Continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, is a technique that uses mildly increased air pressure to combat the effects of sleep apnea and other respiratory disorders. Users of CPAP machines sometimes experience dry mouth as a side effect of treatment. If you develop CPAP-related dry mouth, you can take several steps to reduce its occurrence.
CPAP Basics
CPAP machines consist of a main motorized unit that blows mildly pressurized air into a connected tube and a mask or other attaching device that extends from the other end of the tube, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. When a CPAP mask is properly placed on your face, mouth or nose, the pressurized air from the main unit gently opens your airways and keeps them open. Potential benefits of CPAP treatment include relief of apnea symptoms, general improvements in the quality of your sleep, reduction of snoring and prevention or reduction of high blood pressure.
Dry Mouth
If you normally sleep with your mouth open or breathe through your mouth during the night, using a CPAP mask can trigger or worsen dry mouth symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you use a mask that covers only your mouth or nose, switching to a full mask that covers both these openings simultaneously may help reduce or eliminate dry mouth. Your doctor may also recommend that you switch to a motorized CPAP unit that contains a heated humidifier. If you wear a CPAP mask that covers only your nose, your doctor may recommend that you use a chin strap to help keep your mouth closed.
Mask Leaks
In some cases, dry mouth related to CPAP use occurs when your mask leaks air, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute reports. You can help stop leaks from happening by washing your face and applying a skin moisturizer before using your mask. You can also wash your mask each day and reread your CPAP instructions to ensure that you place your mask properly on your face. In some instances, mask leaking results from improperly high or low tension in the straps that hold your mask to your face. Check the fit of your straps and ask your doctor for advice on adjusting their tension levels.
Additional Factors
The Mayo Clinic lists a number of other factors that may reduce the comfort or effectiveness of CPAP use, including symptoms of a dry or stuffy nose, problems tolerating the increased air pressure of a CPAP device, general difficulty adjusting to a CPAP mask on your face and unintended removal or displacement of your CPAP mask during sleep. CPAP users may also have difficulty falling asleep or experiences feelings of claustrophobia when using a CPAP mask. If you experience any of these difficulties, consult your doctor for advice.
Considerations
Your doctor will typically be able to help you overcome dry mouth or other CPAP-related difficulties, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute notes. However, in some cases, it can take as long as several months to work out all the problems associated with CPAP use. Help this process by working with your doctor as she attempts to address your concerns.
