Today let’s understand how mouth breathers can use CPAP Masks.
But before let me remind you what Sleep apnea is.
It is a brief stoppage of breathing during sleep. The most common type of this disorder is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
In OSA, the muscles in the back of the throat relax and partially or completely block the airway during sleep.
Sleep apnea causes a person to not get enough sleep at night. Also, these attacks do not make it possible to get enough oxygen during sleep.
This increases the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension), heart problems and stroke.
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Table of Contents
PAP Machines Overview
PAP devices provide air supply through a mask that is worn over the nose, mouth, or both nose and mouth.
The pressure generated by the air flow prevents the throat from closing and blocking the airways during sleep.
There are 3 main types of devices:
- CPAP. Apparatus for creating a constant positive airway pressure (continuous positive air pressure -CPAP). They provide an even air supply.
- Auto CPAP. It is an Automatic continuous positive air pressure (auto CPAP) device. They supply air unevenly depending on the degree of airway blockage during a night’s sleep. You may feel the pressure change during the tuning process – this is normal. Auto CPAP machines are the most commonly used for the treatment of OSA.
- Bilevel positive air pressure (BiPAP) ventilation devices. They supply more air when inhaling and less when exhaling. Bilevel positive air pressure (BiPAP) ventilation devices. They supply more air when inhaling and less when exhaling.
How to use PAP Machines for Nose Breathers?
Use the PAP machine every time you sleep.
This applies to both naps and vacation naps.
If you are going on a trip where power may not be available (such as a camping trip), check with your supplier to see if you can purchase a portable CPAP machine.
It is very important to use the PAP machine exactly as directed by your healthcare professional. Do not change air pressure or other settings without consulting a healthcare professional.
You can adjust the humidity level yourself.
Below are some general guidelines for using the machine for nose breathers:
- Before putting on a mask, clean your face. This will ensure a tighter fit of the mask, which will prevent air leakage. This will also prolong the life of the mask. You can use your regular face cream or moisturizer.
- Most PAP masks have a valve through which exhaled air escapes. Do not block or close this valve.
- Before going to bed, always check the connections between the mask, tubing, and flow chamber. Make sure the connections between these components are secure.
- If you feel uncomfortable wearing the mask, or if air escapes from under it, adjust the straps on the headband. For a mask, tighter doesn’t always mean better. The fit of the mask can be loosened slightly, as long as the fit to the face is maintained.
- You can remove the mask and headband and put them on by unfastening or loosening only one strap.
- If you need to get up at night, it may be easier to disconnect the tube from the airflow generator than to remove the mask and headband. Before you lie down again, reconnect the tube.
How do you breathe with a nasal CPAP mask?
You need to breathe through it calmly. Inhalation should be shallow, and exhalation should be smooth.
If you feel a feeling of nervous tension or anxiety, then half an hour before using the CPAP machine, you can take 30 drops of Corvalol.
Sometimes during CPAP therapy, a feeling of discomfort may occur, which is associated with increased dryness or, conversely, humidity of the inhaled air, as well as its temperature.
In this case, it is necessary to adjust the degree of heating of the humidifier in accordance with the instructions for your device model.
Why are Air Leaks so Dangerous?
No mask is 100% sealed to the face during the entire sleep time.
There are some minor air leaks which are normal.
And modern CPAP devices are designed to automatically compensate for these losses without additional settings.
But if the leaks exceed the allowable level, the pressure drops lower and lower and at some point it becomes insufficient to prevent snoring and sleep apnea.
The side effects of air leaks can be quite serious:
- The inability of the CPAP device to correctly analyze respiratory events and respond to them in a timely manner;
- A decrease in the therapeutic effect, the resumption of snoring and episodes of apnea during a night’s sleep, as well as a deterioration in the patient’s well-being;
- Deterioration in the quality of sleep due to hissing and whistling, which is accompanied by leakage of air from under the contour of the CPAP mask;
- Irritation of mucous membranes and eyes.
Leaks not only interfere with the treatment of complicated snoring, but also increase the discomfort of using the CPAP device.
Therefore, if you find that the mask is breathable, then this problem should not be put off until later.
FAQ
Can mouth breathers use nasal CPAP masks?
Mouth breathers can wear CPAP masks.
I would suggest for them to choose a Full-face mask which is usually the most effective for mouth breathers because they minimize air leaks.
If you choose some Nasal masks and pillows they don’t cover the mouth, so air will escape.
How to properly care for the mask and hose of the CPAP device?
Every morning, the breathing mask and hose should be washed in warm, soapy water.
To do this, use only neutral detergents.
Then the products are rinsed under running water and dried away from heaters and direct sunlight.
Why does my mouth open with CPAP?
You should not breathe through your mouth with a CPAP machine. Mouth breathing weakens airway anatomy.
How do you keep your mouth closed with a nasal CPAP?
If you breathe through your mouth at night or sleep with your mouth open, some CPAP machines will cause a dry mouth.
To keep your mouth closed a special chin strap is used, it may help keep your mouth closed and reduce the air leak.