dry mouth with a closed mouth

[tseefl]

I have been using a CPAP for 2 years now and have learned to keep my mouth closed.
For 6 mos now, I have been using a Remstar APAP M series with c flex. and prefer to use , from my mask collection, a Swift II nasal pillow mask. I notice that even when I use the humidifier, I awake with a bone dry mouth and air in my mouth. Interesting, is that when I check the 90% cm h2o on my machine, my 7 day reading is 12 cm h20 and the 7 day average is 10.7. When I had my CPAP, the setting was 8cm h20. I wonder if my humdifier is malfunctioning. I also wonder if the pressure is getting so extreme for me, that I collect it in my closed mouth and that this, in turn, pushes up the pressure because the machine thinks I am having an apnea episode. I know that I don't sleep with an open mouth: my husband would wake me up if I did...
Has anybody had a problem like this?

[Snoozey (Julie who can't sign in)]

But is it fair to either of you to think your husband is so 'conscious' all night that he can tell if your mouth is open at any time, or that he can rouse himself enough to tell you, let alone remember in the morning? It happens to a lot of us - the pressure does eventually keep our mouths open more, and while a few seem to manage to fight it without using 'help', I bet even some of them are fooling themselves. Why not try taping for 1-2 nights at least to see if you feel better in the mornings. At least you'll know you've covered the bases and have a 'foundation' to work with.

[harry33]

I would also be taping the lips for a while to make sure, get a longer piece of tape, double it back on both ends to make 2 tear off strips, roll the lips inward to keep tape off lips, but on skin above and below the lips

[smbrooks]

This is a question to discuss with your doctor, but I have learned something that I haven't seen discussed on these threads. I had the same problem, dry mouth even when my mouth was closed. What was happening was I was exhaling past my closed lips. Try exhaling now with your lips closed, but relaxed, to get the feeling. You can easily force your closed lips open with a little pressure of breath if they are relaxed - and they certainly are if you are asleep. The dry mouth would get so severe that it would wake me, I'd get a drink of water, go back to sleep. Truly - rinse and repeat.

A quick work-around was to keep a little box of tic-tacs by the bed and it did help, but I'm not entirely sure it's safe. Here's my theory:

I lost about 20 lbs. and then started experiencing the problem. My theory is that after the weight loss my pressure was too high and it was forcing air out through my lips thus drying my mouth. In time, I became aware of exactly what was happening. I wasn't breathing through my mouth and a chin strap would have been no help.

I'd like to say that I got the pressure lowered and everything worked. But, in fact, I regained half the weight and the problem went away. Just food for thought, ask your doc, but it's something to consider. I'd also like to hear from anyone who has something to add to this observation. Good luck, you'll get it solved.

[Marietjie]

I know that I don't sleep with an open mouth

.....I've got the same problem and I don't like it !.....I can manage all other issues with cpap therapy but this dry mouth worries me alot.

would also be taping the lips for a while

.....tseefl - did you tape your lips last night ? - did it help ? - I've got tape ready for tonight

Good Luck - have a nice day !

[tseefl]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions regarding my dry mouth with a closed mouth. I think I do relax my mouth: I noticed a bit of telltale "drool" the other night..... The dry mouth hasn't happened for a while . I notice that my average pressure on my apap machine has been much lower lately: 8 rather than the 10 and 12 it was earlier this month. So there seems to be a correlation there. I will , indeed, tape my mouth shut as you, Harry33, suggested if it re occurs. I have become the CPAP ambassador at work: I am an outpatient therapist and so many of my patients are former CPAP users that gave up because they couldn't sleep with their awful full face masks. I have helped them find masks that they can comfortably use and they are now using their CPAPs: Hooray!
Thanks again:You guys are great!