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Dry mouth, Taping and Full Face Mask

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baseten +0 points · about 7 years ago Original Poster

I am a mouth breather and am using a full size mask ,the Amara View mask, which I love. I'm using a Bi-Pap at a maxium IPAP of 20 and a minimum IPAP of 14. The apnea is being well controlled, however, I have been waking up with a very, very dry mouth that lasts all day and evening. I am using zylamints, the biotene products, and sugar free candy/gum.

I also tried increasing the humidity on my machine to the highest setting and last night increased the tube temperature to 82 degrees, thinking that warmer air holds more moisture, but I think the increased temperature made it even worse so I will put that back at 80 tonight.

I tried keeping my mouth closed when I sleep, but then I have to tighten my mask so much to make it fit that I think it pushes my jaw backwards too much and causes the AHI to increase from less than 2 to 13. So I think I would have the same problem with a boil and bite mouth guard. I also have TMJ which adds to my reluctance to try the boil and bite mouth guard again ( I tried it once but couldn't keep my mouth shut).

It seems like that I wouldn't necessarily have to keep my mouth shut all the way, but that I just need a way to keep the air from coming in my mouth as much. Would taping work or is that unsafe to do with a full size mask?

I used to use the Resmed P10 with a chin strap and taping, but after 3 years stopped being able to keep my tongue on the roof of my mouth so that my mouth would fill with air, waking me up over and over again through the night. That's why I changed to the Amara View. Do all nasal masks require that you keep your tongue on the roof of your mouth? If I could get away with just taping, a chin strap and a different nasal mask, it seems like that would be ideal solution.

Thank you for your help.

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wiredgeorge +0 points · about 7 years ago Sleep Enthusiast

The Amara View is technically a full face mask. I use one and MUST keep my mask from slipping up into my mouth as my jaw slackens. The mouth guard works well for me. Your results may differ. Before judging, why not spend $3 and buy one and give it a try? The tape thing sounds like a poor idea to me for some reason...

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baseten +0 points · about 7 years ago Original Poster

Thanks Wired George. I did try a mouth guard without success. Could you send the link for the one you like? Thanks.

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wiredgeorge +0 points · about 7 years ago Sleep Enthusiast
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baseten +0 points · about 7 years ago Original Poster

Thanks Wired George. When you mold it, do you do so with your bottom jaw forward a little bit, or just bite into the warm mouthpiece with your natural bite?

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wiredgeorge +0 points · about 7 years ago Sleep Enthusiast

I just did it with my natural bite. DO NOT try and get the thing too soft as it will melt at the drop of a hat.

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