Dry mouth even WITH tape -- why?

[SleeplessinBradenton]

I am still trying various masks to try to find something I can live with but anyway, when I use the direct nasal type (Swift, F&P 481, and NasalAire II) I wake up several times during the night with very dry cotton mouth. This does not happen, however, with the ComfortGel. I am not sure why and how this is happening when I have my mouth taped!

[rustynail]

Hi! I have the same problem and have not figured out yet why this happens. I switch back and forth form the ComfortGel which is really quite comfortable but I tend to be claustrophobic and freak out during the night trying to rip this "love-sick octopus thing" off my head. I use the nomask/cpappro thing quite a lot but I can not use it when I have a cold (unfortunately too often) and end up with a very dried out, tongue stuck the to roof of my mouth....

I have tried drinking lots of water before going to bed but that only causes me to get up several times to relieve my self. I would be very interested in finding out if there is a solution.

[idahogal]

I too have had this happen and I believe it is because even though you tape the air still cirulates through your mouth. The tape is there to keep it from escaping but it will still try to find the out if it can get past your tounge.

[Ellen]

Might I suggest OralBalance Mouth Moisturizing Gel by Biotene - good for appx 8 hours - should be added to all CPAP sites!!!

[Brent Hutto]

If one part of your oronasal cavity is dry and another part is wet, the moisture will migrate from the wet part to the dry part. So you can have your mouth completely leak-free but if the air passing down your throat dries out that area the moisture from your mouth will be depleted by migrating from wet-to-dry.

The solution is probably greater heat and humidity in the stream of air passing down your throat.