CPAP humidifier probably not necessary for summer

[Jack Burton]

I'm going to try therapy without the CPAP humidifier for a while.
I think Toronto summers are humid enough that it will be OK.

[LSAT]

OK..You have our permisson

[CapnLoki]

I'm going to try therapy without the CPAP humidifier for a while.
I think Toronto summers are humid enough that it will be OK.

I don't use the humidifier in the summer, or when travelling to humid locations. I've regretted taking it to Europe in rainy periods.

Assuming you don't have air conditioning and open windows, the relative humidity usually goes way up at night as the temp falls towards the dew point.

[D.H.]

See how it goes. If you find your sinus are dry or stuffed (or your numbers seem to tank), then try using it again.

Note that if you're using air-conditioning, the humidity in the room will be lowered along with the temperature.

[ChicagoGranny]

OK..You have our permisson

That's important.

[Goofproof]

OK..You have our permisson

That's important.

If necessary we will stand guard outside your bedroom to keep the CPAP Police out of your house, even their dogs! Jim

I haven't used mine in three years, the good people here have kept me safe from the CP visits.

[ChicagoGranny]

If necessary we will stand guard outside your bedroom to keep the CPAP Police out of your house, even their dogs! Jim

I haven't used mine in three years, the good people here have kept me safe from the CP visits.

Cpaptalk members provide such wonderful services(*) at no cost to the user.




*So-called Clean not included.

[BTS]

No issues with not using a humidifier either and the CPP have yet to break down my door when doing such or changing pressure settings...

[chunkyfrog]

Since the humidity is controlled AUTOMATICALLY,
I just use it anyway. Just takes less water to top off the tank.
Humidity gets high here, but the HVAC reduces it enough that I still need some.
A happy froggie is a moist froggie.

[Uff Da]

New user here. Does how dry one's throat gets have anything to do with how much humidity one needs to add? I increased my humidity setting since my mouth was so dry I'd find my gums sticking to my teeth several times a night. It has only been a few nights and I haven't really noticed yet if it has done any good, though my machine does seem to be using a little more water. Is trying to add humidity for this the wrong move?

[ChicagoGranny]

New user here. Does how dry one's throat gets have anything to do with how much humidity one needs to add? I increased my humidity setting since my mouth was so dry I'd find my gums sticking to my teeth several times a night. It has only been a few nights and I haven't really noticed yet if it has done any good, though my machine does seem to be using a little more water. Is trying to add humidity for this the wrong move?

CPAP humidifiers are designed to provide a proper level of moisture to the nasal passages. You should try to find a setting which keeps the nasal passages from being dry.

As a general rule, the maximum output of a CPAP humidifier does not provide enough moisture to prevent dry mouth in someone who mouth breathes. (This is speaking of users of full face masks (FFMs). A dry mouth with a nasal interface is a different matter.) Turning the humidifier to a high setting may be counterproductive because it could cause nasal congestion which would cause more mouth breathing.

Your equipment profile shows you are using a FFM. You should practice breathing with your mouth closed and placing the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth just behind the front teeth. Do this when you first get in bed and anytime you wake up. You may eventually begin to mouth breathe less.

You may also want to use a good mouth gel. I use this one - https://www.amazon.com/GC-Dry-Mouth-Ora ... +mouth+gel Do some internet shopping, as you can usually find a better deal. If you decide to use a gel, I can give you some tips on how to apply it so that it lasts all night.

[Goofproof]

New user here. Does how dry one's throat gets have anything to do with how much humidity one needs to add? I increased my humidity setting since my mouth was so dry I'd find my gums sticking to my teeth several times a night. It has only been a few nights and I haven't really noticed yet if it has done any good, though my machine does seem to be using a little more water. Is trying to add humidity for this the wrong move?

What do you use to cure dry mouth every day while you are awake(?) I stay hydrated, at night Keep ice water and a straw on a table by the bed. If really bad, something sweet, Hershey Kisses next to the water, (hoping my mouth will get dry), anything for an excuse for a Hershey Fix. I don't mind waking up a few times a night, I have to reposition for pain anyway. Jim

Sweets get the juices flowing.

[Uff Da]

As a general rule, the maximum output of a CPAP humidifier does not provide enough moisture to prevent dry mouth in someone who mouth breathes.

So it sounds like, summer or winter, the setting on the humidifier probably won't make much difference in my case.

Your equipment profile shows you are using a FFM. You should practice breathing with your mouth closed and placing the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth just behind the front teeth. Do this when you first get in bed and anytime you wake up. You may eventually begin to mouth breathe less.

Thanks for the tip. I'll have to try this and see if it helps. I do use a full face mask, but still find my chin dropping below the mask. So I tried a chin strap. First one wasn't all that effective, so I'm going to try another. Have been using a cervical collar for the past week and even that hasn't kept my mouth shut enough to avoid the super dry mouth. May try a cervical collar 1/2 inch wider, though I fear that that will end up being too wide. If I can find some combination that will keep my mouth shut, I'm going to try a nasal mask, as my current mask leaks too much at the pressures I apparently need and with my need to alternate between back and side sleeping.

You may also want to use a good mouth gel. I use this one - https://www.amazon.com/GC-Dry-Mouth-Ora ... +mouth+gel Do some internet shopping, as you can usually find a better deal. If you decide to use a gel, I can give you some tips on how to apply it so that it lasts all night.

Thanks for the suggestion. I think I'll give that a try.

[Uff Da]

What do you use to cure dry mouth every day while you are awake(?) I stay hydrated, at night Keep ice water and a straw on a table by the bed. If really bad, something sweet, Hershey Kisses next to the water, (hoping my mouth will get dry), anything for an excuse for a Hershey Fix. I don't mind waking up a few times a night, I have to reposition for pain anyway. Jim

Sweets get the juices flowing.

Good ideas for most people, I'd guess, but probably less so for me. The bladder already gets me up about every two hours during the night, plus I need to take two medications at first nocturia after midnight, so I usually get some water when I'm up. I'm diabetic, so I avoid sugar or anything with carbs during the night unless I'm having a hypo.

Edited to add: Funny thing is, I never seem to have a problem with dry mouth during the daytime. In fact, when my dentist or hygienist work on my teeth, they seem to think I have a geyser going in there. LOL

[OkyDoky]

I had the severe dry mouth and used Orajel for Dry mouth, Biotene spray, and even the lozenges. Each of the products had their advantages but didn't always last the whole night. Now I use Equate oral rinse before bed and it seems to work. I rarely wake up with dry mouth. I do keep the spray at bedside in case I need it but haven't used it in months.