We have tried everything you have suggested with the exception of the suction machine. We were told we needed a prescription for this & her Oncologist would not write one. If it were not for this "crap" she continues to hack up, she would be doing fairly well. She is unable to sleep & has been up for almost 3 days. She has only one more week of radiation & hopefully this will subside when the treatment ends. Thanks for your suggestions. We are having her rinse her mouth out, but no salt as it is very irritating to the inside of her mouth......sores & all.