While chapped lips is not a common side effect of using CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure, in some it can be a painful obstacle to hurdle to be able to properly use CPAP. With millions of people depending on their nasal CPAP for the treatment of sleep apnea, some people are unwilling to continue with their CPAP therapy due to problems with chapped lips. Chapped lips are usually caused by mouth breathing. Air is like water, it follows the pathway of least resistance, so if a person is unable to breathe properly through his nose, he begins to mouth breathe during treatment. Humidification usually can greatly diminish the problem of chapped lips, with heated humidification being the best option.
Common Causes of Chapped Lips Using Nasal CPAP
The most common cause of chapped lips is a lack of humidity. The air delivered by a CPAP machine is very dry, and this could dry out the nose or the mouth area. Most CPAP machine packages now come with a heated humidifier. The amount of humidification can be controlled by a dial. Many patients also find that nasal saline mist sprays are helpful. Use two sprays in each nostril to keep the upper airway more hydrated.
Mouth Breathing Can Cause Chapped Lips with CPAP Use.
Some people are mouth breathers. The causes can be deviated septum, nasal allergies, nasal polyps or adenoids, or even a retracted jaw. These problems can make breathing through the nose very difficult, so the air will flow out of the mouth. The remedy is using a chin strap. Chin straps will wrap around the top of a person's head and cover the chin to force the mouth to stay closed. It is important to remember that even wearing a chin strap may not treat mouth breathing. Some people will still blow air out of the mouth at times, but it will be greatly diminished with a chin strap.
Lip Balm and Petroleum Jelly; Remedies for Chapped Lips.
Petroleum jelly and other lip balms work well. Before going to sleep, place the moisturizer on the lips to prevent chapped lips. It is very important to note that petroleum jelly can eat away plastic over time. If you do use it, the mask must be washed every morning. If oxygen is being used, petroleum jelly cannot be used. It is oil-based and if oxygen is also being used, it can actually react with the petroleum jelly and could be flammable. It's safer to use non oil-based products.
Hydration Is Important
Keeping hydrated is the key to good skin care. Proper water intake is very important. It is imperative to drink six to eight glasses of water a day to keep properly hydrated. This will help in preventing dry skin and lips.
Room Humidification Can Also Remedy Chapped Lips
In some instances a room humidifier can be helpful. In creating a humidified environment, the lips and the skin will stay more hydrated, especially if a CPAP humidifier is not available. Room humidifiers are small and can create a moisturized environment and are used by many people in drier climates.
If All Else Fails, Use a Full Face Mask.
More CPAP users are using full face masks. Instead of covering the nose only, a full face mask covers the nose and the mouth. This allows for mouth breathing and if it's used with a humidifier, it mostly eliminates the problem with chapped lips.
Chapped Lips Can Be Treated
It is important to always ask a professional, or your CPAP equipment company, what you should do about chapped lips. Sometimes the physician will not be abreast at the latest techniques or treatments for it. It is important to speak with an expert respiratory care practitioner of sleep disorders who uses the latest in CPAP technology.
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