Chin strap and asphyxiation risk?

[Chalkie]

I have made the transition to the Respironics Wisp mask since I was last active on this forum.

It seems to have helped my sleep and reduced fatigue, but it is hard to be sure until I see the download results
. I have been so flat out with work all summer that I have not had a chance to get Encore Pro working properly, but the sleep cclnic says it is about to order a fresh download for when I see the sleep doc in three weeks' time.

I now want to add in the chin strap, but am concerned about asphyxiation risk. I don't want to freak anyone out with the "a" word btw. I am pretty sure I am mouth breathing so feel I have to do something about it.

[ChicagoGranny]

asphyxiation risk

You can still open your lips and breathe with a chinstrap. Unless you have the chinstrap adjusted uncomfortably tight, you can even open your jaws.

[palerider]

I now want to add in the chin strap, but am concerned about asphyxiation risk.

There is no risk.

Chin straps are largely ineffectual anyway.

[chunkyfrog]

People with their jaws wired shut can still get their lips apart.
I can easily breathe through my teeth.
That rictus grin scares the heck out of the tadpoles.

[Okie bipap]

I once had my mouth wired shut for six weeks. During that time I actually managed to gain weight by living on soups, milk and milkshakes.

[nicholasjh1]

I completely tape my mouth shut every night and have for the past 7 months. not dead yet. Of course your mileage may vary. but since I was waking up from normal OSA and CSA, I assume if for some reason I can't breathe because of the tape (which I find doubtful), that I'll wake up from it.

[snuzyQ]

You might want to try this technique which addresses mouth breathing. I picked this up on another forum about 6 years ago, when I started using my nasal pillows mask.

After you mask up but before you turn on your machine, close your lips, press your tongue against the roof of your mouth and rest the tip of your tongue against the backs of your upper front teeth. This should be a comfortable position for you. Make a mental note of what you just did. Check again. Reaffirm. Then tell yourself that everything is where it's supposed to be and it's OK to go to sleep now because everything is in place and that this is going to help you keep your mouth closed all night long. Then tell yourself that when you wake up in the morning, everything is going to be right where you left it. Believe it.

When you wake up, check...are your lips closed? Is your tongue still pressed against the roof of your mouth? Is the tip of your tongue resting against the backs of your upper front teeth? Most of us will find that we were successful. If you weren't, try this again the following night and spend a little extra time on the checking and affirmations part and believing that this will work for you. Keep on repeating every night until your mouth breathing becomes a thing of the past.

I used this technique to become an ex-lifelong-mouth-breather overnight. I no longer have troubles with mouth breathing - even during my wake hours.

[ChicagoGranny]

Then tell yourself ... Then tell yourself ... Believe it.

The Power of Suggestion