CPAP users - excessive dry mouth?

Has anyone experienced an increase in dry mouth when using your CPAP since surgery?  I've been waking up several times a night with my mouth just parched ever since surgery.  I do use the humidifier on the machine, and turned it up, but it doesn't seem to help.

Any ideas why this might be occurring and/or how to alleviate it?

Thanks,

Kathy

I've had a drier mouth than usual since I've had a CPAP, which has been about 6 weeks or so.  I turned up the temp for more moisture, but I think the main culprit is that I keep my tongue glued to the roof of my mouth to keep the air from coming out of my mouth.  According to my husband, sometimes I do have the air coming out of my mouth, so that might be contributing also.  Maybe you're having the same thing happen?  I haven't used a chinstrap yet, but I might have to go that route.  I have to keep a glass of water nearby and take a sip if I wake up with a dry mouth.  It's definitely sucky!  :D

Jen

Kathy,  I never really had an issue with the dry mouth until I was post-op.  I don't know the reason but I finally bought glycerin swabs, like they use in hospital.  That has helped but I also have nights that it isn't quite enough so I keep a glass of water on the night stand too.  I gave up trying to figure just what caused it.  I know this wasn't much help, but I think this is normal for many CPAP users. 

cathy

LadyLurkin,

Where did you find the swabs?  That sounds like a good idea,

Kathy

I have had the same problem as well. You could try Biotene mouthspray, or Biotene mouthwa**** helps a little, but I still have to keep water next to my bed.

Since you have lost 83 pounds you likely need to have another sleep study done. I know, what a PITA, right? So most likely your pressure is too high and that is now causing you to open your mouth in the middle of the night. You find after a study that you don't need your CPAP any more. Most overweight people that have sleep apnea have OBSTRUCTIVE sleep apnea. The weight of the chest and neck areas push down on the throat and such and that's what causes it. By losing the weight it is often times eliminated. You should have a study done to make sure it is gone before you decide to ditch the CPAP though.

Pre op, use a mask that covers my nose and mouth because I can't keep my mouth shut even with a chin strap. I wonder if that makes a difference.

Thanks, all, for the suggestions.  I do have a mask that covers my mouth, as I do sleep with it open and the chin strap didn't really help.  I also keep a glass of water on my nightstand but it just doesn't seem to be very refreshing.  Will try the Biotene, thanks!

Kathy

You are opening your mouth while you are sleeping. I've been on CPAP for about 10 years now and that is definitely your culprit. Sometimes a chin strap will work and sometimes you need to change to a full mask over your nose and mouth. I personally pushed through it and eventually I stopped doing it. I use nose pillows. Every now and then I still do it though. Try a chin strap before you go all out and change up masks especially if the mask you have is comfortable for you.

If this is something new you may also find that as you lose weight, the pressure of your CPAP may need to be adjusted and that could be what is now causing you to open your mouth. If you have an Ears/Nose/Throat ENT doctor you may talk with him/her to see what can be done. Perhaps he/she can recommend taking your pressure down a little. After you lose to your goal, you will definitely want to have another sleep study done to see if you even need your CPAP any more.

YES, this happens to me too.  I've turned the humidifier up and it doesn't help.  Not sure why it happens.