Mouth Breathing on CPAP
Mouth breathing is a common problem among CPAP users. The CPAP works by delivering a constant flow of air that is meant to keep your upper airway open so you can breathe easy.
However, if your mouth falls open while the air is being delivered through your nose via a mask, it will escape, causing your mouth or throat to dry out. Over time, this may also lead to problems with your gums or teeth. Most importantly, it may reduce or eliminate the effectiveness of your treatment.
If you are a mouth breather during the day, there is a high chance that you are also a mouth breather at night.
Treatment
It is important that you be able to take breaths through your nose without a sense of either obstruction or restriction. If you have allergies, you may need to speak to your healthcare provider about treating them with oral medications or nasal steroids.
You may also find it helpful to rinse your nose with saline from a neti pot, which delivers warm water into your nose and sinuses. Drinking a little water or using Biotene rinse at night may also help.
If you have a deviated septum, this may need to be corrected with surgery. Turbinates may also be reduced with a surgical procedure that may open the nose. These surgeries are typically done by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
If the dryness is related to your mouth falling open, a chinstrap may help. A chinstrap is a simple headpiece, often fitted with Velcro, that is secured around your chin and the top of your head to keep your jaw shut. While useful, a chinstrap is not always comfortable and may cause snoring or a lip-buzzing sound as the air tries to escape.
Other interventions and alternative therapies include weight loss, oral appliances, and positional therapy. Surgery is typically considered only as a last resort.
Overcoming Equipment Issues
The next likely culprit may be your CPAP mask or machine. If the mask is not fitting properly, it may leak or cause moisture to be lost, defeating the entire purpose of the device. This is not uncommon with CPAP devices that fit over the nose which have the tendency to shift.
If your CPAP mask is the problem, one solution is to find a full-face mask that covers your nose and mouth or a total-face model the covers the eyes as well. The mask would need to be fitted to prevent leakage and ensure the lower jaw is not shifted.
If you have old equipment, you should have it checked. In some cases, you may not have any other option but to replace the unit if it is unable to meet your needs any longer.
A Word From Verywell
If your problems persist, you may need to seek out other interventions. It may be necessary to have a repeat sleep study to ensure that you have a proper amount of pressure delivered.
In some cases, it may be helpful to switch to bilevel therapy (BiPAP) in which the device delivers two distinct pressures, one for inhalation and the second for exhalation.
Despite any difficulties you may encounter, it is vital not to give up. Compliance with CPAP therapy may be tough, particularly in the early days, but the avoidance of serious sleep apnea complications makes it well worth it.
If you struggling with CPAP therapy, don’t suffer in silence. Tell your sleep medicine specialist and keep at it until a solution can be found.
