1. < Sleep Health

Mouth Tape Option

Posted by woodlanddsm @woodlanddsm, Jan 15 10:54am

I recently gave up on my sleep apnea machine for a while because I woke up multiple times in the night with an extremely dry mouth. I have a full face apnea mask that fits correctly. My dentist told me that mouth breathing and dry mouth can cause some serious dental issues which has me concerned about continued use of my apnea machine. I've tried a variety of mouth tapes thinking this might help but the tape becomes dislodged and I still end up breathing (maybe not quite so much but..) through my mouth. I also wear a mouth guard to protect my teeth from clenching and grinding. Not sure if this affects my level of mouth breathing or not. Does anyone have any advice for a super duper mouth tape or suggestions for someone like me. Thanks very much!

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diwalker | @diwalker | Jan 25 6:56am

I don't have apnea and have never used a machine, but your question is about mouth taping, which I have done for at least two years now. I read about mouth taping in a book called Breath by James Nestor. He recommended cutting a piece the size of a postage stamp and just sealing the front of the lips. I follow that advice and have not once been wakened with that awful dry mouth, and my respiratory issues have generally been much better. I don't have a brand to recommend; I just pick up various medical/first aid tapes at the store, keep a roll in my nightstand with baby fingernail scissors, and apply a patch when I turn out the lights. I also wear a mouth guard due to tooth grinding. Taking the tape off in the morning is never a problem.

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barbsbaileyboo | @barbsbaileyboo | Mar 25 8:06am
In reply to @gloaming "The blue roll of 3M Nexcare 'Strong Hold' tape is very good at staying put. I..." + (show)
@gloaming

The blue roll of 3M Nexcare 'Strong Hold' tape is very good at staying put. I can even get two or three nights out of a 3" strip if I clean my lips with warm water and soap before applying the tape. This is the secret...clean mouth.
Take your time and remove the tape with a minimum of steady pressure when you awaken. Pull just hard enough to slowly get it to peal off. It takes me about a full minute to do this...I'm not kidding. This helps the adhesive to remain on the tape for another use.

Another product, but I haven't tried it, is Somnifix. I think that's what it's called. They say good things about it on apneaboard.com. Some also use a lozenge whose name I have forgotten. It is also discussed there. Keeps the mouth moist.

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I’m on my 4th day of using my cannula cpap. I’m having severe dry mouth where I can’t keep my mouth closed so I discontinue usage, I still get in my hours but that’s not point, going to try the lozenges tonight, THANKS

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