Mouth taping and ear problems/lightheadedness

I have been using apap for 8 months with great success. I have nasal pillows and was experiencing mouth leaks..so tried a chin strap...still some leakage and I minded all that stuff on my head...so have been taping my mouth without problems until now. I am experiencing lightheadedness and my ears feel full...I do not have a cold or any other symptoms. I am wondering if the taping resulted in the air going up the Eustachian tubes causing middle ear problems ? Any ideas ? Thanks

Jackiep wrote:I have been using apap for 8 months with great success. I have nasal pillows and was experiencing mouth leaks..so tried a chin strap...still some leakage and I minded all that stuff on my head...so have been taping my mouth without problems until now. I am experiencing lightheadedness and my ears feel full...I do not have a cold or any other symptoms. I am wondering if the taping resulted in the air going up the Eustachian tubes causing middle ear problems ? Any ideas ? Thanks

I don't see how taping would make the problem any worse. Your Eustachian tubes connect into the nasal passages, not the mouth, so the pressure would be there whether you're taping or not.

An Oracle oral mask would eliminate the pressure in your nose and probably prevent mouth leaks. However, you have to learn to use the mask without the nose plugs, and it tends to dry out your mouth and throat, and the feeling of not breathing through your nose is uncomfortable to some people.

When I was learning to snorkel and scuba dive I was taught to pinch my nose closed and "attempt" to blow air out of my ears. This practice usually equalizes the pressure when air is forced thru the eustachian tube. I still use the technique to make my ears "pop" when on airplanes. FWIW , mouth, ears & nose are all connected. Pressure will be felt by the Eustachian tube and that could affect the inner ear and equilibrium. Sometimes a big yawn or chewing gum can clear things up.

Gasper62 wrote:When I was learning to snorkel and scuba dive I was taught to pinch my nose closed and "attempt" to blow air out of my ears. This practice usually equalizes the pressure when air is forced thru the eustachian tube. I still use the technique to make my ears "pop" when on airplanes. FWIW , mouth, ears & nose are all connected. Pressure will be felt by the Eustachian tube and that could affect the inner ear and equilibrium. Sometimes a big yawn or chewing gum can clear things up.

Unfortunately, blowing like that works in the wrong direction for CPAP, putting more air into the inner ear. Yawning, swallowing, or working your jaw while using CPAP will also make the problem worse because it lets air go up the Eustachian tube. Taking off the mask and doing those things might help pop your ears and let the pressure out.

It's different for CPAP than it is for airplanes or diving because the pressure on your eardrum is different from the pressure in your nose at the other end of the Eustachian tube.

Your opinion is noted, however, clearing a blocked/compromised tube can be a bi-directional affair. Any pressure imbalance is a pain ! CPAP can exert a similar outbound pressure thru the E. tube into the inner ear, just as clearing for diving does. Without a corresponding atmosphere on the outer ear, an imbalance can occur. (discomfort) If things can't equalize due to a narrowed or congested E.tube.....a quick clearing puff might (or might not) get things equalized. FWIW, the cabin pressures while flying can and do go from high to low in a short span of time in my experience. The clearing thing has worked well for me and my sucky E. tubes for approx. 50 years. I'll stop doing it now that you say it doesn't work......

jackiep - I do the same thing. The noise and leaks of FFM's really bother me, but I probably needed one because, while not exactly a mouth breather, my lips tend to open when I go into REM sleep causing mouth leaks with my nasal pillow masks. But I greatly prefer to use tape and the nasal masks rather than alternatives. I have not had the problem you described, but would ask if you are possibly taping your mouth too aggressively. I did that at first - taping most of my mouth horizontally really tight. I experienced a lot of discomfort including feelings of plugged ears. Then I read on a breathing site that all that was needed was a little tape to remind the brain that you want to keep the mouth closed. Now I just use a strip of about one inch paper tape vertically over the middle of my mouth. This has really worked well ever since. Just an idea.

Many thanks folks ...some very helpful responses here. I appreciate you taking the time to respond. I have begun sinus cleansing with a netipot prior to bedtime and am taping less aggressively as suggested...feeling slightly better...not yet back to normal.