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Does anyone have a way to stop breathing thru the mouth during sleep?

Posted by sassymama3 @sassymama3, Sep 9, 2024

I had no idea I was breathing thru my mouth instead of my nose until recently as I started getting a very bad dry mouth several times a night and would have to take a sip of water to clear it up. I checked on the computer as to why and found it was because of breathing thru my mouth. I then began to ask how to stop, but so far, I haven't been successful, but since I am now aware of it, I am trying my best to stop. I also have had dry, cracked lips for years and my Dr. had no answer. However, I have found it has to be because of breathing thru the mouth, as I have had a little success and noticed the lips are beinning to get better. Has anyone had this problem and have found a solution? I am going to try taping my mouth shut when I go to bed. I read that may be a solution, too. I hope I can break myself of this.

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Sep 18 7:23am
In reply to @backorside "@johnbishop After switching to a full CPAP mask due to mouth breathing, I still had bad..." + (show)
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@johnbishop

After switching to a full CPAP mask due to mouth breathing, I still had bad numbers due to the mask waking me up as it bounced off my face with increasingly high pressure. A $7 chin strap now keeps my mouth shut AND allows me to run the hose under the top velcro, keeping the hose over my head, out of the way. No more bouncing mask, now lower pressure needed, minor leaks only. Better readings. ALSO, after the VA gave me a Sound Bar for Tinnitus, the loud, vibrating Brown Noise brought my numbers even lower! (I can only guess that the sound blocks out the little sounds that activate my hypervigilance, waking me up.)

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Hello @backorside, Welcome to Connect. It definitely helps to be persistent with the CPAP usage and figure out what works best for you. Thanks for sharing what has helped you.

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ampie | @ampie | Oct 1 4:05pm

Breathing through the mouth did the same to me (m-71)
Nasal strips have improved my nose breathing for years but ultimately I am scheduled for correction of a deviated septum. Hopefully this will aid nasal breathing.
I also sleep on my right side in a slightly elevated bed. Use saline spray as well.
Good luck to you.

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Frank | @fobarrett | Oct 2 9:45am

Sleeping on the left side is better from the perspective of digestion and minimizizing acid reflux. Just sayin’.

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Lawanna Bean | @lawanna85 | Oct 2 2:26pm

I am older and have found that I tend to sleep with my mouth open now, especially if I sleep on my back. Side sleeping, not so much. So I use mouth strips and they work really well for me. Most of the time they stay on all night. You can get them on Amazon. However, it may be another problem that is causing it so get it checked out just to be sure.

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kayco | @kayco | Oct 2 2:52pm

You don't have to pay for the strips. Simply get some tape from the drug store (ask the pharmacist which one.)

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fever1 | @fever1 | Oct 4 1:11pm

Try nasal dilators. Comfortable small easy keep clean. Did for colds and colds or messed up airways.
I like ones look like pair of glasses.

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kaka50 | @kaka50 | Oct 4 6:38pm

I am using a stretch hair band. I put it under my chin and over the top of my head. I use a few hair pins to secure to my hair. Some hair band are two stretchy, so it may take a couple tries to determine the fit

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martyg | @martyg | Oct 5 8:27am
In reply to @lawanna85 "I am older and have found that I tend to sleep with my mouth open now,..." + (show)
Profile picture for Lawanna Bean @lawanna85

I am older and have found that I tend to sleep with my mouth open now, especially if I sleep on my back. Side sleeping, not so much. So I use mouth strips and they work really well for me. Most of the time they stay on all night. You can get them on Amazon. However, it may be another problem that is causing it so get it checked out just to be sure.

Jump to this post

Try a CPAP Chin strap

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wbrode | @wbrode | Oct 5 1:17pm

I purchased a Chin Strap for CPAP Users from Amazon and sleep with it on. It's very adjustable and gently holds your jaw closed. Works great for me and I don't use a CPAP

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wish4 | @wish4 | Oct 6 10:37am

Dry mouth could happen for other reason than breathing through the mouth. I take a médication that has the side effect of dry. So it could be that or a combination of breathing through the mouth and médication side effect.
Check all your meds side effect. Good luck!

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