Dry Mouth

I am a mouth breather and have a hard time with the cpap. My mouth gets so dry it hurts. This wakes me up in the night. I have a full mask, and have tried the nasel cannel and a nose mask. None of them really help. I tend to take the mask off after a couple hours so I can rest.

Any ideas on ways to keep my moutn from drying out?

Does your machine have the humidifier?  That helps me. I can tell when I have ran out of water in the middle of the night in it too, boy, you ain't kiddin about the dry mout.

I have the humidifier on.  Maybe I am doing it wrong.

I don't like to be the bearer of bad news, BUT I have had a C-PAP machine since '97 so that is over 10 years, almost 12.  I have yet to feel rested, have yet to not have a dry mouth, have yet to like that crap of a machine, albeit, I am still alive and my BF says I do not snore with it.  so I continue to use it. I will be going for my duodenal switch revision surgery on May 19! Can you say stoked???? Best of luck.

Hmmm...I don't know, maybe the it's not set high enough, I know I didn't have mine set high enough and had the same thng happen.

:)

I will try turning it up more. I hope that helps. Thanks

I hope it does too, I know it can be real aggravating.  I am still just trying to get used to my mask, but i finally got the humidity set just right and not wake up with a wet face from it.. 

I have been faithfully using my CPAP (now using an APAP) for more than ten years.  I go fairly regularly to the Apnea Support Group at my local hospital.  One of the things that they recommend for mouth breathers is a chin strap.  The strap keeps you mouth closed so that you don't lose the effectiveness of the CPAP treatment.

May I recommend that you NOT adjust the pressure settings on your own?  The pressure is determined by the titration test  (part two of the diagnostic tests) and is very specific for your needs.  If you have lost or gained weight, then your pressure may need to be adjusted.  Please speak to your Sleep Lab people about this, since you may need an updated titration test.

Perhaps you should investigate your preference for breathing through your mouth.  Are you unable to breathe through your nose?  Do you have allergies or some other reason for nasal blockage?   Speak to a pulmonologist or an allergist.  Whatever you do, find a way to continue using the CPAP until you lose sufficient weight so that you no longer need it.  It will lengthen your life and give you better sleep when it is working properly.

GOOD LUCK!
Ariela

I will have to look into the chin strap idea. I believe even ehen I lose weight I will need the CPAP. I have always had a problem of being tired even with 12 hours of sleep even when I was thin. I breath through my mouth because of allergies.  I have since I as a kid, now it is more of a habit then anything, but when your asleep you revert to your old habits.

I will have to see if there is a support group in this area. I have not heard of one.

The number of hours that you sleep are not indicative of good, restful sleep.  If you do not go into REM sleep for the appropriate length and number of times, you will definitely feel tired.  That kind of fatigue also leads to obesity and depression.  If your brain can't work properly, then neither can the rest of you.

You definitely need to see an allergist and not give up until you get the right medication for your particular needs.  Don't be intimidated by the doctor but simply let the doctor know what you've tried and what has happened as a result.    I've gone through a number of sprays, pills and inhalers and have used them singly or in combination.  Different times of the year require a different regimen.  I suggest that you keep a daily log for a year so that you know what's going on during the different seasons.  (A room humidifer would probably help, but you must be sure to keep the tank clean and free of mold.) 

You should also be sure that the water reservoir, tubes and mask of your CPAP are kept immaculately clean.  You could be infecting yourself with mold if it is allowed to grow in the tank and/or the tubes.  Clean it with plain white vinegar on a daily basis.  Also, make sure that you only use distilled water in your reservoir.

There seem to be a number of apnea doctors in your area, and I would check with them about a support group.  The place where you were tested should also have information.

Please feel free to contact me if you want to "chat".  Also, take a look at these links to see if they're of any help.  Good luck.

http://www.healthgrades.com/local-doctors-directory/by-speci alty/sleep-medicine/california-ca/stockton-sleep-medicine-do ctors

 http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Pacific.Sleep.Disorde rs.Center.209-465-5731