Dry mouth and cheek marks

[bedhead1]

I wake up about three times a week with a totally dry mouth. I know this is from opening my mouth with my CPAP on. What is the solution?? I use the Mirage Swift II pillow type mask. I like this mask except for the mouth breathing thing and the marks the straps make on my cheeks. Any ideas?

[LSAT]

3 Solutions......Tape your mouth, use a chinstrap to keep your mouth closed, or, get a FF mask.

[cflame1]

and check with padacheek for the strap marks!

[SherryA]

Does your CPAP machine have a humidifier? Is there water in the resevoir? Do you have it set to use the humidifier. I get a dry mouth if my humidfier is empty or too low on water or if I have it set below a 1. I try to keep it set to a 2 but have to adjust it when the external air is more humid.

The strap marks, could be you are dehydrated, but you will still get them some anyway. You can try loosening your straps a little but I get pillow case wrinkles on the sides of my face so the mask definitely leaves dents. If I am well hydrated they go away with in about 15 minutes when I wake up.

I always know if my mouth is opening when I sleep because of the noise of the air exiting, if you are a heavy sleeper you may not, consider the chin strap. You may also need to have your CPAP level reset, I notice my mouth opening more when the pressure is not high enough.

[Jaylee]

I agree with the dehydrated- strap marks link. I have noticed that myself. Good luck!