Dry Mouth

[chamois]

As a new CPAP user, I would like to hear suggestions on dealing with dry mouth. I am using a Hybrid mask, and have a humidifier on the machine. I wake up every morning with a mouth so dry that it actually hurts. I'm also wondering if the dry mouth will cause dental/gum problems.

Has anyone used the OASIS dry mouth spray?

Please share your remedies for this common problem with CPAP

[Tigers Fan]

Sleeping with your mouth closed is the only sure-fire cure. Otherwise use Biotene when you wae up.

[Berneta]

Honey Bunch

Hi Chamois,
there are a lot of sprays that can be used for dry mouth that you can buy. The home remedy for dry mouth that was used along time ago in this country (USA)--and is still used by some people, is a honey--vinegar- water mix. Mix 2 big spoons of honey with 1 small spoon of vinegar in a cup of water, Stir well and put it in a capped bottle. Shake well and sip or spray your mouth well before going to sleep, Spray again whenever you wake. Try to get fresh honey straight from the bee-- its best because it will kill bacteria. But the vinegar does that too--so store boughten honey is ok as a moisturizer, Tastes good and it will coat your mouth for some time. I don't think its bad for your teeth either--so you can try that if you want to. Unless you have an allergy to honey or vinegar. Seems like we all have dry mouth problems now and then. Berneta

[chamois]

Thanks for the suggestion....

Hi Bernetta,

Thank you for your honey/vinegar/water suggestion. I'll give it a try.

Do you know if honey does bad things to your teeth? I've been trying to stay away from sugar, but maybe honey is different.

I also found a product called xylimelts, which are a disc that sticks to the roof of your mouth so it can be used at night. They are sugarfree. Has anyone had any experience with that product? I have asked my pharmacy to order them, and I'll let you know how they are.

[Berneta]

Honey

Hi again, Some old-timers in this country used to brush their teeth with honey. (some bee keepers still do) Mold and bacteria will not grow on honey that comes straight from the bee, It has enzymes in it that kill bacteria. Otherwise Hives full of honey would be destroyed by mold, etc. Honey that has been boiled loses that enzyme. Here its been used to dress wounds, for sore throats, coughs, and mixed with milk to feed elderly people who are sick. Not so much anymore because the large Honey Production Companies boil and bottle it. I try to buy mine from small farms at the farmer's market-- that don't boil it. Lemon Juice and Honey makes a great cough syrup. Its worth a try. Berneta

[chamois]

Honey



To Bernetta....

Thank you for the additional information about honey. I appreciate your taking the time to educate me!

With all of the good properties, why have we been told not to give honey to small children?

Chamois

[Berneta]

Honey and Children

Hi again, the reason for that, is that the boiled and bottled honey can get bacteria once opened. Which would be dangerous for babies and small children. Since most honey bought at the grocery store or market these days has been processed-- it is wise for Drs to tell people not to give honey to small children, who would not have a fully developed immune system. Berneta