (I use a Wisp when I have congestion) Using a 3M micropore tape works great.
Using a cervical collar does work. I purchased one called Dr. Dakota Snore Eliminator on Amazon and it prevents my neck from dropping down which controls mouth breathing and air injestation. It is made from a memory foam and just has a strap to go around the back of your neck, so it is not cumbersome or too stiff. Runs around $20.00 US. I don't use it very much anymore as the human body is an amazing thing and I have learned to sleep without bending my neck.
I hope this helps you guys. Mike
Mike, I think the risk of moisture loosening the 3M Micropore tape is very low. It is a tape specifically designed to have high adhesion on damp skin. See link below. That said, I have never tried it under a full face mask. With a nasal mask I have had it come loose a few times, and leak, but it is never displaced at all -- just leaks. I always use the tape in a horizontal direction, and don't see how it could work at all in the vertical direction.
