Adapted from "Common complaint: CPAP dry mouth" from ResMed here

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One of the most common complaints related to CPAP masks is dry mouth. Roughly 40% of patients on CPAP therapy experience dry mouth, which can cause various side effects, including headaches, dizziness, bad breath, coughing, and difficulty talking or eating. This article provides tips on how to resolve dry mouth, such as ruling out other culprits, using a heated humidifier and/or heated tubing, and addressing severe mask leak.

The three main causes of dry mouth related to CPAP therapy are:

1. Medications or other conditions: Before attributing dry mouth to the CPAP mask, it is important to rule out other possible causes such as oral medications or certain medical conditions such as Sjogren's syndrome or HIV/AIDS. Additionally, nerve damage resulting from an injury or surgery, tobacco or methamphetamine use, and aging can also cause dry mouth.
2. Non-heated air: If the air from the CPAP machine is causing dry mouth, using a heated humidifier and/or heated tubing can provide added moisture to the air you breathe through the machine. These devices can prevent dryness and the heat level can be adjusted to provide more or less moisture as needed.
3. Severe mask leak: Severe mask leak can also lead to dry mouth and reduce the effectiveness of sleep apnea treatment. Ill-fitting masks can cause leakages, which is why it is important to have your mask refitted by a doctor or mask provider. Using a full face mask that covers the nose and mouth may also be beneficial for bilevel users or mouth breathers who are using a nasal or nasal pillows mask.