Dry Mouth

[bryanj58]

I just got certified two weeks ago and having a problem.

I'm getting very bad dry mouth, its bad enough that I keep gagging myself.
This morning I keep gagging until breakfast came up. Not what I want on a dive.

Any help would be very appreciative. I do not want to give up diving but if I cannot get this under control I'm not sure what other option I will have.
Is there anything I can do to help eliminate this?

Thanks for any help

 

[Doc]

You are getting dehydrated.

Symptoms of dry mouth mean that you are well into dehydration by the time that occurs. Yes... the compressed air is very dry.

Drink water often and lots before every dive. And again after. Glug glug glug.

Breakfast did you have? Coffee was it? Follow it with 20 oz of agua.

I say this about warm water diving: If you're diving and you don't have to pee while u/w, you are dehydrated.
(Cold water diving with heavy wetsuits and drysuits introduce other issues)

1000 technical methods (by buying something) for resolving this oft discussed, but brutally simple issue, will now be forthcoming.

 

[Kilili]

There are numerous possibilities as to cause.

Some people have a gagging problem, dry mouth, dehydration, or not. For instance dry mouth can also be the result of taking certain medications, like Prozac.

That aside, I had problems with gaggling while back, and found that changing out the mouthpiece made a world of difference. Some throat sprays will help desensitise, and you may wish to talk to your dentist if the problems continue.

As it is, I can keep the reg in my mouth for a few hours without problem, if I'm underwater. If not, I cannot do even a couple of minutes without gagging. Some kind of subconscious reaction, I think.

 

[kombiguy]

I just stick a plug of chaw in my cheek. My only problem is when I need to spit.

 

[sardiverdan]

Drink plenty of water and if that does not help try one of these Apollo Sports: Dive Gear: Regulators: Bio-Filter

 

[diver_doug]

@bryanj58

The answer is so simple! All you need to do is shell out $10,000 for a rebreather and, voila, problem solved!

Seriously though, like others have said, it could just be a matter of needing to be more hydrated. You could also try this: Apollo Bio-Filter Regulator Moisture System, or this Sherwood Oasis regulator.

 

[bryanj58]

Yes I might be getting dehydrated. We got in the water at 6:30am so it was wake up and get into the water.

I'm going to look into the oasis, I've also heard the scubapro G250v would help also. looking into to both of them now.

I know I have a gagging problem. I have a hard time holding my nose and breathing without gagging.

thanks everyone for the info

 

[mdb]

As diver doug said some options are The Sherwood Oasis, all metal second stages, lots of hydration and our bio-filter: Apollo Sports: Dive Gear: Regulators: Bio-Filter.

You will have other folks with more advice. Welcome to ScubaBoard-a lot of good info here- Keep diving.