# Dry mouth, dry throat when using CPAP

**URL:** <https://community.sleepdoctor.com/t/dry-mouth-dry-throat-when-using-cpap/159>\
**Category:** CPAP\
**Created:** [March 5, 2025, 8:51pm UTC](https://community.sleepdoctor.com/t/dry-mouth-dry-throat-when-using-cpap/159 "2025-03-05T20:51:13Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![lparfitt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dbc845/32.png) [@lparfitt](https://community.sleepdoctor.com/u/lparfitt)\
**Post date:** [March 5, 2025, 8:51pm UTC](https://community.sleepdoctor.com/t/dry-mouth-dry-throat-when-using-cpap/159/1 "2025-03-05T20:51:13Z")

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My throat and mouth are so dry some nights since I’ve been using my ResMed CPAP… I can hardly even manage to swallow. We put a humidifier in the room and that seems to help a little, but I am still very, very dry. Is this normal? Any ideas on how to prevent?

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**Author:** ![NurseElsa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/4da419/32.png) [@NurseElsa](https://community.sleepdoctor.com/u/NurseElsa)\
**Post date:** [March 5, 2025, 10:48pm UTC](https://community.sleepdoctor.com/t/dry-mouth-dry-throat-when-using-cpap/159/2 "2025-03-05T22:48:19Z")

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After increasing the humidity setting, this got better for me.

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**Author:** ![sleepyjerm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/74df32/32.png) [@sleepyjerm](https://community.sleepdoctor.com/u/sleepyjerm)\
**Post date:** [March 14, 2025, 5:15pm UTC](https://community.sleepdoctor.com/t/dry-mouth-dry-throat-when-using-cpap/159/3 "2025-03-14T17:15:24Z")

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What style of mask are you using? If you are using a nasal mask you are likley opeing your mouth while sleeping. As Nurse Elsa mentioned, you should try increasing the humidity on your cpap machine or trying a chin strap. If those things do not help you may consider switching to a full face mask.

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**Author:** ![Glei](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/user_avatar/community.sleepdoctor.com/glei/32/95_2.png) [@Glei](https://community.sleepdoctor.com/u/Glei)\
**Post date:** [June 18, 2025, 8:10pm UTC](https://community.sleepdoctor.com/t/dry-mouth-dry-throat-when-using-cpap/159/4 "2025-06-18T20:10:55Z")

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Hi! Thanks for your question. Unfortunately dry mouth and throat are pretty common with CPAP use — especially if you breathe through your mouth or the humidifier settings aren’t high enough. You might want to increase the humidity on your machine (not just in the room), and if you’re not already using a heated hose, that can really help. Some people also find relief using a water-based lubricant’s like **Biotene oral gel** or **XyliMelts** because they’re safe, non-irritating, and designed specifically for dry mouth relief.before bed. If you use a nasal mask and your mouth opens at night, a chin strap or mouth tape could help, or you might consider switching to a full-face mask. It may take some trial and error, but relief is definitely possible! 💙 We’re here for you.

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**Author:** ![Moni](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/user_avatar/community.sleepdoctor.com/moni/32/149_2.png) [@Moni](https://community.sleepdoctor.com/u/Moni)\
**Post date:** [April 1, 2026, 3:21am UTC](https://community.sleepdoctor.com/t/dry-mouth-dry-throat-when-using-cpap/159/5 "2026-04-01T03:21:05Z")

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Dry mouth and throat with CPAP is common, especially if air leaks or you breathe through your mouth. Try increasing the humidifier level on your ResMed CPAP machine, check for mask leaks, or consider using a chin strap or full-face mask. Staying well hydrated before bed can also help.