RascalFlattsFan, I assume you are using a Full Face Mask and you are a mouth breather. I used to get it very bad when I first strart CPAP. A chinstrap helps a bit but in the middle of the night when your relaxed your mouth will open if it wants too. I am trying to learn to breath through my nose by being concious when I'm awake of breathing through my nose i.e. when watching TV, eating, relaxing, working and while in bed before I go to sleep and when I wake up.
I'm hoping by retraining myself I may breath through my nose when I'm a sleep.
Having unblocked nasal passages also helps.

Thanks for your reply Tez. Actually I use nasal pillows. I hated all the parts needed on my face for a full face mask. I was thinking that I must be breathing through my mouth for this to happen. I've been using a CPAP for over 10 years so I have no excuse for this UGH! My machine is set at 15 so I figured stuffed up nasal passages wouldn't be a problem. Figured wrong once again. I hate the thought of a chin strap. It's like adding insult to injury. Let's see how ugly I can look and how uncomfortable I can be at night, just to get a good nights sleep.
All that whining aside, I do believe that using a CPAP is saving all our lives. Sleep Apnea is a killer and we all need to use common sense and strap that junk on to stay alive. I'm cranky about it but I'm smart about it too. Just like you. Good luck with it too!

The things we go through to get a reasonable nights sleep. If you think yours is bad my 'regime' is ear plugs, eye mask, full face mask, chin strap and covers on most straps to stop markings but it seems to work fairly well and is much better than the sleep deprivation I was going through for years.

I have covers on the straps going along my face. I hated the red marks I got. I've been seriously considering a face mask. I hate how the air blows into my eyes most nights. I wake up with sore, dry eyes UGH!! You're so right about the things we go through *sigh*

RascalFlattsFan, I've also start putting eye drops in my eyes at night and if necessary in the morning as I was getting that dry eye and my eyes were becoming bloodshot.It may not help the air going into your stomach but have you tried having the hose come from above your head? You can buy a hose lift or I made one mayself and it has helped hugely with leaks.

I didn't consider putting the hose over my head but maybe I better. I noticed one day that my mom now has a hook over her head for her hose. guess I better ask her about it. Thanks for the help Tez

Let us know how you go, the hose above the head is only for the leaks not the air in your stomach although it may help.