Past my 45 minute barrier - Waking up with dry throat?

brackstone · Post by **brackstone** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 4:43 pm

Hi Everyone,

Well I finally made it past my 45 minutes barrier. Basically I was waking up as soon as the ramp was done. I traded in my C-flex for a Bi-PaP and I'm sooo happy. I sleep for at just about 3 hours now with no Aerophagia!!

However I seem to wake up at 3 hours every night. I only remembered a few times waking up after 3 hours and it was because my throat was very dry. Does anyone have any advice? I'm thinking about keeping a small journal next to my bed so I can write down what happens if I'm coherent enough, I assume I'm just not remembering the next day.

Are there other humidifiers or maybe settings on the CPAP machines that allow me to adjust for more or less humidity?

Thanks!

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 5:25 pm

Chances are you are leaking air from your mouth at night after you go to sleep. Consequently, pressure is not maintained and you are not getting effective treatment.

You need to 1) change to a full face mask; 2) tape or glue your mouth shut at night; or 3) train yourself not to leak air from your mouth.

TerryB · Post by **TerryB** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 5:27 pm

Are you sure you are not leaking pressure out of your mouth? The leak will dry you out very badly. A scratchy throat or minor dryness needs more humidity. A very dry throat needs a method to keep your mouth and/or lips shut.

I use denture adhesive strips on my lips and a chin strap too.

TerryB

brackstone · Post by **brackstone** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 5:36 pm

Thanks for the tips guys.

I suppose you could be right, I'm using a chin strap though so I thought my mouth wouldn't open up as much.

I'll fall asleep one night and have my fiance` check on me and see if I am opening my mouth.

My only concern if that is the case is that I had to switch from a mask that covered my nose to my nasal pillow because I am a big side sleeper. Can anyone recommend a good full face mask to a side sleeper?

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 5:45 pm

Chinstraps are not effective for some. Although they may keep your jaw shut, your lips can still flap without waking you.

As for full face masks, you need to try them out for yourself. Faces come in all different shapes and sizes while masks come in limited shapes and sizes. You can get an idea of what features the different full face masks have for comparison (ie. noise, number of adjustments, headgear, etc. ) but keep in mind that any endorsements are simply opinions based on opinionators own experience ... which may well differ from what you will experience.

Godd luck!