Could a Pulmonologist be my next step?

@ robysue - thank you for your insightful post.

I am in that vicious cycle of swalling and aerophagia and didn't even realize that it is something I can learn to change. I taped my lips closed last night and at some point I awoke and took the tape off (reason still unknown). But while the tape was on, I didn't experience dry mouth. So I now understand that breathing through my mouth is the cause of my dry throat and lips. Instead of using the tape again tonight (makes me too nervous), I am going to have that glass of water nearby to quench my thirst. Trial and error seems to be the norm for learning how to adjust to the CPAP and all it's variables.

Hopefully my visit to a pulmonologist gives me other ideas to win a good night's sleep.... soon!

Slim46Galw/apnea wrote:@ robysue - thank you for your insightful post.

I am in that vicious cycle of swalling and aerophagia and didn't even realize that it is something I can learn to change. I taped my lips closed last night and at some point I awoke and took the tape off (reason still unknown). But while the tape was on, I didn't experience dry mouth. So I now understand that breathing through my mouth is the cause of my dry throat and lips. Instead of using the tape again tonight (makes me too nervous), I am going to have that glass of water nearby to quench my thirst. Trial and error seems to be the norm for learning how to adjust to the CPAP and all it's variables.

Hopefully my visit to a pulmonologist gives me other ideas to win a good night's sleep.... soon!

Using a straw will allow you to drink/sip without completely removing your mask.

Also do you sleep on your back? I only have the mouth breathing issue if I roll onto my back.

Another mask which greatly helped my mouth breathing was the rRespCare Hybrid mask. It has a chin flap which keeps my jaw in place. Also the mouth piece seems to encourage my lips to stay closed.

For the lips put a coating of chap stick on them.