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CPAP & TMJ
I have had a CPAP machine with a full face mask since August, 2011. Shortly after starting to use it, I would wake up once or twice a week and my jaw would crack--only in the morning. Two weeks ago, I went to Florida and stayed in a hotel. I brought my machine and the day after I used it, my jaw really cracked and has been hurting from my ear down to my chin every since. Has anyone had any problems with jaw cracking? I don't know what else it could be. As far as I know, I don't grind my teeth.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mary Z on
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Debbie, I did a google search and a search on the forum and couldn't find any definitive answers. I think the pressure from the mask is moving my bottom teeth around, but this is just supposition on my part. If no one has any answers It might be a question for the dentist. If you see a dentist be sure and take your mask. I'll lok around and see if I can find anything more substantive. Are you in pain?
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Permalink Reply by Paul on
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Definitely sounds like a TMJ problem. If you are not getting the proper oxygen your jaw will tighten up.
Mary Z said:Debbie, I did a google search and a search on the forum and couldn't find any definitive answers. I think the pressure from the mask is moving my bottom teeth around, but this is just supposition on my part. If no one has any answers It might be a question for the dentist. If you see a dentist be sure and take your mask. I'll lok around and see if I can find anything more substantive. Are you in pain?
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Your jaw cracking started AFTER the CPAP, so it doesn't seem like the typical bruxism due to OSA. LIke you I'm a fairly recent user, and have noticed that some masks seem to put pressure over my checkbones. What type of mask do you use and could this be a possibility? Do you use a chin strap that pulls your chin up? I'm thinking of any culprit that displaces your jaw out of alignment creating the TMJ cracking.
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I would suggest trying a couple things. First, if you have a cpap that allows you to put the leak detection I would turn this on. See if it goes off during the middle night. If you have any leaking that can definitley put some strain on your jaw affecting the way you breathe. Do you have marks from actual straps of the CPAP? If so, then that mask is not for you. I am 33 and have had sleep apnea since I was 16. I am just coming to the realization that although I definitely do have TMJ I am probably worsening my condition by using a full face mask that does not fit me real well. I actually just sent an e-mail to a company in Australia that has patented making custom made masks. I will let you know what I get back from them.
K. S. said:Your jaw cracking started AFTER the CPAP, so it doesn't seem like the typical bruxism due to OSA. LIke you I'm a fairly recent user, and have noticed that some masks seem to put pressure over my checkbones. What type of mask do you use and could this be a possibility? Do you use a chin strap that pulls your chin up? I'm thinking of any culprit that displaces your jaw out of alignment creating the TMJ cracking.
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Thanks Paul and K'S. Let me know about the custom made masks. Mine seems to fit okay, but it comes apart during the night sometimes and starts to leak.
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Paul said:I would suggest trying a couple things. First, if you have a cpap that allows you to put the leak detection I would turn this on. See if it goes off during the middle night. If you have any leaking that can definitley put some strain on your jaw affecting the way you breathe. Do you have marks from actual straps of the CPAP? If so, then that mask is not for you. I am 33 and have had sleep apnea since I was 16. I am just coming to the realization that although I definitely do have TMJ I am probably worsening my condition by using a full face mask that does not fit me real well. I actually just sent an e-mail to a company in Australia that has patented making custom made masks. I will let you know what I get back from them.
K. S. said:Your jaw cracking started AFTER the CPAP, so it doesn't seem like the typical bruxism due to OSA. LIke you I'm a fairly recent user, and have noticed that some masks seem to put pressure over my checkbones. What type of mask do you use and could this be a possibility? Do you use a chin strap that pulls your chin up? I'm thinking of any culprit that displaces your jaw out of alignment creating the TMJ cracking.
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If your jaw is hurting, first have a dentist evaluate, possibly x-rays. When I had pain that eventually resulted in a root canal, I could not locate the pain to one tooth, so diffuse jaw pain, could simply be dental-related. Hope so, as this is easier to treat than chronic arthritic TMJ joint pain.
It doesn't sound like your mask is hitting the jawline to have this persistent soreness. Dealing with leaks is common, but why does your mask come apart? What type & manufacturer of your mask?
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It is a full face mask and ther is a soft rubbery piece that fits onto the hard mask. I do have a dental appt. On a couple weeks,, so I will get it checked out then. Thanks for all your input.
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