CPAP Dry Mouth Remedies

Continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP therapy is a common treatment for people who suffer from sleep apnea. Without it, those that suffer from this serious sleep disorder will stop breathing at night as they sleep (sometimes hundreds of times), which can cause serious health issues and even death.

Therefore, the benefits of CPAP are clear. However, one of the nuisances of this therapy is dry mouth.

How a CPAP works, why it causes dry mouth

CPAP machines continuously push air into your mouth and nose through a face mask or mouthpiece. This non-stop flow of air can cause a person to experience dry mouth.

Especially, if they sleep with their mouth open.

How can you prevent CPAP dry mouth?

There are things you can do to prevent or get relief from dry mouth if you use a CPAP:

• Fix Equipment Issues
  A leaky or poor fitting mask can mess with the flow of air getting into your mouth and lungs which can lead to losing moisture in your mouth and throat. Be sure to pick a mask that fits the shape of your face and prevents losing airflow.
• Use Additional Equipment
  Keeping your mouth closed while breathing will keep extra moisture in. If this is a problem, consider using a chin strap or nasal pillow for aid.
• Stay Hydrated
  Drinking water as soon as you get up and throughout the day will replenish your fluids and reduce the risk of dehydration that can be caused by the CPAP machine.

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How to relieve dry mouth symptoms

Home remedies for dry mouth symptoms include:

• Staying hydrated
• Eliminating tobacco or cannabis use
• Reducing salt and sugar intake

Over-the-counter options include:

SmartMouth Dry Mouth Rinse

Relieves minor feelings of dry mouth. SmartMouth Dry Mouth also contains activated zinc ion technology to eliminate bad breath and prevent it from coming back for 12 hours per rinse. Moisturize, soothe, and enjoy some respite from that irritating cottonmouth feeling!

SmartMouth Dry Mouth Mints

Contains zinc to promote a healthier mouth and xylitol , which helps promote saliva flow. These mellow mints can be used any time of day for relief of minor dry mouth. The portable nature of dry mouth mints makes them a perfect on-the-go solution for that sticky, uncomfortable dry mouth feeling.

Getting relief from dry mouth is important.

Besides being uncomfortable, there are some health risks involved with the symptoms of dry mouth and it’s important that if you start experiencing any pain or soreness in your mouth and throat that you speak to your doctor immediately.