Do I have to start all over again..?

[findingzzero]

I just started using a new Philips Dream Machine last night. I kept waking up because of extreme dry mouth. I use a dreamware nasal pillow, and strap my mouth shut. It took me several years to adjust to my first rig (Philips Respironics Model System One Remstar Auto A-Flex.).
I need a nap. If I side sleep w/o cpap, I don't get dry mouth, just some hip pain after an hour or 2. If my mouth is strapped shut how do I get extreme dry mouth?

[loggerhead12]

Are the settings the same on the new machine?

[Miss Emerita]

When you say you strap your mouth shut, do you mean that you use tape or that you use a chinstrap -- or do you use some other method?

[Julie]

No humidifier attached?

[findingzzero]

When you say you strap your mouth shut, do you mean that you use tape or that you use a chinstrap -- or do you use some other method?

Chin strap that goes over my head.

[findingzzero]

Are the settings the same on the new machine?

I believe the pressure setting is higher on the max side 6-15 vs 6-9, but I think it works on demand. I will try lowering it. Thanks!

[Pugsy]

If my mouth is strapped shut how do I get extreme dry mouth?

You aren't the only one with this complaint. I saw a reasonable explanation from a doctor not long ago but I don't have it handy right now.
Something to do with air entering the mount via the airway and reducing saliva production and end result is worse dry mouth.
Doesn't have to have an open mouth breathing going on to dry out the mouth.

I thought I saved the link but I can't seem to find it. If I do find it I will post it.

You might try increasing the humidity setting and see if that helps or not.

[loggerhead12]

I believe the pressure setting is higher on the max side 6-15 vs 6-9, but I think it works on demand. I will try lowering it. Thanks!

It does automatically adjust. I wouldn't recommend changing the settings without considering the other effects it would have on your therapy.

[Miss Emerita]

When you say you strap your mouth shut, do you mean that you use tape or that you use a chinstrap -- or do you use some other method?

Chin strap that goes over my head.

Try clenching your teeth together, parting your lips, and breathing. Air goes in and out just fine, right? You may need help keeping your lips closed. Tape worth a try?

[findingzzero]

It turns out my old machine had 6-15 as the pressure setting as well. When I figured out how to unlock the settings (thanks, Youtube)I upped humidifier temp setting, but since it was set to 'adaptive,' it never changed.The supply Co. helped me with this. I bumped it up. That may have helped. Dry mouth is less, and it doesn't wake me up. Maybe it still IS 'starting all over again,' but the adaptation is much shorter being a CPAP vet. I will bump it to max to see if it gets better. I also had to wake up the onboard modem as it was not transmitting my data.

[findingzzero]

'Tape worth a try?'


'Try taping your mouth shut?
Wife, is this you..?