What is Sleep Apnoea?
Sleep apnoea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common form - obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) - occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat relax too much during sleep, causing the airway to narrow or close entirely.
The consequences of untreated sleep apnoea extend well beyond poor sleep. Chronic sleep deprivation is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and depression. Left unaddressed, even mild OSA can significantly diminish quality of life.
CPAP - The Gold Standard Treatment
For moderate to severe OSA, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most effective treatment available. A CPAP machine pumps a gentle, continuous flow of air through a mask worn during sleep, holding the airway open and preventing the collapse that causes apnoea episodes.
The benefits are considerable - better sleep, improved energy and alertness, and reduced long-term health risks. However, CPAP does come with side effects, and one of the most frequently reported is dry mouth.
Why CPAP Causes Dry Mouth
CPAP-related dry mouth typically arises from one of two sources:
- Mouth breathing during sleep - if air escapes through the mouth (rather than being directed through the nose), the pressurised flow rapidly dries out oral tissues
- Mask leaks - air escaping around a poorly fitting mask creates localised drying
Checking for leaks and ensuring the mask fits correctly is always worth doing. A humidifier attachment on the CPAP machine can also help. However, for many users these measures do not fully resolve the problem - particularly for those who cannot avoid some degree of mouth breathing.
How XyliMelts can help
- Adheres to the gum and works all night without any intervention - no need to wake to reapply
- Effective even with mouth breathing and full-face mask use - the disc stays in place regardless of airflow
- Does not require humidifier modification or mask adjustment - works alongside existing CPAP setup
- Stimulates natural saliva production - addressing the root cause of dryness, not just masking it
- Protects teeth overnight by neutralising acids and reducing plaque - particularly important when dry mouth increases decay risk during sleep
- Reduces morning bad breath by maintaining a moist, healthy oral environment through the night
- 100% natural ingredients - no known contra-indications with any CPAP-related medications or treatments
Using XyliMelts at Night
CPAP users face a unique challenge: their dry mouth is caused entirely by what happens during sleep, which means daytime solutions simply do not reach the problem. Sprays and gels applied before bed evaporate quickly under the airflow. Drinking water before sleep helps temporarily but has no lasting effect.
XyliMelts are the only dry mouth solution designed to work through this. Apply one disc to each side of your gum before putting on your mask. The discs adhere safely and release moisture slowly over several hours - working in sync with your CPAP therapy all night long.
Many CPAP users who switch to XyliMelts report waking with a noticeably more comfortable mouth and, over time, better sleep continuity as nighttime dryness is no longer disrupting them.