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Sleep apnea is a condition that affects 22 million Americans. There are solutions for those who suffer from sleep apnea, such as mouthpieces, surgery, and CPAP devices, with CPAP machines being the most common treatment.
Most Common Side Effects of using CPAP Machines
There are several common side effects to using a CPAP machine. An uncomfortably stuffy or runny nose is common with a CPAP machine. However, most CPAP users seem to experience dry mouth symptoms the most.
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, happens when the mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva for proper lubrication. Although not having enough saliva in the mouth is unpleasant, it can also cause additional issues. The purpose of saliva is not only to lubricate the mouth, but also to control bacteria and fungi that are naturally occurring in the mouth.
Dry mouth could come from using the CPAP device itself, or it could be from sleeping with one’s mouth open. The device is designed to gently blow air down the user’s throat. While this effectively keeps the airway open for better breathing, it also dries out the inside of the mouth. Because the fungus and bacteria in the mouth no longer have saliva as a controlling agent, dry mouth can result in more than a scratchy feeling. It can also cause bad breath, cavities, and difficulty in swallowing and eating.
Treatment Options for Dry Mouth While Using CPAP Machines
There are several options for dry mouth relief. If the problem lies in the CPAP user being a mouth breather, a chin strap may be used to force breathing through the nose to remedy the dry mouth problem. This is often very difficult for folks to get used to. Adjusting the mask may also help. If the user isn’t an open mouth sleeper, the mask could be leaking air, causing the dry mouth side effect. For this, a full face mask may be a good solution to help with uncomfortable dry mouth. The problem is that comfortably using a CPAP machine takes a little time anyway. Adding other uncomfortable pieces, such as chin straps and full face masks, may leave a person even more restless. This, of course, completely eliminates the whole purpose of the CPAP device. However, one recommendation has been noted by many CPAP machine users as comfortable and effective in helping with dry mouth - OraCoat® XyliMelts®. XyliMelts are slow-release saliva stimulants and oral lubricants that provide hours of relief from dry mouth. This product may be used either in tandem with the CPAP device or during waking hours.
XyliMelts: An All-Natural Dry Mouth Remedy
main ingredient is Xylitol. XyliMelts have a pleasant, mild-mint flavor which helps with bad breath issues. Not only do XyliMelts stimulate saliva, they also coat the mouth for a more comfortable feeling. Xylitol also works to help reduce the risk of tooth decay. As an over-the-counter product, XyliMelts is an easy-to-use, effective dry mouth remedy.
Not only are XyliMelts an effective way to provide temporary relief from uncomfortable dry mouth caused by CPAP use, but they are also an all-natural product. There are no animal products contained in XyliMelts, nor any dyes, colorings, preservatives or artificial flavors as ingredients. Those who avoid fermentable sugar will be relieved to find that this remedy does not contain it. Furthermore, ingredients that commonly cause allergic reactions are eliminated from XyliMelts, such as egg, gluten, nuts, milk, and shellfish.
Many people with sleep apnea experience dry mouth from using CPAP machines. Those who have tried XyliMelts enjoy the increased moisture, both while awake and asleep. Also, XyliMelts is a dry mouth product that helps to increase saliva, reduce the risk of tooth decay, and improve bad breath. Sleep apnea sufferers who want a quality night’s rest without the dry mouth highly recommend XyliMelts as a safe, effective treatment.