[CPAP] Really Dry Mouth When Using CPAP

[jbstevens30]

Using an AirSense11 Auto Set with a humidifier, Air Fit F20 full face mask. I am a mouth breather when I sleep. Been using for 24 days and each and every night i get a really dry mouth and have to get a drink of water every time I wake up in the middle of the night, at least twice nightly.
I get 6-7 hours of CPAP each night.

Humidity level was at 4 for 1st week and now at level 6 but still get a really dry mouth and water will run out after 6-7 hours.

My sister-in-law is a mouth breather and uses a nose CPAP when she sleeps, her mouth closes.

Is this something that would help me or something else I can do?

Thank you

[jdougc]

Welcome to the forum.
You are probably experiencing jaw drop after you fall asleep. Your jaw relaxes and falls below the bottom of the full face mask cushion.
You could try a chin strap that fits under your chin and only pulls straight up. Many of the chins straps pull the jaw back, which makes the apnea much worse.
You could consider a soft cervical collar also or a travel pillow that stops the chin from falling.

[jbstevens30]

Thank you for the reply.

Could I wear this chin strap with the CPAP machine?  It seems the chin strap would keep my mouth closed and the face mask wouldn't work too well and maybe switch to a nose pad? I think a soft surgical collar may be the way to go, as that may keep the chin from falling?

Prior to the CPAP machine, I had been wearing mouth tape for about a year or so and this seemed to work well. 

thank you.

[jdougc]

There are plenty of YouTube videos showing how to use chin straps with cpap masks.

A soft cervical collar might work well, but could get warm in the summertime.

Mouth tape wouldn't stop your jaw from dropping and having mask leaks which might compromise your therapy. It would help with the dry mouth issue though.

Nasal masks might provide better therapy as they are providing the pressure only to your nose, not having to keep a full face mask "inflated".
If you go for the "pillow" type mask, be sure to use lanolin to protect your nostrils.
If you go for the more comfortable "cradle" type mask that sits under the nose, be prepared for leaks after you fall asleep, many here experience the leaks.
Many use drops to keep the mouth from drying out, I don't use them and do not know the types, i think they contain xylitol.

[CLCCW]

Humidity is "relative" to temperature. I think warmer air holds more moisture. If you have a heated hose, maybe try increasing that temperature.

[Deborah K.]

My husband uses Xylimelts, little discs that you stick to the top of your upper teeth and gums, mostly gums.  They keep your mouth from drying out.  The type of mask and whether you keep your mouth closed make no difference.  They do a good job of keeping your mouth moist.  I used to use 1/4 of one, and my husband uses two.   Here's a link to see and learn about them:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TSFS3XX?ref...xylim&th=1

[jbstevens30]

Thank you for the advice and tips.

Already ordered a Neck Brace cervical collar to try tonight.  I'll see how it goes.

thank you!

[jbstevens30]

Update: Been using a Cervical neck collar for six nights.  I'd say it's really improved my dry mouth 80%.  Still some dry mouth and usually get a drink of water only once when I have to go to bathroom in the middle of the night.  It is much better!

Now if I can just fall asleep quicker.  I take 100 mg. Trazodone nightly and some nights it really helps and other nights I will toss and turn for 45+ minutes plus.  I just have a hard time turning my mind off.  I do nightly breath exercises and helps sometimes and not other nights.

[Mecate13]

jbstevens30, re: trazadone - After taking your trazadone and you find it hard to get to sleep, I solved this problem by having something to eat after taking the trazadone.  Helped a lot.  You may also need a tiny titration upward - check with your physician.