5 Remedies for CPAP Dry Mouth

If you use a CPAP machine, you know it can be a literal lifesaver. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP therapy, is a powerful way to treat obstructive sleep apnea and help you breathe more easily while you sleep. But for many people, a very frustrating side effect comes with it. Dry mouth.

In this article, we will explain exactly why a CPAP machine can cause dry mouth, how you can treat it, and lifestyle tweaks that can make a huge difference in your overnight comfort.

What is a CPAP Machine?

A CPAP machine is a small, specialized device that delivers a steady stream of pressurized air into your upper airways while you sleep. It typically consists of a base unit, a hose, and a mask that covers your nose and or mouth. The pressure from the airflow prevents your upper airway from collapsing, reducing or eliminating pauses in breathing. This condition is known as obstructive sleep apnea.

About 30 million people in the USA suffer from sleep apnea, and many rely on their CPAP machines to stay healthy and well rested.

Why Does My CPAP Make My Mouth Dry?

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, occurs when your salivary glands aren’t able to produce enough saliva to keep your mouth adequately moist. Because the fungus and bacteria in the mouth no longer have saliva as a controlling agent, dry mouth can result in more than a scratchy feeling. It can also cause bad breath, cavities, and difficulty in swallowing and eating.

Using a CPAP machine can affect saliva production in a few key ways. The airflow directed through your upper airways can reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth. Furthermore, many people breathe through their mouths during sleep, whether due to nasal congestion or a poor mask fit.

This phenomenon, known as mouth breathing, lets air rush directly into the mouth and evaporate saliva. A poor mask seal or choosing the wrong mask style, nasal instead of full face, can exacerbate the problem.

Dry mouth from a CPAP isn’t just a minor annoyance. Without enough saliva, the protective benefits it normally provides diminish, putting you at greater risk for dental issues.

How to Prevent CPAP Dry Mouth: 5 Tips

Here are 5 effective strategies to help you treat and avoid dry mouth from a CPAP.

1. Prevent Mouth Breathing

If you predominantly breathe through your mouth at night, adding a chin strap or mouth tape can help keep your jaw closed and encourage nasal breathing. If this isn’t enough, consider switching from nasal pillows to a full face mask, which covers both your nose and mouth. A proper mask can cut down on air escaping through your lips and reduce dryness.

2. Fix Your Leaky Mask

If your mask isn’t fitting properly or has a leak, air may be escaping and drying out your mouth. A full face mask can help resolve this by securing a tighter, more comfortable fit. Your doctor or a CPAP supplier can help you find the best mask for your face shape and preferences.

Getting a proper fit is key to reducing side effects and improving the overall success of your CPAP therapy.

3. Try OraCoat® XyliMelts® for Dry Mouth

XyliMelts® are a convenient and effective way to combat dry mouth while you sleep. XyliMelts® are small, slow-dissolving discs that you place directly on your gums or molars. They release xylitol, a natural sweetener, over time.

This slow release stimulates saliva flow and helps keep your mouth moist and comfortable all night, even while wearing a CPAP machine. XyliMelts® also reduce the risk of tooth decay and improve bad breath, adding dental health benefits alongside symptom relief.

Mouthwashes and moistening sprays can provide short-lasting relief, but XyliMelts® let you experience up to 8 hours of overnight dry mouth care, keeping you comfortable even during sleep.

XyliMelts® are a popular solution for people experiencing CPAP-related dry mouth, and many find them helpful for overnight use and during the day.

4. Include a Humidifier in Your Machine

Using a heated humidifier or heated tube with your CPAP can help add moisture back into the airflow and ease dryness. The humidifier adds warm water vapor into the air you breathe, reducing the drying effects of the pressure.

Most modern CPAP machines come with a humidification option, or you can connect a separate humidifier if your machine doesn’t have one. If you already use a humidifier, consider adjusting the settings or adding a heated hose to maximize its benefits.

5. Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies

Some lifestyle tweaks can aid in preventing dry mouth from CPAP. Staying well-hydrated by drinking water during the day and before you put your mask on can help. Furthermore, reducing alcohol and tobacco use can cut back on dryness and nasal congestion.

Some people find temporary relief from mouthwashes, sprays, drops, or throat lozenges designed for dry mouth, although these methods typically do not last all night.

Dry mouth from CPAP therapy is a very real side effect that many people experience, but it's not something you need to suffer through. By addressing mouth breathing, choosing the right mask, adding a humidifier, and using products like XyliMelts®, you can find lasting relief and a more comfortable night’s sleep.

If you find your symptoms persistent or severe, it may be a good idea to talk to a doctor or dental professional, especially if dental problems or discomfort start to develop. There may be an underlying health condition contributing to your symptoms, or you may need an adjustment to your CPAP pressure or equipment.

Don’t let dry mouth undermine your health and happiness. With the right strategies, you can enjoy restful nights and wake up feeling comfortable and ready for the day.

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