Longterm CPAP use - Sudden dry\sore throat

[beedix]

I've been using CPAP for 5+ years and have used the same brand nasal mask with good <0.7AHI and very consistent problem free results for years. I've had to adjust pressure up from 6.5 slowly over the years to 9.5 but I've always monitored with sleepyhead to ensure results were as expected. So my history has very much been what I'd describe is consistent.

Suddenly 4 days ago, I am waking up in the night fighting extreme dry throat that I struggle with until I wake up with both dry and sore throat. For the life of me, I can't figure out what has changed. My wife did notice "noise", but no more useful detail. Any thoughts?

I guess I suspect I'm suddenly opening my mouth, but that theory sounds odd given it's never been a problem.

Here are some initial thoughts\variables:
1) I visited my sleep doctor for a regular follow up the day before. I suspected maybe they changed settings, but I checked and they appear to be the same.
2) I've consistently used a humidity setting of 3/5 (PR-One) and I refill the distilled water nightly. No changes there.
3) I have lost a fair amount of weight leading up to the problem, but the pressure still seems comfortable at my current weight.
4) The weather (Texas) has not suddenly changed nor is it abnormal. No changes to home\humidity\location.
6) Mask condition and fit is good. I have never had a problem telling when it's time to replace the cushion, headgear, or the mask.
7) I did have a common cold about 3 weeks ago. Had trouble using CPAP during the worst of it, but I wasn't symptomatic nor having problems 4+ days ago.

Unless anybody has any better ideas, I thought my next steps would be to just swap to a new\replacement mask and if that didn't work, maybe try adjusting pressure down, and ask my wife to record\look when she hears noise?

Any suggestions appreciated!!!

[zonker]

i don't know for sure, but the weight loss seems to jump out at me. i'm no expert, but i'm wondering if this has somehow caused your usually well fitting mask to suddenly not fit so well? as i say, not sure, but it just jumps out at me.

if you are looking for a replacement mask, i see our sponsor has yours at a sale price-

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/fisher ... -CPAP-Mask

i'm sure others will come in with a better answer!