Sore throat

[tlippy]

   
New to CPAP - 1 month today.  Getting a dry, sore throat after 2 hours ON.  So bad that I bought TheraBreath Dry Mouth lozenges.  They help but I have to use one every 2 hours or my throat is so dry that it hurts.  Any advice?

[ShaunBlake]

I'm very sorry to hear that, tlippy, especially after the "happy wife" report you made.  Are you using the humidifier?  I don't have problems that require it but I've read that it helps a lot of folk with dry mouth.  Dunno 'bout sore throat, but I expect it would help relieve that as well.

Maybe posting some OSCAR Official Download Page ----> CLICK HERE ./]SleepyHead[/b] charts would help the gurus give some better coaching.

[tlippy]

YES on humidifier.  In fact I'm using almost all of a full container each session

[Walla Walla]

Try Xylimelts. They help keep your throat moist. You can pick them up on Amazon.

[OpalRose]

Hi tlippy,

There is a product called XyliMelts.  They are discs that stick to teeth or gums.  I’ve read that some here can get through most of the night using these.  It’s worth a try.  I know they can be purchased on Amazon, and I assume many other places.

It also looks like you have some leaking going on.  Check to see if your mask is fitting properly.

It is possible that you are mouth breathing?  Even with a Full Face mask, mouth breathing can cause your throat to be dry and sore.

[mesenteria]

Ditto on the leaks, and on the strong likelihood that your machine is managing to blow a portion of its flow output through your mouth.  I haven't had a dry mouth in months, now that I am five full months done in my own therapy.  Early, though, and until I controlled the mouth flow, I certainly had some very unpleasant night-time awakenings.

You are already running through a full reservoir of water each night.  I take three nights to run through the same volume, although our starting volumes might differ.  Yet, and this is typically the case, those who can't manage their mouth breathing almost always report this unpleasant outcome, despite the maxed out humidity settings.

If you aren't using one already, you have these three options, and I think most would place them in this order of intrusiveness:

a. a suitably sized and quality cervical collar (medical supply store, amazon, WalMart, etc...);

b. a chin strap of some kind that at least keeps your jaw closed, but that may also have to cover your lips; and/or

c. use a suitable tape, say a surgical tape (3M NexGen at your pharmacy) that is about one full inch wide, cut to length and placed fully over your lips.

I know nothing about the lozenges.  I tape.

[tlippy]

Thanks.  I'll try your suggestions