THE ODDS (Debbie Does ALS)


11.15.2010

Maybe a couple of beer koozies?

You know what I really, really don't like? I don't like how dry my mouth becomes when I sleep.

In order to breathe comfortably, I sleep with my head and chest elevated (thank you, happy hospital bed). Sleeping this way, however, causes my jaw to drop and my mouth to open, resulting in a lot of dryness. Throw in the nightly amitriptyline and you have a hot, dry mess. I wake up periodically throughout the night, conscious of discomfort, and try to close my mouth and stimulate some salivary succor. Any relief is short lived -- once I fall back to sleep my jaw drops and the cycle repeats.

What I need is a chin strap to hold my jaw in place. Neoprene looks to be the most comfortable, stretchy and soft.  I doubt chin straps are available at my local CVS so I will order one. In the meantime I'll have to be creative. Any suggestions?

7 comments:

Wendy Leah said...

Do you have any soft headbands? I'm sure that would work and you could pick them up at CVS.

Wendy Leah said...

My identity word just now was "sister". Nice coincidence. :)

nursemyra said...

I sleep with a very flat pillow and my jaw still drops open when I sleep. Never thought about headbanding it closed..... will have to try that

Martha Mitchell said...

You never could keep your mouth shut.

Deb said...

Nursemyra, tell me if it worked for you. I believe successful headbanding depends on the skill of the headbander.

Martha, Alas, 'tis true, but those were better days...

tam said...

I was thinking you could use panty hose. You know just like the dentist suggests after he takes widsom teeth out. But I bet he never knew about your no underwear with panty hose deal. :(

Jen said...

hahahahaha tam you are too funny! lol! then mom could rob a convenience store too :)

and wendy, the sister word verification just HAD to be on purpose! :)

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