When using a nasal cpap machine, my mouth fills up with air ?

Hello @barbflynn, Welcome to Connect. I can tell you from my experience that you are not doing anything wrong. It is a learning experience when you first start using a CPAP machine. When I first started using a CPAP a few years ago, I also experienced my mouth filling up with air. Sometimes so bad that I ripped off my mask in the middle of the night. I found out by trial and error that the air pressure was a little too high and was able to lower the pressure some which helped. My CPAP machine had a ramp-up feature that started the pressure at a lower level and then it gradually built up as needed. I was able to tap the ramp up button on the CPAP machine as needed when my mouth filled up and it would help with the air filling up my mouth.

If you haven't already discussed the problem with your sleep medicine doctor or care team, I would recommend calling them as soon as possible. Here is more information on your question that may explain why it's happening and possible solutions.

--- Swallowing Air with CPAP (Aerophagia): Causes and Solutions:
https://www.cpap.com/blog/swallowing-air-with-cpap-aerophagia/
--- Troubleshooting Guide for CPAP Problems:
https://www.sleepapnea.org/cpap/troubleshooting-cpap-problems/.

I am currently using a ResMed AirFit F20 full face mask along with a CPAP mask comfort cover recommended by my sleep medicine PA (https://cpapcomfortcover.com/). I do get a little air leak with the comfort cover but I am still able to keep my AHI events to my target number below 4 per hour. Finding a mask that is comfortable and works for you is key to helping you continue to use your CPAP machine.

While we wait for fellow CPAP members to share their experience, can you share which type of CPAP mask and machine you use?

Thank you so much for the valuable information.

If I open my mouth or breathe through my mouth, mine does too. In fact, I can open my mouth and block throat with tongue and feel the air coming from my mouth for a second. That's how I tell if it's flowing right too, I just open mouth a minute and then I can feel the pressure going in my nose. If you are a mouth breather, that's why. I breath through my nose, unless the nose piece needs adjusting, you can't talk with the nose piece in either. Just be sure and keep mouth closed and tongue out of the way as not to block those 2 little holes in the upper back of roof of mouth where air comes from. Other than that, just practice with it. I have started wearing mine for 4 to 5 hours before bedtime. My pressure is set on 4, lowest it will go, and I don't have the internal vibrations when I sleep. I dream, sometimes 2 times, and you gotta be in REM sleep to dream which tells me I AM sleeping long enough without waking up because of not getting air. I'm using mine mostly for the vibrations and I lay on the bed and watch TV while I do it. Sometimes I do fall asleep if I start 5 or later but will take it off during the night when I wake up. I've slept until 4:30 the last 2 nights. I usually wake around 2-3. Practice. Good luck.

I use the nasal piece with the 2 holes in it. It fits firmly under the nose and even though I have to adjust it sometimes at night, they are sending a small wide because I think this piece is a little too narrow, it's less cumbersome than a full face or mouth mask. My machine is the ResMed

i used a chin guard to wear over my head to keep my mouth closed when using the nasal mask with cpap. now i use the full mask. much more comfortable. but i still take melatonin every night.

Yesterday I noticed that if my tongue isn't against roof of mouth or inside front teeth, my mouth fills with air too. If you move your tongue and block either your throat or those 2 little holes in back upper roof of mouth, the air will fill up your mouth.

Thank you.

susie333, Since you seem to be pleased with your chin strap I’m hoping you’ll share the brand name. I love the nasal pillow mask but have yet to find a chin strap that will stay in place. Thank you. Peter

I have a Resmed Airsense 11 machine that starts at 4 then ramps up to 10. I also use the N20 nasal pillow . For me the best thing is the nasal pillow.
When you order one it’s in 3 different sizes. I use medium and that’s fine for me.
I also have air coming out of my mouth when I sleep with my mouth open.
I have gotten used to it as it wakes me up most times. The ideal would be to have the well fitted headgear and Pillow.
The side straps that attach to the magnets holds the pillow in place and the top straps hold the whole thing to your head. The trick is not to have it too tight or too loose. It takes time to adjust it just right for you.

Thank you for the info. Did you find your air pillow at a medical supply place?
Barb