CPAP: What works for sore throat?

Hello @cjeanj, Welcome to Connect. You will notice that I modified the title of your discussion so that other members can find it a little easier. I have had a really dry throat often when using my CPAP. In the Winter I use a humidifier tank because the air in the house is a little drier and the humidifier really helps with the cotton mouth feeling using the CPAP. I don't use it during the Summer but I think it might be personal preference. Here is some information from Mayo Clinic that you may find helpful.

CPAP machines: Tips for avoiding 10 common problems: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/in-depth/cpap/art-20044164

@thankful and other members may also have some thoughts or suggestions on a dry throat when using a CPAP.

@cleanj does your CPAP have a humidifier tank? What type of a CPAP mask do you use?

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Thanks for the suggestion. I do have a humidifier tank. Several months ago I thought it was set too high & I turned it down. I will try setting it back a little higher. My mask is a nasal cushion.

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@cjeanj, Another thought since you are using a nasal cushion CPAP mask, do you think your mouth is opening when you sleep? Some people have found that using a chin strap helps to keep the mouth closed and may help with the sore throat problem. I think there are other members that are using chin straps or nasal cushions, hopefully they will share some suggestions.

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I've been on CPAP treatment for over 16 years now. Various design and control macchines as well as different types of masks. I centered on the nasal pillow a few years ago, primarily for comfort but also functionality. However, I discovered that I would breathed through my mouth which would get very dry and through a bit sore. A chin strap was the successful solution. It took a while to get used to th he chin strap which kept my mouth closed and breathing through my nose. It took a while to get used to this setup but it works. I sleep as designed. Put on the chin strap and the nasal mask without any thought and sleep soundly. Highly recommend this combination. Often wondered why Resmed or Phillips haven't built this into a mask.

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@cjeanj Hi and I also wear a chin strap with the nasal pillows. But one other area is my wife usually tells me when I snore more than usual and that too will give me a sore throat.

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I've been on CPAP treatment for over 16 years now. Various design and control macchines as well as different types of masks. I centered on the nasal pillow a few years ago, primarily for comfort but also functionality. However, I discovered that I would breathed through my mouth which would get very dry and through a bit sore. A chin strap was the successful solution. It took a while to get used to th he chin strap which kept my mouth closed and breathing through my nose. It took a while to get used to this setup but it works. I sleep as designed. Put on the chin strap and the nasal mask without any thought and sleep soundly. Highly recommend this combination. Often wondered why Resmed or Phillips haven't built this into a mask.

Jump to this post

I've been on CPAP treatment for over 16 years now. Various design and control macchines as well as different types of masks. I centered on the nasal pillow a few years ago, primarily for comfort but also functionality. However, I discovered that I would breathed through my mouth which would get very dry and through a bit sore. A chin strap was the successful solution. It took a while to get used to th he chin strap which kept my mouth closed and breathing through my nose. It took a while to get used to this setup but it works. I sleep as designed. Put on the chin strap and the nasal mask without any thought and sleep soundly. Highly recommend this combination. Often wondered why Resmed or Phillips haven't built this into a mask.

Jump to this post