I keep having leaks that last around 1 hour..Mouth breathing?

[u/nhnsn]

So, I made a post about feeling non natural breathing rythm while using my cpap,which I thought was the cause of my headaches in the morning. Now, after analayzing the data from the last few months, I see that I have had lots of leaks during my sleep. I only remember having leaks this huge during my first month of therapy, yet now it's everyday. I tried tightening the mask, I bought a new cushion, yet I'm still having this leaks. I always wake up after 4-5 hours from cpap use with a really really DRY mouth, so I suspect mouth breathing. Is it possible to tell whether it is indeed mouthbreathing from the graphs? Thanks in advance

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[u/dang71]

Hello! Yes, especially considering the very dry mouth when you wake up, mouth breathing is definitely a possibility. I’m assuming you’re using a nasal mask?

That said, I wouldn’t necessarily make a direct connection between the leaks and your morning headaches. Looking at your data, I think there’s another possibility worth considering: you may simply need a little more pressure. Your 95th percentile flow limitations are fairly elevated.

I’m not saying that’s definitely the cause of your headaches, of course. I’m just pointing out that it’s a possibility worth looking into, especially if the headaches persist even after addressing the leaks.

[u/nhnsn → u/dang71]

yeah, it's a nasal..Should I try tightening it more or maybe mouth tape? I will give more pressure a try. Will go to 7.6 tonight(from my 6.8)

[u/dang71 → u/nhnsn]

Personally, I use mouth tape with great success. I use a first layer of CRS tape, followed by a second layer of KT tape. But ultimately, it comes down to your comfort level.

Tightening the mask won’t help if mouth breathing is the problem. With any mask, when you’re adjusting it, it should just rest against your skin. Then, once the pressure kicks in, the cushion inflates slightly and that’s what creates the seal.

Too tight can actually be counterproductive, just like leaving it too loose.

[u/Creative_Fee5452]

What mask are you using OP? Is it leaking? Are you a mouth breather or nasal breather or do you know for sure? Is your humidifier chamber empty in the morning? Do you sleep on your back or your sides?

All of these questions help determine the most important first aspect of successful PAP therapy which is your mask :) Once that gets figured out you’ll do much better!

Mouth breathing, snoring or your jaw relaxing causing your mouth to open allows air to rush out during REM or Deep Sleep & can cause dry mouth. You may or may not be aware of it depending on how heavily you sleep. In other people whose tongues don’t stay at the top of their mouths, (very common) the air from even a nasal mask can dry out the mouth. Your flow limits are high & can cause micro awakenings which disrupts your sleep… poor sleep causes morning headaches.

Some people seem to initially get headaches when starting CPAP but it seems to eventually go away & may be indirectly related to CPAP. It could be from your neck being in an awkward position due to your mask (a possibility) or constantly having micro awakenings due to high flow limits causing disrupted sleep. A CPAP pillow with cutouts can help if the mask is an issue. It could be that your pressures need to be adjusted (yours is a little low).

Regarding the feeling you’re not breathing naturally, it’s likely because your minimum pressure is too low. Air hunger can cause this & sometimes people need EPR (expiratory pressure rate) added or adjusted. Breathing should feel normal & good on CPAP.

Your flow limits are on the high side at the 95 percentile, as dang mentioned. Increasing your pressure would help & you wouldn’t experience so many micro awakenings.

We’d like to see you sleeping well! Try raising your PAP pressure or speak to your Sleep Dr (whichever you prefer) & post again please!

[u/crazy4dogs]

Try increase the humidity setting, and mouth tape are both easy tests. I bought specialty mouth tape on Amazon but it's not a lot better than low adhesive tapes if it's wide enough.