New user with questions.

I started with my first unit 3 days ago. It is a Resmed Airsense 10 autoset. My "mask" is a Aitfit P10 pillow. So far I am doing about as well as I expected to. I have read in the forum about nasal pain that I am experiencing and hoping it settles soon. There is one thing I haven't been able to find by searching. When sleeping enough pressure builds in my mouth from time to time to force air out and that wakes me. I have read about devices to hold the mouth shut but wonder if I should try that or look to more of a mask. I am allowed by insurance to change within the first month. Thanks for this website and the help. Joe.

Welcome to the forum.

Search the forum for "chipmunk cheeks" as that is what we call it when the air enters the mouth from the airway and lips are closed so the cheeks inflate to the point we have to open our mouths to relieve the cheek inflation and we wake up.
It's common to experience it and for some it simply goes away with time as the body gets used to keeping that back door closed so that no air sneaks into the mouth from the airway.

It can happen with any mask so changing masks doesn't necessarily prevent chipmunk cheeks from happening. It can happen even with a full face mask.
Now with a full face mask people can of course go ahead and breathe through their mouths and relieve the pressure without losing therapy pressure if it happens...but it won't necessarily prevent the wake up from the need to relieve that pressure in the mouth.

Thanks so much, Pugsy!

hi, azav8tor!

when you get the chance, would you go to the control panel and fill in your equipment and mask? that way, it will always show up below your posts.

selecting a mask is such a personal thing. what works for me may not work for thee.

a tip that may help you is keeping your lips together. i find that a soft cervical collar helps. and using hairbands helps even more.

like this-
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=112758&st=0&sk=t&sd ... i#p1086296

good luck!

Thanks, Zonker. Profile updated.

Pugsy wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 25, 2018 9:45 am

Welcome to the forum.

Search the forum for "chipmunk cheeks" as that is what we call it when the air enters the mouth from the airway and lips are closed so the cheeks inflate to the point we have to open our mouths to relieve the cheek inflation and we wake up.
It's common to experience it and for some it simply goes away with time as the body gets used to keeping that back door closed so that no air sneaks into the mouth from the airway.

It can happen with any mask so changing masks doesn't necessarily prevent chipmunk cheeks from happening. It can happen even with a full face mask.
Now with a full face mask people can of course go ahead and breathe through their mouths and relieve the pressure without losing therapy pressure if it happens...but it won't necessarily prevent the wake up from the need to relieve that pressure in the mouth.

what is generally the reason for the air coming out of the mouth?
or are there multiple reasons it could be happening?

zackds wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 25, 2018 4:03 pm

what is generally the reason for the air coming out of the mouth?
or are there multiple reasons it could be happening?

I don't know of any other reason for chipmunk cheeks.
CPAP pressurized Air goes up the nose and starts down the airway and tries to exit prematurely through the mouth because the back door between the oral cavity and the airway is open and allows air to enter the mouth.
Lips are closed...cheeks inflated and then the air in the mouth goes out the lips once the mouth is opened.

If it never entered the mouth then there would be no reason to relieve the pressure that is inflating the cheeks.
Keeping that back door closed is easier for some people than it is for others. I have to really try to get the back door open and have the air enter my mouth. It's hard for me to do. Other people can't keep the door closed.
I can open my mouth, stick out my tongue as far as I can, even talk...and not have air enter my mouth and try to get out.
It's a reflex action that I can do (and I am not alone) and I can't describe what I do...just that I can do it.
Some people have had good luck with keeping the tongue in the roof of the mouth to keep the door closed but obviously not the only way since I can stick my tongue out my wide open mouth and not lose any air pressure out my mouth.

azav8or wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 25, 2018 3:53 pm

Thanks, Zonker. Profile updated.

you're welcome, sir or madam!

I would stick with the pillows and learn to keep your mask closed during the night. You can train your mouth to keep closed or use a strap. The pillows are less intrusive than the full face mask. For the long run, I think it's better.

Sheriff

Will do. Thanks, Sheriff.

You are not obliged to use nasal pillows forever. If you want, you can try a nasal mask or a full face mask. Your machine can be used with just about any mask on the market.

The "right" mask is the one that works best for you!

A lot more attention is generally paid to the machine than the mask. However, it is the mask that comes in direct contact!

Might try a hybrid-style FFM like mine (pillows and covers mouth). Click on the one listed in my profile for details. This is the one I went with from my pillow mask when I became a mouth-breather.