How to Handle Dry Mouth During CPAP Therapy
Dry mouth is a problem some CPAP users experience, especially those who are just getting started with their therapy. It can also be a more common issue for people using nasal masks or nasal pillows. Not only is it uncomfortable and irritating, it could be a sign your CPAP therapy isn't working as effectively as it could be.
The good news is that there's a range of things you can do to get rid of dry mouth and help ensure you are getting the most effective therapy for your needs. Let's explore a few ways to resolve dry mouth caused by CPAP therapy.
Consider Trying a Chinstrap
One common cause of dry mouth during CPAP therapy is the user's mouth falling open during sleep. Not only does this lead to a less-efficient therapy, it also allows the nose, mouth, and airways to lose moisture and become uncomfortably dry and irritated.
If your mouth tends to fall open while you sleep, a chinstrap may be an effective and inexpensive fix. They're readily available from many online retailers, and they generally only cost between $15 and $25. A well-fitting chinstrap will help ensure your therapy is working as intended and help keep your mouth and airways better hydrated and more comfortable.
Look Into Different Styles of Masks
Another potential cause of air leaks leading to dry mouth could be an ill-fitting CPAP mask. If your mask is uncomfortable or allowing air to leak, you may want to consider trying a different style of mask. We would especially recommend you consider a full-face CPAP mask or a total-face mask, as these cover both the nose and mouth areas and help keep moisture from escaping.
One more thing to consider is that full-face masks and total-face masks often cause people to feel a little confined or claustrophobic at first. This is completely natural, but it's something that should improve with time.
Also, keep in mind you may not even need to wear a full-face mask every single night to improve your dry mouth. Some CPAP users are able to fix their issues with airways drying out by switching between mask styles every few nights.
Add a Humidifier to Your CPAP Machine
If you're experiencing dry mouth but your mask is fitting comfortably with no air leaks, the best way to eliminate your dry mouth could be to use a humidifier with your CPAP machine. Almost every new CPAP machine comes with either an integrated humidifier or an optional, detachable one. Sometimes, it only takes a small amount of extra humidification to keep your airways hydrated and feeling good after a full night's sleep.
Talk to your sleep doctor for guidance on how you can add and configure a humidifier to your CPAP device for the most effective therapy.
Use RemZzzs® Breathable Cotton Mask Liners
If you're still struggling with getting your mask to fit comfortably yet tightly with no air leaks, RemZzzs® CPAP Mask Liners are an outstanding choice to solve the problem. Our soft, breathable, medical-grade cotton liners are highly effective in creating a tight, leak-free seal against your face while improving the comfort of your mask at the same time. With a cloth liner that conforms to the contours of your face, you won't have those annoying, unsightly red marks on your skin in the morning. Plus, RemZzzs® CPAP Mask Liners are available for all of today's most popular mask brands and styles.
Learn more about RemZzzs® Mask Liners and how they contribute to the most comfortable and effective CPAP therapy.