Question about dryness etc.

I have read the thread below about the dry mouth, etc., and I could use a little advice from others about my situation, as my doctor is not a lot of help in this area. I have used CPAP for 2 1/2 years, and it has, for the most part, been a godsend. I did not know how much sleep I was losing before I started on it, and I took to it immediately because it made me feel so much better. However, around the first part of April this year, I picked up some sort of respiratory virus that really had me down for most of April and May before I started to feel a little better, and the afteraffects have hung on ever since, although improving gradually. I had the worst cough, to the point that I would cough until I lost my lunch or bladder and felt like I was choking. The cough has improved, but still comes on occasionally. Since I was sick, I have had a lot of problems with my sleep again. The main problem is that, where previously, I had a good seal and my mouth stayed closed while I was sleeping, I am now not able to keep the mouth shut all night, and I wake up tired, headachy, and with an extremely dry mouth and throat. I sometimes wake up feeling as if I'm choking with a lot of thick phlegm in my throat. I have discussed this with my sleep doctor and my family doctor, without much help. I have been given Mucinex to make the phlegm thinner, and told I can use a chin strap. But it bugs me that I used the machine for so long without any problems and now they just want to throw something out there to deal with the symptoms instead of the underlying problem. I have mentioned to the sleep guy that maybe after this long a time, my pressure needs to be adjusted, but that got shot down pretty quickly, as he says that is rarely needed. I still think that is my problem, but I don't know which way to go with the adjustment. I have had the machine checked out, and it is fine. When my machine is working well, I can feel a good suction and it is hard to speak without removing the mask, but that is fine because everything stays closed up, and I wake up refreshed and with clear sinuses. Now, I have suction, but after I relax and go to slepp, the mouth opens and apparently, the air just comes in my nose and goes right out the mouth, drying it out. I have a humidifier, but it is no longer helping. I would like to try to adjust the settings, as mentioned below, but I am curious as to which way to try it. To me, it seems that turning it down would decrease the suction even more, which might make things even worse. I don't know if turning it up will help either, but that actually seems to make more sense to me, to get more suction. I've already tried changing out the tubing and mask (Nasal Aire) and the mask is plenty big enough to close off the nostrils, so don't think it's that. Any input will be appreciated. Thanks!

Have you tried a full face mask that covers your mouth and nose?? I just finished my second sleep study last night and it was a little weird, but I do feel a little better today from getting some sleep. Hope you get this figured out and get to sleeping better Anita

Since you are having problems with your mouth staying closed...i would second the last poster. If it has been 6 months ask for a new mask. There are several full face masks available that cover your nose and mouth. if you are feeling congested you may be opening your mouth to breathe and then the machine is basically USELESS. Chin straps aren't very effective...IMHO Ask the home care company to let you try on SEVERAL styles...don't just accept the first thing they show you. Our sleep lab has 3 styles of full face don't let them tell you NO!!! And it is PRESSURE not suction coming from the machine!!! If it was suction you wouldn't have any air to breathe!!

Thanks for the responses. I will have to consider that, although I am worried if I will be able to tolerate the full face thing, as I'm a little claustrophobic. My big question, I guess, is this: is it normal to suddenly have something that was working so well for more than two years quit working like this? I was really happy with what I had, I took to it from the very first time I tried it at the sleep lab, and was getting a good night's sleep every night, and then this virus just changed everything in a hurry. I keep thinking there must be something wrong with me that maybe should be dealt with instead of just going after the symptoms, and that's why I was thinking in terms of a pressure change. But maybe this is a common occurrence, and if so, I guess I'll just have to deal with it. Just out of curiosity, Shannon, what does cause that "vacuum" effect that I always had before, where I could not open my mouth once the nasal pillows were in place? What you said about the pressure instead of suction makes perfect sense to me, but now I'm wondering how that all worked before. Thanks again. I am always looking for more information.

I emailed you back but had another idea....after re-reading your original post.. if anything...if you have lost weight you might need less pressure but I can't imagine needing more your sore throat etc...tells me you are sleeping with your mouth open and in essence you are back to your pre-cpap days. headache etc.. you may want to sleep 1 night without your cpap and see if you feel the same as you do with it....chances are it won't be any different because you are basically NOT using the machine now if you are opening your mouth. Does that make sense?? If your nasal passages etc are blocked....you will open your mouth to breathe. simple as that...cpa*****t... at least with a full face you are covering both bases

Another thing you might consider, is whether either your filter needs changing, or you mask and hose need cleaning. Especially after being sick, these should be taken care of, so that you don't reinfect yourself. If this has become a kind of continuous problem, you may want to talk to you doctor about a spray, such a Nasocort to keep your nose unblocked.