[fhackenberger]

I can recommend read the book 'Breath' by James Nestor before buying an expensive device. It shows that most breathing problems are related to the fact that people have changed from nose to mouth breathing, which works against how our bodies are designed.

[Melatonic]

I have this book but have not read it yet - my problem is that I often physically cannot breathe through my nose either due to mild allergies or damage from sinus infections or maybe a mildly deviated septum.

Daytime though I try to breathe through my nose when possible and also breathe as deeply as possible - it really is a waste that most people only use a small part of their lungs

[aarongray]

I had a similar problem with chronic stuffy nose, recurring sinus infections, and a deviated septum. But Buteyko breathing practice was a big part in me getting better. There were other things I did too, but paradoxically, breathing through the nose (and the uncomfortable "suffocating" feeling that happens when you do this while having a stuffy nose) causes the CO2 in the body to rise, and if you keep this up for a little while, it causes your nasal passageways to expand and the mucus to thin and drain, which actually allows you to keep breathing out of the nose. Breathing out of the mouth on the other hand, has the opposite effect, which perpetuates the vicious cycle.

So, you just have to stick with it and study the exercises and tape your mouth shut if necessary at night. Things will get better, it just takes practice.

[brigandish]

If I were to tape my mouth closed at night, I'm confident I would die. Other comments are mentioning liability and not running your own CPAP, but this is exactly the kind of advice that should be put before a doctor before doing.

[globular-toast]

You will wake up if you need to breathe. Otherwise people with sleep apnea would die. They don't. They just don't sleep properly.

[caymanjim]

People with severe apnea die from it all the time. You'll wake up if you need to breathe...until you die of a heart attack or stroke from all the damage.

[kick_in_the_dor]

Pretty clear he meant death from suffocation.

[schwartzworld]

Most people with sleep apnea take a big breath through their mouths a moment after they stop breathing. Taping without CPAP is absolutely risky.

[brigandish]

Either I die or it's impossible to sleep. These options don't grab me.

[kick_in_the_dor]

I've seen Butekyo breathing mentioned on other sleep apnea forums. Could you recommend an website that teaching this breathing practice? Also, how long did it take for you to start sleeping better once doing these exercises?

Thanks!

[aarongray]

'Close Your Mouth' by Patrick McKeown is the book I used and it really helped me.

[kick_in_the_dor]

Thanks!!

[onion2k]

My partner (who has sleep apnea and a device to stop her sleeping on her back) started lightly taping her mouth shut at night with micropore tape after reading that book. She reckons it helps her sleep significantly better..

[pviotti]

I recommend using a chin strap instead of tape e.g. https://www.beechfieldsleep.ie/product/cpap-chin-strap/

[Melatonic]

Does the micropore tape allow you to still breathe through the mouth if you have to?

[floatinglotus]

The tape doesn’t block the air, it’s just a strip of tape to help keep your mouth closed. You can still breathe a tiny bit through the sides of your mouth, and if you open your mouth hard enough the tape comes right off. It is indeed helpful for OSA, best used with the oral sleep appliance.

[aarongray]

You're absolutely right. 'Close Your Mouth' by Patrick McKeown was revolutionary for me. Buteyko breathing is the real deal, unfortunately it is largely unknown in the modern American medical community.

[amelius]

This makes me wonder if sleep bruxism and sleep apnea are mutually exclusive.

[schwartzworld]

No, bruxism is highly correlated with apnea. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bruxism/sympt....

[globular-toast]

I don't seem to be able to simultaneously breathe through my mouth and grind my teeth. They could still happen during different parts of the sleep cycle, though. Perhaps grinding during light sleep and mouth breathing during deep sleep?

[silicon_wally]

What makes you wonder that?

[amelius]

Because with bruxism you typically have your mouth closed (I see no other way to grind your teeth).