A great place to start Disorder information source Rated and Reviewed Sleep Links Entrance to all monitored Sleep Forums Search all of Sleepnet.com


Sleep Apnea
Forum Posting


Archived Apnea Forum102 viewing only. To post a new topic go to the Apnea Forum Homepage.

Re: why is nasal breathing better?

Posted by RenoTom on September 30, 2002 at 21:24:09:

In Reply to: why is nasal breathing better? posted by half-pint on September 30, 2002 at 07:32:13:

It's not that nasal breathing is better, it is just more controllable, and more comfortable.
CPAP (Continous Positive Airway Pressure) works by putting your airway under pressure which works as a splint to keep it open. Think of a carnival ballon. Inflated it has form, let the air out it does not. Try to suck air through that ballon without form. Get the idea?
With a nasal mask the CPAP machine delivers moving air to your airway through your nose which creates pressure to keep your airway open. The mask covers your nose only, and as long as you keep your mouth closed you benefit from the pressure. If you open your mouth you release the pressure making it all worthless.
With an interface (mask, pillows, or other device to deliver the moving air/pressure) that delivers the moving air to your mouth, you have to wear something to close the nasal openings or loose the pressure. This is more difficult to achieve and results in more discomfort, dryness, and irritation to the airway.
The use of a "full face" mask overcomes the need to keep the secondary opening closed because it covers both the nose and the mouth. Drymouth is a common problem with a full face mask however, even with heated humidification.
Opening of your mouth when on CPAP therapy is known as mouth breathing. You will find numerous posts on the subject so I won't discuss it. Just do a search (button at top of page) for more information. On the other hand there's no problem with late night conversations, as long as you keep your mouth closed :)
RenoTom

Follow Ups:


Archived Apnea Forum102 viewing only. To post a new topic go to the Apnea Forum Homepage

  • IMPORTANT : Information not intended as medical advice. If you suspect that you have a sleep disorder you should seek care from a qualified professional. Read Terms of Use.
  • The Sleep Forums are not to be used for commercial purposes.
  • Commercial products and services are not endorsed by Sleepnet.com.
  • Sleep Deprivation due to Sleep Apnea and insufficient sleep are common and can present as insomnia, narcolepsy, or idiopathic hypersomnia. In infants and children sleep problems commonly present themselves as ADD or ADHD.


Copyright ©1995-2005 Sleepnet.com., All rights reserved