There are a few reasons that you could be experiencing the feeling of dust being blown into your mouth when you use your CPAP machine, including:

  • Your machine may have dust in it
  • You may be finding the dry air uncomfortable
  • You may need to clean your CPAP equipment.

Now, let‘s take a more in-depth look at each of these possibilities.

Your CPAP machine may have dust in it.

Because you are stating that your CPAP is blowing dust into your mouth, I will assume that you wear a nose and mouth CPAP mask. This type of face mask has one of the largest openings of any of the face masks. Some masks like this come with a plastic cap or sleeve that you can set your gear into during the day to help protect it from collecting any dust or unwanted particles. If you are not using this or your CPAP machine did not come with a protective lid, you could be getting dust in your CPAP mask, which would be noticeable, especially when you first turn on your CPAP unit. Without one of the protective cups or lids, you will want to make sure that when you take off your mask in the mornings that you are laying it down with the part that touches your face flush against the table or nightstand where you keep your CPAP unit. This will help prevent any dust, dander, or hair that is floating in the air from getting into your CPAP machine.

You may be finding the dry air uncomfortable.

If your CPAP doesn’t have a humidifier and heated hose, you could be feeling the dryness of the air. Many sleep apnea sufferers have reported finding the dry air to feel dusty and say that it made their throats feel dry and scratchy. Fortunately, there are ways to manage CPAP oral dryness, and the solution to your problem could be as easy as looking into a humidifier attachment and a heated hose.

You may need to clean your CPAP equipment.

Unfortunately, CPAP equipment such as your facemask, hose, and water reservoir are perfect breeding grounds for bacteria, mold, and fungus. If any of these have been allowed to grow or congregate in your equipment, they could break off and dry out, causing a kind of dusty particle to blow out. The good news is that this can be completely corrected and avoided in the future with routine cleaning of your CPAP equipment. There are multiple ways to clean your gear manually; however, the fastest and most effective way to clean your CPAP equipment is by using a CPAP machine cleaner. There are many great models available on the market today. Click here to find out more about CPAP cleaners and which one might be best for you.
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