dry mouth despite full face mask

susanep · Post by **susanep** » Tue Jan 31, 2023 10:35 am

Hello
I am using a Resmed Airsense 11 and have been for a few months. I have a Resmed Airtouch F20 full face mask. I'm a long time cpap user but this mask has been used for a few weeks. I went for a week or two without difficulty. I am suddenly waking up with monster dry mouth. MyAir says that my leak level is good to excellent. Any suggestions? I haven't had this since I switched from a nasal to a full face mask (about a year).

On a second note, I switched to the Airtouch because my previous full face mask ( I tossed it and can't remember the brand, but it wasn't Resmed) seemed to be causing my lower teeth to shift. I can't yet tell if the Airtouch is also doing this. The point here being that I can't over-tighten the straps, but again MyAir says the fit is good.

thanks

zonker · Post by **zonker** » Tue Jan 31, 2023 12:07 pm

susanep wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 31, 2023 10:35 am
Hello

welcome to the zoo!

are you using the humidifier? If you are then at what setting?

ChicagoGranny · Post by **ChicagoGranny** » Tue Jan 31, 2023 1:18 pm

susanep wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 31, 2023 10:35 am
Hello
I am using a Resmed Airsense 11 and have been for a few months. I have a Resmed Airtouch F20 full face mask. I'm a long time cpap user but this mask has been used for a few weeks. I went for a week or two without difficulty. I am suddenly waking up with monster dry mouth. MyAir says that my leak level is good to excellent. Any suggestions? I haven't had this since I switched from a nasal to a full face mask (about a year).

On a second note, I switched to the Airtouch because my previous full face mask ( I tossed it and can't remember the brand, but it wasn't Resmed) seemed to be causing my lower teeth to shift. I can't yet tell if the Airtouch is also doing this. The point here being that I can't over-tighten the straps, but again MyAir says the fit is good.

thanks

Most likely, you are breathing though your mouth at times. It only takes a few minutes of mouth-breathing to cause a very dry mouth. CPAP humidifiers are designed to prevent drying of the nasal airway. They are ineffective at preventing drying of the mouth.

Here are some suggestions:

1. Practice placing the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth and breathing with the mouth closed. Do this when falling asleep and anything you awaken during the night. Do it during the day to help ingrain the habit.

2. Use sleep strips underneath your mask - https://www.amazon.com/Advanced-Breathi ... ref=sr_1_5

3. Some use chin straps, but this seems to be ineffective for most people.

4. Try to find the cause of your mouth-breathing. A good idea is to have a consultation and an airway examination by an ENT.

susanep · Post by **susanep** » Tue Jan 31, 2023 3:53 pm

I'm confused--the responses seem to suggest that I'm not wearing a full face mask (eg strips under my chin), but I am.
My humidifier is set to auto. The chamber is empty to near-empty in the morning.

ChicagoGranny · Post by **ChicagoGranny** » Tue Jan 31, 2023 5:37 pm

susanep wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 31, 2023 3:53 pm
I'm confused--the responses seem to suggest that I'm not wearing a full face mask (eg strips under my chin)

No, I've been wearing those sleep strips under my FFM for years. They work great to prevent dry mouth. I don't wear them as shown in the illustration. I put them to the side next to one corner of my mouth. This seems to work better for me. In addition to preventing dry mouth, they stop the jaw from dropping. The mask is stabilized and leaks are unlikely.

I also know some people who wear chinstraps with FFMs.

susanep wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 31, 2023 3:53 pm
The chamber is empty to near-empty in the morning.

You may have large leaks. More water is consumed when the mask is leaking excessively. Do you check your leak level (lpm)?

susanep · Post by **susanep** » Wed Feb 01, 2023 11:59 am

As reported in my original post, MyAir says my leak level is fine.
I wonder if I do need to consider another mask. Adding additional hardware (strips, etc) just seems like more than I can take.

Pugsy · Post by **Pugsy** » Wed Feb 01, 2023 12:58 pm

Mouth breathing can for sure cause dry mouth but the amount that can cause the dry mouth may not be all that big of a leak and might not be enough for MyAir to reflect it.

Even with a full face mask and zero leak the humidifier can't re-hydrate the mouth/oral cavity anyway.
The humidifier isn't big enough and put out enough moisture to re-hydrate the oral cavity.

Some people just get dry mouth because they are unlucky.
Medications can make it worse and there are other health conditions that can also cause excessive dryness.

Full face masks don't always fix the dry mouth issues for the above reasons.

ChicagoGranny · Post by **ChicagoGranny** » Wed Feb 01, 2023 2:04 pm

ChicagoGranny wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 31, 2023 5:37 pm
Do you check your leak level (lpm)?

susanep wrote: ↑
Wed Feb 01, 2023 11:59 am
As reported in my original post, MyAir says my leak level is fine.

I asked how many lpm (liters per minute).

gebo · Post by **gebo** » Tue Feb 14, 2023 9:28 am

Susan, I had the exact problem. Temp 74 humidity 6 on Airsense 10. Water tray practically empty in the morning. Using both the Resmed and Dream full face masks with the hose at the top of the head.

Every time I woke up my mouth was so dry that it scared me. I had to get water in jus to unstick every thing.

My sound guy at church told me to use a chin strap. Well, let me tell you. They may not work for all but it sure worked for me. Next morning my mouth was nice and moist. My water tray is still almost
going dry and my eyes are swollen but my Airsense 10 says I have a good fit.

I have turned my temp to 70 and humidity to 4.

A chin strap is a cheap test. Try a couple.

BigNortherner · Post by **BigNortherner** » Tue Feb 21, 2023 8:55 pm

Was there a product that went between face mask and mouth to reduce abrasion?

Might that help seal, being soft?

BigNortherner · Post by **BigNortherner** » Thu Feb 23, 2023 1:21 pm

Here's one abrasion-reducing product, the one I remember was much larger and compressible.

https://www.amazon.ca/Pack-Nasal-Pads-C ... s9dHJ1ZQ==

BigNortherner · Post by **BigNortherner** » Thu Feb 23, 2023 1:23 pm

As for chin straps, they must be shaped to have any hope of staying in place.
This one has some: https://www.amazon.ca/Premium-Adjustabl ... 74&sr=8-35
but I'd want another segment.

Doesn't say if the material itself has some stretch, only that is has hook-loop fastener adjustment.

Bucco · Post by **Bucco** » Sat Feb 25, 2023 9:34 am

I use a full-face mask, mask liners (which help a lot with leaks), a chin strap, and still get dry mouth. I started using Xylimelts which has helped a LOT with dry mouth. They are funky little tablets that stick to your gums and last most of the night.

BigNortherner · Post by **BigNortherner** » Sat Feb 25, 2023 11:19 am

Ah yes, "Bucco", 'mask liners. Thanks.

Amacrick sell several types, picture selection on left of page usually gives details.

Also sells pads for under mask straps.

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