Lip Gel

[scf]

Hi there. Newbie here and I cannot emphasize enough how helpful this site has been. I am a retired RN and thought I would be able to pick up this machine and conquer it in short order…NOT. All of the support, hints, tips and warnings have been invaluable. Like all Newbies I am obsessed with learning everything I can and scouring the web for helpful products. Has anyone run across a product originating in Australia (but made in the USA) called SleepQ+? It is a lip gel to help with mouth breathing. I am not a mouth breather, but a couple of times during the night my jaw relaxes and it wakes me. The product sounds great for people like me. You use it on the middle of your lip, run your tongue along the edge to release it, then it sticks back. Not many reviews, but one said it worked well but not for aggressive mouth breathers. Thanks for any input.

[ChicagoGranny]

I looked at their web page. Pricey!

I don't remember anyone reviewing it here. A good many people use gentle medical tape, Somnifix strips or similar generic sleep strips.

Some time back, the use of Polident denture adhesive to seal the lips seemed to be a cult favorite here.

If you try SleepQ+, please come back and update this thread.

[scf]

I ordered some and will be glad to let you know how it works or IF it works, lol. Supposedly you get a ton of applications out of the tube because you use only a very small amount of it. But if it works, price is no deterrent for me...at least in this beginning phase of learning to undo decades of sleep habits and sleep with an elephant on my face.

[chunkyfrog]

Stop thinking of your mask as part of an elephant!
Imagine you are a SCUBA diver, astronaut, or jet pilot.
Positive attitude makes many things possible.
Some folks wear a soft foam neck collar--no glue or tape needed!

[Janknitz]

In the beginning I used a simple lip balm. It's slight tackiness seemed to be enough to help me keep my lips sealed. I can't really remember what I used but think I it was an unscented Chapstick. Something gooey and a little bit sticky.

[chunkyfrog]

I remember using my lipgloss to lube the throttle on my motorcycle.
It would get stuck on high whenever I got caught in the rain.
The worst possible time to go FAST!

[scf]

Stop thinking of your mask as part of an elephant!
Imagine you are a SCUBA diver, astronaut, or jet pilot.
Positive attitude makes many things possible.
Some folks wear a soft foam neck collar--no glue or tape needed!

LOL I actually did not think about it until DH (Dear Hubby) mentioned elephant. I know I am overthinking this, as I imagine most new users do. I am determined to adjust to it no matter what it takes.

Thank you for the encouraging words. I would have thrown this equipment against the wall on night 2 if it had not been for this support blog.

[scf]

In the beginning I used a simple lip balm. It's slight tackiness seemed to be enough to help me keep my lips sealed. I can't really remember what I used but think I it was an unscented Chapstick. Something gooey and a little bit sticky.

Great suggestion. I am quite sure I am overthinking this. I am not a mouth breather, so there should be some simple solution for my occasional leaks during the night.
Thank you for taking time to answer.

[scf]

I remember using my lipgloss to lube the throttle on my motorcycle.
It would get stuck on high whenever I got caught in the rain.
The worst possible time to go FAST!

A fellow motorcycle enthusiast (in my youth). Actually dirt bikes. Dear Hubby and I had them and it was the most fun I have ever had. Unfortunately I hurt my foot severely and decided it would not be wise to leave two small children with no Mom, so I sold it. But the memories linger.

[ChicagoGranny]

I am not a mouth breather, so there should be some simple solution for my occasional leaks during the night.

Have you read here about those who practice holding their tongue on the roof of their mouth? Some claim they have broken the "mouth-opening" habit by doing this.

[chunkyfrog]

I remember using my lipgloss to lube the throttle on my motorcycle.
It would get stuck on high whenever I got caught in the rain.
The worst possible time to go FAST!

A fellow motorcycle enthusiast (in my youth). Actually dirt bikes. Dear Hubby and I had them and it was the most fun I have ever had. Unfortunately I hurt my foot severely and decided it would not be wise to leave two small children with no Mom, so I sold it. But the memories linger.

My bike was sold after I crushed my kneecap on a car.
Not my fault, or the bike--but the heel snapped off the boot on my braking foot.
The front wheel was bent, but everything else was better than designed.
The bullfrog tuned it beyond specs; and the buyer was a racer.

[scf]

I am not a mouth breather, so there should be some simple solution for my occasional leaks during the night.

Have you read here about those who practice holding their tongue on the roof of their mouth? Some claim they have broken the "mouth-opening" habit by doing this.

I did read that and took note that this is where my tongue is nearly all of the time. I am not sure what happens at night?

[scf]

I remember using my lipgloss to lube the throttle on my motorcycle.
It would get stuck on high whenever I got caught in the rain.
The worst possible time to go FAST!

A fellow motorcycle enthusiast (in my youth). Actually dirt bikes. Dear Hubby and I had them and it was the most fun I have ever had. Unfortunately I hurt my foot severely and decided it would not be wise to leave two small children with no Mom, so I sold it. But the memories linger.

My bike was sold after I crushed my kneecap on a car.
Not my fault, or the bike--but the heel snapped off the boot on my braking foot.
The front wheel was bent, but everything else was better than designed.
The bullfrog tuned it beyond specs; and the buyer was a racer.

Yikes. The darn things are dangerous.

[clownbell]

To SCF - may I be so bold as to suggest two things.

First, I strongly believe in the power of mind over body. Tell yourself that PAP is GOOD for you that it will IMPROVE your health, and that you WILL get used to it. No ifs ands or buts. No excuses. I used to do that every night after getting in bed before going to sleep -- like a mantra. I firmly believe it helped me. f course, YMMV.

Secondly, maybe a smaller mask will work for you. In my case, after using many masks I found the Brevida. It has a different type of sealing technology than other nasal pillow masks. I use the small size and it feels as if nothing is there -- the exact opposite of an elephant.

Best.

[scf]

To SCF - may I be so bold as to suggest two things.

First, I strongly believe in the power of mind over body. Tell yourself that PAP is GOOD for you that it will IMPROVE your health, and that you WILL get used to it. No ifs ands or buts. No excuses. I used to do that every night after getting in bed before going to sleep -- like a mantra. I firmly believe it helped me. f course, YMMV.

Secondly, maybe a smaller mask will work for you. In my case, after using many masks I found the Brevida. It has a different type of sealing technology than other nasal pillow masks. I use the small size and it feels as if nothing is there -- the exact opposite of an elephant.

Best.

Thank you so much for your good advice. I apparently left the wrong impression with my joking. I have incredible will power and am totally committed to APAP therapy. As a retired RN I realize the benefits of using and the dangers of not using this therapy. The equipment and air pressures have not been a major problem from Day 1 thank goodness. I had some trouble with occasional mouth breathing which I think I have now solved. The only difficulty I have had is lack of sleep that I assume will eventually correct itself. I truly appreciate all of the help on here. Now off to do a review of SleepQ+ in The Lip Gel thread. Best wishes.