I'm about 10 weeks out from the end of my treatment...got a little taste, toothpaste, some soups etc. Have made friends with my water bottle..BUT, I wake up three or four times a night with my mouth nearly dried shut. I'll have to sit up and take two or three drinks of water and let them sit in my mouth to kind of get things back to normal. Then I can go back to sleep and wake up a do it again. If this is fairly normal...and I assume it is...about how long on average will it last. Kinda ruins the sleep cycle.

I get that dryness too , but I just take a little biotene mouthwash swish it for about 30 seconds, the a little water and i get some slobbers going. It doesn't last all night but maybe for a couple of hours. Maybe a little hydrocodone solution helps too if you have it.

I think I can say that for most of us, it is normal, unfortunately.

Are you sleeping with you mouth open? I find that I do sometimes and that really adds to the effect.

Some here have suggested wearing some sort of chin strap to keep that sucker closed.

I am 13 months post IMRT and still have both the Biotene and Water bottle on the bedstand. It is not as bad as it used to be so yes it does get some better for most.

Kevin

Some people get humidifiers and put them next to their bed. Being in Fl and having my Tx end when the air here is still very moist, I didn't have to do that but you're in Tn in the winter so it may be beneficial. Also keep a mister full of water next to the bed and spray your mouth frequently.

Good luck but this phase will to soon pass.

The Biotene folks make a mouth spray. I haven't used it, but used a different brand that was available when I had rad. Worked great. Humidifer for non-FL folk is also good idea. Try to keep your mouth shut.

Take care,
Eileen

Besides the water and biotene I also have a large humidifier by mu bedroom door. LOL Maybe there's something else like a slingto make you sleep without an open mouth. If there is I'll try anything to stop this dry mouth.

I didn't have rad., but I have problems with a dry mouth when sleeping since my surgery for other reasons.

I find that using a spray bottle does the trick for me.....I keep a spray bottle of water, and a spray bottle of Biotene by my bedside, and some lovely lip salve. I find this easier than actually drinking.....and easier than taking a chance on spilling my water. I sometimes use my Rubbermaid "suck bottle" with a flip spout. It doesn't drip if knocked over or lost in your bed. You sip it without having to tip it up.

It seems that someone--Brian, maybe it was you.. on the forum mentioned a mister that was operated by a battery pack, and he wore it all the time for (am I remembering this right?) a constant misting. Brian, am I making this up? It would be great to sleep with something like that. If I am making this up, then somebody needs to invent this!

I'll get a humidifer set up and try that spray bottle with a 50/50 of biotene and water (or maybe scotch and water). I sleep in a recliner and I don't think I sleep with my mouth open but the idea of keeping it closed will be looked at....thanks again, ya'll are great!

Gary - I've tried the Biotene spray that others have recommended, but have found Oasis mouth spray to be much more tolerable, and it relieves the dry mouth much better than water. Good luck!

Gary

My experience is that the warm mist humidifiers work better and are quieter that the cool mist units. Plus they do not cool off the room like the cool mist units do. The downside is that they use more electricity because of the heating element (about 250-500 watts).

Just food for thought.

Kevin