Full Mask User

[cathy_suchalla]

For the last month or so after 6 or so hours of sleep i wake up and my mouth is completely completely dry, no salva at all. I have the ResMed S7 full mask. Anyone else had this problem? Any solution??

[SuperSleeper]

Hi Cathy, welcome to Apnea Board.

I moved your post from the Member Account Help Forum here to the Main forum so it will get the attention it deserves.

On the dry mouth issue - Could be a number of reasons - poor hydration in general (need to drink more water), a cold or sinus issue coming on, humidity in the bedroom has lowered during the past month (common during the fall months)...

Full face masks are sometimes problematic, since you're breathing more out of your mouth at times and your mouth just gets dry from evaporation. Folks don't have as much problem with this when they're using nasal masks or nasal pillows systems.

Have you considered using a humidifier add-on to your machine or a humidifier in the bedroom? That generally helps with stuff like this... have you used your CPAP during the fall/winter months yet (are you a new CPAP user)? If so, folks generally find they need humidification during the dryer months.

Hopefully others can chime in and provide some insight here...

[Shastzi]

I had that problem too, so I built a humidifier and hose heater on to my S9.
Works great!

[surferdude2]

Hi cathy_suchalla,

Your profile doesn't list where you live so I can only suggest that you check on some reliable source like http://www.pollen.com/allergy-weather-forecast.asp or equal and check the pollen count listed for your area. If your nose is a little stuffier than usual, that could be the reason. That would cause you to breathe more out of your mouth than usual and might explain why this problem just came on out of the blue.

There are are plenty of meds available for that. I use Nasacort and get quick relief. Be aware that some of the stuff they sell for that condition can be harmful if used too frequently or for long term. Nasacort is safe to use daily for as long as need be.

[Airstream]

Hi Cathy and welcome to the forum! I use a full face mask (FFM) because I sleep with my mouth open. It does get dry, but I have gotten used to it. I know that is not a very helpful answer, but make sure that is not your problem first.
As SuperSleeper suggests, you may want to try a nasal pillow or mask. You may be able to prevent your mouth opening with a chin strap which many people use for that problem.
Again, welcome to the forum and good luck!

[Galactus]

You don't say if you have or are using a humidifier. Do you have one? Are you using one? That's the first stop I think.

[JimZZZ]

For the last month or so after 6 or so hours of sleep i wake up and my mouth is completely completely dry, no salva at all. I have the ResMed S7 full mask. Anyone else had this problem? Any solution??

I'm wondering what changed in the period you refer to as "the last month or so"? And does that mean you were on CPAP for some time before that with no dry mouth problems?

Perhaps the dryness results from some condition forcing you to breath through your mouth, i.e. stuffy nose, etc. If not, the only solutions that come to mind are adding a humidifier and/or a chinstrap. I also use a full face mask and the chinstrap (in my profile) worked for me.

[brianwood619]

this time of the year i have to crank the humidifier on mine all the way up to 6.0, and increase the tube heat so it does not get water built up in it