Do you breathe through your nose or mouth with a CPAP?

Frequently we hear patient’s report to us that they are mouth breathers and will only be able to tolerate a full face CPAP mask. This belief will often stop people from trialling a nasal CPAP mask or a nasal pillow CPAP mask.

Can I use a nasal CPAP mask if I am a mouth breather?

Each week, we have consultations with people who are finding their Full Face CPAP mask too cumbersome and uncomfortable but have never tried a nasal CPAP mask because they believe they are a mouth breather.It certainly takes some convincing, but when we are able to get people to give a nasal mask a try, we have seen some staggering results. In the past fortnight alone I have had 2 patients report an extra 3 hours sleep simply from shifting over to the smaller, less cumbersome nasal mask.

Quite often people will be mouth breathers out of necessity – because the nasal airway is blocked. The pressure that is supplied by the CPAP machine, will help to open the nasal airway allowing people to breathe through their nose again. It will feel a little funny at first, but with some persistence, we have seen some terrific results.

Initially it will take some getting used to as pressure will escape through the mouth when it opens. It is important to note that this is not dangerous, but it can be frightening at first. Typically after a couple of nights people become accustomed to the nasal mask and are then able to use it as their predominant mask. Getting people comfortable and compliant on CPAP is our number one priority. If people are able to use a nasal mask, it means less on the head and we are more likely to achieve our goal.

If you have never tried a nasal CPAP mask or a nasal pillow CPAP mask, it is worth some strong consideration – even if you label yourself a mouth breather. If you wish to discuss this further, we offer face to face online discussions which allow you to discuss your CPAP therapy.

Do you think you fall into the category of CPAP mouth breathers? Then, you may not be experiencing the most from your CPAP therapy since you’re not getting the airflow that keeps your airways open all night long.

Let’s look at some of the health implications of CPAP mouth breathing and what you can do to stop pressure loss from mouth breathing in its tracks, allowing you to enjoy the full benefits of your sleep apnea therapy once again.

The Health Risks of CPAP Mouth Breathing

Being a CPAP mouth breather and experiencing pressure loss can cause a range of health concerns within your mouth. Halitosis or bad breath, or gum disease, throat and ear infections, inflamed gums, cavities, and tooth decay are caused by CPAP dry mouth, which reduces your saliva’s ability to remove bacteria from your mouth.

Biologically, breathing from your nose serves as your body’s natural way to filter out germs and bacteria. However, when you breathe from your mouth, there is no barrier to keep the bad bacteria out.

Mouth breathing can also lead to morning headaches, brain fog, fatigue, colds, high blood pressure, digestive issues, and heart disease. Breathing from your mouth depletes your carbon dioxide levels, decreases your blood circulation, and slows your brain and reflexes.

Breathing from your mouth while using your CPAP device can worsen these symptoms since you are not receiving your full threapy benefits.

Causes of CPAP Mouth Breathing

Mouth breathing at night can be a result of allergies, asthma, or chronic colds. CPAP mouth breathing can be caused by blockages in your nasal passage, including a deviated nasal septum, sinus polyps, or birth abnormalities.

You may be experiencing CPAP mouth breathing if you have enlarged tonsils and adenoids or could be because of your jaw or nose size and shape.

How to Know if You Are CPAP Mouth Breathing at Night

If you are questioning whether you are breathing from your mouth at night, there are a few clear signs. If you wake up hoarse from snoring, with a dry mouth or bad breath, dark circles under your eyes, or are experiencing chronic fatigue, then you may be breathing from your mouth while using your CPAP equipment throughout the night.

The Leading CPAP Options for Mouth Breathers

If you are a CPAP mouth breather and want to get the most out of your sleep apnea therapy, try out these solutions based on the one that works the best for your lifestyle.

Keep Your Sinuses Clear

First, test to see if your sinuses are congested by taking a breath in through your nose. If you feel any resistance while inhaling or exhaling, then talk to your doctor about blockages in your nasal passages.

To stop CPAP mouth breathing in its tracks, try keeping your nasal sinuses clear. Try to combat your congestion by talking to your doctor about using nasal sprays, a neti pot, essential oils, nasal rinses, or about incorporating a bacteria filter.

Your ENT doctor may suggest surgery if a structural anomaly exists that is making nose breathing more difficult.

The bottom line? If your nose is blocked, you’ll be more likely to breathe through your mouth, so talk with your doctor to see if an over-the-counter solution or surgery would be the best option for you.

The Best CPAP Mask for Mouth Breathers

Can CPAP Mouth Breathers Use a Nasal or Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask?

By putting mouth breathing to bed and prompting nasal breathing, you will decrease your dry mouth, bad breath, cavities, and colds. Try incorporating a full face CPAP mask, chinstraps, or a chinstrap alternative into your nighttime routine to achieve the restful sleep you deserve.

Taylor Whitten

Taylor has seen sleep apnea treatment first-hand and has learned the ins and outs through formal training in CPAP machines, masks, and equipment. She strives to make learning about sleep apnea and sleep apnea therapies a breeze. Interested in sharing your story or have a topic you’d like CPAP.com to investigate? Contact us!

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