Hello, it is common for elderly diabetic patients to face this 'Dry Mouth-Mouth Breathing' cycle. In this case,
diabetes and age reduce natural saliva, and the difficulty in nose breathing forces him to breathe through his mouth, which dries it out completely and disturbs his sleep.
1. Address the Nasal Obstruction (Primary Goal)
If he cannot breathe through his nose, he will always breathe through his mouth.
Saline Nasal Spray/Drops: Use 2 drops in each nostril 3–4 times a day. This helps clear the passages and moisturizes the nasal lining without affecting blood
sugar.
Steam Inhalation: 5–10 minutes before bed can help open the nasal airway.
Sleeping Position: Using an extra pillow to keep the head slightly elevated can reduce nasal congestion at night.
2. Manage the Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Sip Water Frequently: Keep a bottle/glass of water by his bedside. Small, frequent sips are better than large amounts at once.
Sugar-Free Stimulants: Sucking on sugar-free lemon drops or chewing sugar-free gum can help stimulate the salivary glands. (Ensure they are specifically 'Sugar-Free' to protect his diabetic status).
Biotene / Saliva Substitutes: You can use over-the-counter dry mouth gels or sprays (like Biotene) before he goes to sleep to coat the mouth and keep it moist for longer.
Avoid Alcohol-based Mouthwash: These significantly worsen dryness. Switch to a specialized 'Dry Mouth' or alcohol-free mouthwash if needed.
3. Environmental & Health Checks
Humidifier: Using a cool-mist humidifier in his bedroom at night adds moisture to the air he is breathing.
Blood Sugar Control: Ensure his blood glucose is well-managed; high sugar levels are a direct cause of increased thirst and dry mouth.
Medication Review: Some medications for blood pressure or other age-related issues cause dry mouth. Please consult his physician to see if any of his current medicines have 'Xerostomia' as a side effect.
Recommendation: I suggest starting with Saline Nasal Drops and an OTC Dry Mouth Gel tonight. If the nasal blockage persists, an ENT specialist should check for structural issues like polyps or a deviated septum.