Different treatments can help improve nasal congestion that can lead to mouth breathing.
Making adjustments to the CPAP machine itself can also help.
Mouth Breathing on CPAP
Mouth breathingis a common problem among CPAP users.
Brandon Peters, M.D.
Most importantly, it may reduce or eliminate the effectiveness of your treatment.
Conditions like these can cause tissues known asturbinatesto swell and obstruct the normal airflow.
It’s important to check that you could breathe through your nose without a sense of obstruction or restriction.
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 launch 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, achinstrapmay help.
Other interventions and alternative therapies for obstructive sleep apnea include weight loss,oral appliances, andpositional therapy.
Overcoming Equipment Issues
The next likely culprit for dry mouth may be your CPAP mask or machine.
This is not uncommon with CPAP devices that fit over the nose which have the tendency to shift.
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.
Summary
CPAP therapy is a common and effective treatment for people with obstructive sleep apnea.
However, mouth breathing is common among CPAP users and can reduce the effectiveness of the therapy.
Fortunately, there are many ways to avoid mouth breathing.
A Word From Verywell
If your problems persist, you may need to seek out other interventions.
It may be necessary to have a repeatsleep studyto ensure that you have a proper amount of pressure delivered.
Despite any difficulties you may encounter, it is vital not to give up.
The American Sleep Apnea Association.
2016;109(4-5):152-3.
