[CPAP] Dry Mouth

[bearp17]

I recently changed to a Remstar Pro C-Flex + machine with a humidifier. I am still using the Mirage Swift II nasal pillows I was using with my previous machine but am waking up with a dry mouth several times a night. I never had this problem with my previous machine. I am not waking up with my mouth open so I don't think that is the problem.

I have the humidifier turned all to the max. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Belinda

[Doc J]

Welcome bearp17. I don't know if the settings are different on the new machine but it sure sounds like you are opening your mouth at some point. Does it show major leaks? Not sure if that is a full data machine or not? If so get the sleepyhead software and you should be able to see a major leak which may be out your mouth. I don't know of any other explanation. We'll wait and see what other suggestions come in. Again welcome you have found the right place for the info.

[PaytonA]

Is there anything that gives you your leakage rate? My guess is that you are mouth leaking.

In order to have dry mouth, there must be air passing through your mouth and the only way that happens that I know of is mouth leakage.

The solution could be a chin strap or another might be a full face mask. Of sourse you can have dry mouth with a full face mask. I am battling that problem right now.

Best Regards,

PaytonA

[trish6hundred]

Hi bearp17,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
You might try a chinstrap to see if that helps you.
Hang in there for more suggestions and best of luck to you as you continue your CPAP therapy.

[bearp17]

Thanks! I know it had an SD card but I've never used the software. I'll explore that possibility.

[zonk]

Thanks! I know it had an SD card but I've never used the software. I'll explore that possibility.

SleepyHead support your machine and the link is at top of the page

As others said, if you cannot keep mouth closed, get chinstrap or full face mask
How much water are you using? two things going on, humidifier turned all to the max and mouth leaks

[herbm]

It is quite possible to leave your mouth closed and STILL get a very severe dry mouth, especially with the humidity (set) too low.

[I have been meaning to post about this -- I only just worked this out recently.]

Perhaps the new machine is not delivering as much humidity as the old one despite the max setting you are using.

Or you could be leaking.


What I have noticed:

If you keep your mouth totally closed then it's possible to shut down the saliva glands and if the air is too dry the back will dry out -- it's not that same as open mouth dry mouth since you don't expend all the saliva and have plenty as soon as you work you jaw a bit.

If the humidity is set too low, the area in the back that isn't completely occluded by the tongue will however be quite dry until you get the saliva moving.

There is a qualitative difference between "closed" and "open" mouth dry mouth. The closed version is VERY easy to correct but can be quite dramatic for few seconds. The open mouth version can required getting up for a drink (of water) before you even begin to correct it.

[PaulaO2]

It is also possible to get dry mouth from the humidifier being too high.

[PaytonA]

It is also possible to get dry mouth from the humidifier being too high.

Paula,

You are going to need to "edumacate" me on that one. How does one get dry mouth from too much humidity?

Thanks,

PaytonA

[PaulaO2]

LOL What I meant was the same symptoms as dry mouth.

I've personally never had it that I know of but I can see how it can happen. I imagine it is the dry mouth type where everything is stuck together.