Waking Up with Dry Mouth? Here’s How to Fix It!
5 Solutions to Dry Mouth with CPAP in 3 Minutes
Does your CPAP leave your mouth feeling like you’ve been wandering the desert all night? Dry mouth is a common frustration, but it doesn’t have to be! I’m Dr. Kimberly, a sleep physician, CPAP user advocate, and creator of the SomnoSeal, here to share 5 simple solutions to help you wake up feeling refreshed—not parched.
Solution 1: Improve Nasal Patency
“Solution number one is to improve nasal patency—or in plain English, make sure you can breathe freely through your nose. Start with a saline nasal rinse or nasal steroid to clear out congestion. You can also try mechanical nasal dilators, like Intake, Mute or Breathe Right strips, which gently open your nasal passages. And for chronic congestion, talk to your provider about whether a surgical option might help. Trust me, a clear nose makes for a happier sleep and CPAP experience!
Solution 2: Close Your Mouth
“Number two—close your mouth. I know, easier said than done! But products like the SomnoSeal, which I developed specifically for CPAP users, or even simple mouth tape, can help you keep that pesky air from escaping. This can reduce dry mouth and make therapy way more comfortable.
Solution 3: Lower the Pressure
“Number three—talk to your sleep provider about whether lowering your CPAP pressure is an option. Sometimes a small adjustment can make a big difference in comfort. Higher pressures can literally blow your mouth open, resulting in a loss of overall pressure, so discuss with your provider if this is an option for you.
Solution 4: Try a Chin Strap
“Solution four is a chin strap, which helps keep your mouth closed while you sleep. Now, not all chin straps are created equal—you’ll want one that doesn’t pull your jaw backward, which can actually worsen sleep apnea. The Respironics chin strap or Knightsbridge are good options.
Solution 5: Use a Full-Face Mask
“Finally, solution number five—switch to a full-face mask. This covers both your nose and mouth, so even if you are a strong, habitual mouth breather, you’ll still get effective therapy. While it may not eliminate dry mouth completely, it can definitely reduce it compared to using a nasal-only mask with an open mouth
And there you have it—5 solutions to dry mouth in 5 minutes! If you’re ready for more tips like these, join my weekly Sleep Bytes by signing up on my website. You’ll receive quick, actionable advice to help you make the most of your sleep therapy.
Click the link below or head to www.KimberlyMD.com.
And there you have it—5 solutions to dry mouth in 5 minutes! Thanks for joining me and I hope to see you next week for more actionable advice to help you make the most of your sleep therapy.
