Silly question from a newbie

Good morning! (and I say that after almost 9 hours of GREAT sleep)

I'm in my first month of therapy, using a nasal face mask and the S9 machine. I was a regular netti pot user before therapy and have continued since starting (actually bumped up to 2x a day most days since starting). Here's my question, " I notice a slightly "salty" taste on my lips that wasn't ever there "before" (when I was a confirmed mouth breather.)

Has anyone else noticed this? It's just an odd "side effect" I'm curious about.

Loving the feeling of being "awake!",
Michelle

I have the same problem, but mine is a salty taste. I thought it was my thyroid, and it still may be. I would have your doctor test your thyroid. It's a simple test. Even though I suspect the the Thyroid, it may be a result of getting my sleep under control, and good apnea therapy. I do know my weight really drops the days I taste the salty taste. I plan a "Taco Bell Day" the next time I have my salty taste.

Wonder if the air pressure going up into the nasal cavity is simply just blowing a bit of the residual neti pot salt water drops down into throat and mouth? I never have used neti pot (shuddering at the thought ) but it might be an explanation.

Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you have a good handle on things as well as a good positive attitude. I bet you will do very well.

@ Sheriff Buford - I never knew that was a symptom of thyroid issues. If it keeps up, I'll ask about it for sure.

@ Pugsy - That's kind of what I'm thinking too. It wouldn't be the first time some stray saline has made it's way out hours later. Though it's usually in the form of an ill-timed drip at work. (TMI?)

Thanks guys - like I said, I'm just a little curious to see what others are experiencing. I'm sure glad to have this forum to see how others are doing.

Pugsy - how do you like your mask? I'm thinking of switching to that with the 6 month mask change.

ambills wrote:Pugsy - how do you like your mask? I'm thinking of switching to that with the 6 month mask change

Love it. Wouldn't have anything else. I used the Swift LT before the Swift FX came out and did very well with it but I wanted even less stuff on my face and this is about as "less" as a person can get. I did add Padacheeks side strap guards and barrel cozy because the thin fleece that comes with either the LT or FX isn't quite thick enough and I would have marks on cheeks because have my face in pillow a lot. Some of the other nasal pillow masks are routed over the head or have gear on the forehead. That doesn't appeal to me at all. Different strokes for different folks.

ambills: I looked back and I was working on my thyroid problem in February, 2010. I did not recieve my cpap machine until September 2010. I recall having the "salty" taste before my cpap era. I do remembering doing a search on the internet about the salty taste and not finding much. As I recall, most was in reference to a thyroid issue. I do know your thyroid is affected by salt.

ambills wrote:I'm in my first month of therapy, using a nasal face mask and the S9 machine. I was a regular netti pot user before therapy and have continued since starting (actually bumped up to 2x a day most days since starting). Here's my question, " I notice a slightly "salty" taste on my lips that wasn't ever there "before" (when I was a confirmed mouth breather.)

It seems tome that if you notice the taste only when you wake up in the morning, it's more likely to be netti water than a thyroid symptom. And if you were a confirmed mouth breather before, maybe you still are. My guess would be that what the salty taste on your lips is telling you that air, and netti water, is being forced out your mouth while you sleep. Maybe you should look into a chinstrap or a full face mask. But I'm even newer at this than you are, so what do I know?