Newbie, Nasal Pillows & Humidifier question

Yes, I know this questions has probably been answered before.
I am a new user using REMstar Plus M Series with the Respironics M Series Heated Humidifier and ResMed Swift FX /Nasal Pillows. My ramp setting is 16 and I have tried all settings on the Humidifier.
I remembered that I have to keep my mouth closed when using the pillows, but I don't remember if I am supposed to breath through my mouth or nose. Which is it, mouth or nose????
Also I experience extreme mouth dryness to the extent that I have to quit the C-Pap. Any suggestions???

SleepEase,
Welcome to the forum. When using nasal pillows you have to breath in and out through your nose. You can get a lot of quality answers here. I'm a newbie also and have used the Swift FX. Mouth breathing when using nasal pillows will give you one heck of a dry mouth and not much therapy. If you find you cannot breath through your nose then you may have to try a different mask.
If your mouth pops open or thearpy air escapes through your lips when you're asleep, then you may have to try something like a chin strap, sports mouth guard, or a number of other things you see people talking about here to stop, or reduce, your leak rate.

Your dry mouth could very well resolve its self you breath only through your nose. Good luck and let us know how how you are doing!

Cindy

Thanks Cindy,
I really appreciate your prompt response. I will try to continue with the pillows and nose breath and if that fails try the chin strap. I had a lot of trouble with the mask so will only go to that as a last resort.
Thanks again

Last night I did have dry mouth initially, but woke up a few times and my mouth was normal. I generally breathe through my nose anyway, so it was probably a matter of not thinking about how to breathe.
I had a few times where I awoke during sleep eve though I don't usually wake up or remember waking. I don't know if this is good or bad, but I did feel more rested when I got up from bed.

It will help to take a look at your data to see if there are excessive leaks that might indicate mouth breathing.

I use a little chapstick on my lips to make them sort of tacky--a reminder to keep my mouth shut. Seal your tongue to the roof of your mouth on that ridge behind your top teeth, and you should be good to go.

The theory is that if your pressure is set correctly, you will breathe only through your nose. Some people have their mouths come open--chin straps and taping are good options if that happens to you.

Welcome aboard! My suggestion is don't quit cpap, fix what isn't working for you. Dry mouth is a mouth leak, you are not benefitting that way. You need to be able to look at your data, do you have the software? It really helps you see why you didn't sleep well last night, I look at mine every morning, like christmas still for me. I also use a 'papcap' chinstrap (cpap.com) and find it works very good at preventing mouth breathing and keeps from matting my hair too. I have a 1/2 inch long full beard and it don't leave a dent in it either. I was mouth breathing and not getting benefit from pappin and ended up getting a data capable unit and really like it a lot! Good luck with your therapy, sounds like you accepted the mask and machine, a lot of people on this forum are not as fortunate. john