Eight months in and looking for help

Hi, I have been using the RESMED CPAP for over eight moths now and have almost quit several times. The reason I haven't is that my wife tells me my color and demeanor are better. The most I have slept with this is a little over five hours but most nights, I struggle to sleep for four- four and a half hours. I wake about every hour and a half. My mouth is so dry, it wakes me up. I try to use Biotene mouthwash but still have to scrape my teeth off of my lips and cheeks. I will get up, drink water, rerinse my mouth and go back to bed so it''s up and down all night. I tried the nose pillows but I get congested and my nose pretty much closes up so I can't breathe and no matter how much I wear a chin strap, it comes off and I wake up with my mouth wide open. I got the heated tube for the humidifier and run the humidifier as open as possible. I have gone back several times for a mask fitting and most nights the mask leaks but I was told that my apnea incidents have gone from 47/hour to less than one so I shouldn't sweat the mask leaks. I have read from people on forums about how much better they feel after using the CPAP, but that is not how I feel. I'm tired and frustrated and ready to quit. Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.

If you sleep with your mouth open, you can expect a dry mouth....also...you are not getting the therapy you need. GET A FULL FACE MASK. They are made for people that sleep with their mouth open.
https://www.cpap.com/cpap-masks/full-face-cpap-mask.php

I struggled with a dry mouth in the beginning also. I was very resistant to going to a full face mask. After a dental appointment where my teeth were beginning to show bad effects from dry mouth, and with support from people on this forum, I finally gave in and tried a full face mask. It was the best thing I could have done. Prior to the full face mask I had tried keeping my tongue in position to maintain air going where it's supposed to go, chin strap, taping my mouth (which I hated and resulted in a severe aerophagia episode), and cervical collar, none of which worked for me. My suggestion to you is to follow LSAT's advice and try a full face mask.

been on bipap since aug and only mask i ever used it a full simplus mask. just received another mask like 3 weeks ago.
I breathe through my mouth however I have been closing my mouth with this mask. sometimes I still open my mouth.

this is the mask below. its so simple to use. *for a newbie like me*.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/fisher ... -mask.html

Thanks everyone, I should have mentioned that while I have tried the nasal pillows, I have been wearing a face mask since the beginning. The sleep clinic has fitted me with different size of the same mask that came with the Resmed CPAP when I first received it. Just when I think I am beginning to get used to it, I wake up constantly during the night unable to swallow with very dry mouth. I also have a constant sore throat now. I don't know for certain that my teeth are moving but my partial plate doesn't fit well anymore, so i think they may be. I am just not sure what else to do.
Thanks for the advice. Dan

What to do now would be to register on the forum and register your equipment. That way we have a better idea how to respond. This will help. wiki/index.php/Registering_Equipment_in_User_Profile
If you have a full data machine we can direct you to free software that will help you evaluate your leaks.

For nasal congestion you should do the NeilMed Sinus Rinse or even Navage which is a little machine that suctions out mucus for you. It may help clear your nasal passages so you can breathe easier.

I use a product called xylimelts, I couldn't do without them now - helps to keep the mouth more moist - it's a small tablet that sticks to your gums and slowly dissolves through the night.