CPAP Dry Mouth: How to Stop It

Key Takeaways

• CPAP therapy can take some getting used to, with dry mouth being a common patient complaint.
• CPAP dry mouth can occur due to multiple factors, including how the mask fits, a person’s breathing patterns, and low humidity levels.
• It’s important to work with your doctor or CPAP therapy professional to reduce CPAP dry mouth symptoms, protect your oral health, and continue your therapy.

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Causes of CPAP Dry Mouth

The way you sleep and breathe, conditions in your bedroom, and the type of CPAP equipment you use could all have an impact on mouth dryness. If you are waking up with CPAP dry mouth, make a list of potential reasons for your discomfort. Once you narrow down the underlying cause, you can make the necessary adjustments for more comfortable sleep.

• Lack of humidity: CPAP-related dryness is often worse when a sleeper is exposed to cold weather or lives in an environment with low humidity. Using a heater or turning up the thermostat can also lower the amount of indoor humidity and worsen CPAP dry mouth.
• Mouth breathing: While many people primarily breathe through their nose during sleep, those with obstructive sleep apnea often breathe through their mouth as well. When using a CPAP device and a nasal mask, mouth breathing can increase dryness as air escapes through the mouth.
• Poor mask fit or mask leaks: If your CPAP mask doesn’t create a proper seal and fit securely on your face, air can leak out and cause mouth dryness.
• Reduced saliva: A CPAP machine delivers pressurized air into the mouth. This can block or obstruct the salivary glands, which produce saliva to keep the mouth moist. Decrease in the flow of saliva can contribute to CPAP dry mouth.
  
• Nasal congestion or blocked airways: When your nose is clogged from a head cold or allergies, you tend to breathe through your mouth, which can lead to mouth dryness.

Talking to a doctor is an important step in understanding the cause of dry mouth. While CPAP therapy can lead to mouth dryness, it’s important to note that other conditions such as dehydration and diabetes may also cause dry mouth.

How to Treat CPAP Dry Mouth

Dry mouth from using a CPAP machine can be uncomfortable, but there are strategies to mitigate this common CPAP side effects. Working with a doctor to find relief is important because untreated dry mouth can lead to bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Use a Heated CPAP Humidifier

Heated humidifiers add moisture to the pressurized air delivered by CPAP machines. Increased humidity can make it easier to breathe at night and reduce dryness in the nose and mouth.

Many CPAP machines come with an integrated heated humidifier, but standalone units are also available. Experts recommend filling the humidifier’s water chamber to its maximum level before bed to get the most humidification. Use distilled water, as tap water can cause sediment to build up on the humidifier walls.

Clear Your Sinuses

Nasal congestion increases the risk of mouth breathing, which can lead to dry mouth in people who use a nasal mask. Some topical medications, sprays, and rinses use salt water to clear the nasal passages. If nasal congestion is an ongoing issue, speak with your doctor about other options for keeping your sinuses clear.

Try a CPAP Chin Strap, But Be Careful With Mouth Tape

For people who use a nasal mask and breathe through their mouth during CPAP therapy, doctors may recommend adding a chin strap to keep the mouth closed and reduce air leaks. CPAP chin straps are available in a wide variety of designs and worn under the mask and headgear.

Mouth tape can also keep your mouth closed while you sleep. However, using mouth tape comes with some risks. Talk to your doctor before using mouth tape for the first time and make sure to use skin-safe, porous tape that can be easily removed.

Consider a New CPAP Mask Type

If a chin strap doesn’t help reduce dry mouth for nasal CPAP mask users, doctors may recommend switching to a full-face mask. Since this style of mask covers both the nose and mouth, it can prevent air leaks that increase mouth dryness.

Increase Hydration Throughout the Day

Hydration is crucial for saliva production, so the amount of water you drink plays a direct role in how dry your mouth feels. If you don’t drink enough water, you will produce less saliva and be more likely to experience mouth dryness.

Health Risks of Untreated CPAP Dry Mouth

Dry mouth can be a contributing factor to other oral health issues including tooth decay, gum disease, and mouth sores and infections. It can also make your throat feel dry and scratchy. 

Dry mouth can also make patients less likely to comply with their CPAP therapy, which in turn can mean their OSA is not properly treated.

When to Talk to Your Doctor

If your CPAP dry mouth symptoms persist after trying a different mask, using a humidifier, treating nasal congestion, and drinking more water, you should get in touch with your doctor. Putting off CPAP therapy isn’t ideal, and dry mouth can cause other problems. Your doctor might be able to offer other solutions or suggestions to help you continue your CPAP treatment.

If CPAP therapy is new to you, Sleep Doctor can help you through the process and match you with a Sleep Care Advocate who can offer suggestions and solutions for challenges like dry mouth that may arise.