CPAP Supply USA Community

I have sores in my mouth that are very painful.  I've had them for over a month.  It's not individual sores but a one giant sore from the back to the front of my mouth.  I went to the Dr. and he thought they were caused by the use of the CPAP and told me not to use it until they were healed.  I thought they were gone and wore it for 2 nights now they are back.  I use a Fisher & Paykel heated humidifier unit and a mask that just covers my nose.  I wash the mask and hose every day and the water container once a week with vinegar and water.  I do wake with a very dry mouth.  Help, I'm miserable!!!

Thank you for contacting CPAP Supply USA.  I am sorry to hear about the mouth discomfort.

Depending on the severity of your sleep apnea, going without your CPAP is probably nogt the best thing to do

A couple of suggestions:  We recommend replacing your humidifier water chamber every 6 months.  It sounds like you are doing a good job cleaning yours, but a regular changing will ensure nothing is growing.  Make sure you are rinsing everything thoroughly.

Are you on any new medications? Steroid inhalers can grow mouth thrush, so always remember to rinse out your mouth.

Your also mentioned you are on a nasal mask.  It is possible you are opening your mouth during sleep.  You may want to try a chin strap to help keep your mouth closed or a full face mask that covers your mouth and nose to ensure the opened mouth does not cause drying which may lead to the mouth sores.

Hope this helps.  Please contact us again to let us know how you are doing.

Debbie Shirley,RRT