Questions about CPAP machine

My fiance has been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. While being tested he stopped breathing many times, one time was bad enough that they had a very hard time reviving him. He uses the CPAP machine with a mask that only covers his nose. Lately he has been sleeping with is mouth open for long periods of time, sometimes all night. I have noticed that while he is doing this, he legs will jerk and arms which in turn makes him close his mouth for a few seconds then he's back at it with his mouth open again. Is this causing him trouble? Will this have an adverse affect? I'm worried that he's doing the "funky chicken" so to speak in his sleep and it will cause him a heart attack or something. He's had his machine readjusted a couple of times but I'm wondering if he should have a chin strap or a full nose/mouth mask. Will this help him? I can't see this being a really restful sleep for him....as well as myself as all I hear is air all night. The machine does not bother me if he sleeps with his mouth closed. I've told him he does this but all he says is he does that when his white filter is dirty and needs to be replaced. I need some answers to these questions so I can insist he does something about it if it is not good for his own health.

Thank you....sign me sleepless

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
There are two things that need to be done. Consult the sleep specialist as the CPAP machine would need some adjustment. Though it has improved the situation, the sleep apnea has not been totally brought under control. The second thing is to rule out sleep seizures.
Place a humidifier in the room and see if it helps.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!