I saw a post by a lab tech who was against mouth taping for mask leak because of the possibility of aspiration on one's own vomit. Not a pleasant way to go.
Anyone mouth tape here or have a view on this possibility?
I have taped when I wanted to double check to make sure I wasn't mouth breathing. My numbers looked good -- but being the ever skeptic I wanted additional proof that I indeed was keeping my mouth closed at night. I taped for a few nights and saw no difference in my numbers so do not feel the need to continue to tape.
If one uses quick release tape (something that is fairly easy to take off and fold over to make small flaps on the end) I see no reason not to tape. How many have slept so sound that we have woke up to find vomit in our bed? I know when I am sick to my stomach I usually do not sleep sound and toss and turn. I feel that I would have ample opportunity, barring some medical event that would make it nearly impossible for me to wake, to undo the tape. If by some off chance I would have medical event that would prevent me waking up there would still be a possiblity even with a full face mask of inhaling some of the vomit in it as well.
There is also the question of the Oracle mask, it is designed to be used in the mouth with the nose plugged. If one assumes that it is dangerous to tape, then why did the FDA approve the use of the Oracle mask? In my opinion, it looks like it would be more difficult to remove it than tape if one were to vomit.
Of course the DME and med techs are going to say it is dangerous to tape as they have a professional oath to adhere to and it would probably be a case of liability if one were to tape and then something were to happen, in this lawsuit world we live in, a lawsuit would probably follow.
We take chances every day, driving to work, walking across the street, eating (fear of choking), bathing (drowning), etc.