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Dear Dr. Roach: I am 74 and have sleep apnea. I've used a CPAP device for over 20 years. Over the past four to five years, I've been awakened several times each night with a seriously dry mouth. I will get a drink, use the bathroom, and get right back to sleep, only to have the same thing happen over and over again.
I've used several different types of face masks with a full face mask working the best, and I've tried using a chin strap without success. This impacts my quality of sleep. I am otherwise in pretty good health and have an active life. -- G.I.
Answer: Dry mouth is a common problem with any kind of positive airway-pressure device. The first thing I try is adding an in-line humidifier to the CPAP device so that you get moisturized air. Well-done trials have confirmed that this solution can reduce dry mouth and dry throat, as well as related symptoms like nasal discharge (a reaction to being dry all the time), nasal congestion, nosebleeds, a decreased ability to smell, a hoarse voice, and a sore throat.
Dry mouth can be a real problem for people in their 70s even without the use of a CPAP device, and it's worth looking at your medicines to see if any could be exacerbating your problem. (Diuretics, some antidepressants, bladder medicines and antihistamines can be a big problem in this area.)
Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu.