High BiPAP settings blow out mouth guard
Hi all,
I've been using a BiPAP for probably a little less than half a year now, with settings of 18/14 (18 inhale, 14 exhale). My situation is a little unique, in that I use some nonstandard equipment:
1) I don't use a mask or nasal pillows. My facial shape is so weird that they leak like crazy! Plus I have a full beard and moustache. Instead, I use something called Bleep Dreamports, which are little plastic ports that stick to your nose with little adhesive strips, which then clip into a Y-connector attached to your air tube. I've gotten them to work great for me, in terms of providing steady pressure without leaks. The problem is related to #2 below.
2) Since the air is coming in only through my nose, I need to block air from coming out of my mouth. I use a silicone rubber "mouth guard" called SomnoSeal that fits between my lips and teeth to prevent mouth breathing. I also tape my mouth shut. However, the pressure from BiPAP is strong enough that the mouth guard keeps getting blown out of my mouth, or at least blown out of position so that air leaks out of my mouth.
Does anyone have a similar experience and know how to fix this?
Thanks!
Hi
. That's a difficult situation. I had a similar situation when I tried a CPAP with nasal pillows. I am a mouth breather and, whenever my mouth dropped open, the air rushing out made me feel like I couldn't breathe. I had great luck with this: https://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-Pack%EF%BC%8CAnti-Users%EF%BC%8CMouth-Adjustable-Breathable/dp/B0DYMR1V4P?pd_rd_w=yVoBi&content-id=amzn1.sym.97c08ff8-4f39-4f9e-b360-8dbdbec34ee6&pf_rd_p=97c08ff8-4f39-4f9e-b360-8dbdbec34ee6&pf_rd_r=3729BVG0RRMDGW8F994P&pd_rd_wg=uRMEg&pd_rd_r=9805e18e-afaf-4bc4-b95f-8cbc6e1807ee&ref_=pd_basp_d_rpt_ba_s_oos_4_t&th=1. Ultimately, though, I gave up on the CPAP and went with an EPAP. My only issue with the EPAP is that it doesn't always stay in place. That's not a big issue for me, since my sleep apnea is mild, but it might be an issue for someone with worse sleep apnea. I hope others chime in here with some thoughts or experiences.
It might be worth trying the chin strap, or something like it, without the mouthguard or the tape for a night. I found that slight pressure under my chin was just enough to prevent my mouth from opening.
Best wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
