Why is my mouth painfully dry after using CPAP for 4 years?

[Rolan_Kraps]

OK, some background,

I am a man, 47, who has had his CPAP for about 4 years. I got it because of sleep apena.
My hardware is a ResMed II series 7 CPAP with Nose Pillows. I change my filters monthly, but probably don't clean my unit as much as I should.

I took to my CPAP right away no problems until last month when I had emergency surgery for peritonitis (that almost killed me).

After being home about 4 weeks now, I find that when I wake up with sever dry mouth. I've not had this problem in 4 years of CPAP usage.

Does this ring any bells for anyone?

Thanks,

[DreamStalker]

Not sure how the surgery had anything to do with it unless you are on some type of meds with dry mouth side-effects.

What kind of mask are you using?

Have you checked to see that your humidifer is still working? Water inside reservoir should be warm to touch when you wake up and turn machine off.

[Rolan_Kraps]

I use nose pillows. Never a problem. I'll check the water.

[DreamStalker]

I use nose pillows. Never a problem. I'll check the water.

Well with that added bit of information ... you may also be leaking the therapy (pressure) out of your mouth.

Search the forum for mouth leaks and taping.

[Julie]

You may well need a full face mask - happens to plenty of us.