I have moderate sleep apnea and use a CPAP with humidifier, and nasal pillows. That worked fine through most of treatment, but the last couple of weeks, when the dry mouth and the burns in the mouth got really bad, the CPAP made me miserable. The nasal pillows (instead of a nose mask) put extra airflow through the nose, and were VERY drying to the back of the mouth and throat.

So I just wasn't sleeping. Finally realized a couple of things, and got real sleep last night without so much discomfort. Thought I'd post here in case anyone else has similar experiences or something to add.

1. I switched from nasal pillows to a mask,and that really helped with the dryness.
2. I'd been using the built-in humidifier on my Respironics System One. It's never been impressive, since even at maximum it doesn't seem to use more than 1/8 cup of water per night. Since I live in a desert area, that doesn't raise the humidity enough. I remembered I have an old Fischer Paykel HC100 humidifier which is more robust. On its highest setting I thing kit can use 1 cup of water per night. Switched over to that, and got some relief.

Anyone else have suggestions/experience with CPAP's when the mouth sores and burning are bad? How about after treatment...just ongoing with the dry mouth so many of us have?

My husband also has sleep apnea and used a CPAP regularly for years. He was not able to continue with the CPAP during treatment. We are 3 months post treatment, and he still cannot use it yet due to the dryness and mouth pain that results. So, he sleeps propped at an angle. Hopefully things will get better over time.

Even though my dry mouth improved gradually after my treatment ended I didn't see a great improvement in my dry mouth until 15 months post Tx.

15 months, yikes. My dry mouth is still getting worse. But the CPAP is at least tolerable now that the burns in the mouth are healing and I've been able to pump up the humidity.