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Have abandoned CPAP...now what?
After hiring a CPAP machine for two months and trying two different masks and I have had enough of grinding my teeth and suffering painful nerve affected molars. II was advised that I could try a mandibular device which sounds like a medieval torture instrument.
Now my sleep apnea continues but I have read about: tilting my bed; Buteyko; and, throat exercises.
Has anyone used these methods? I had my tonsils out when I was a child so that might make me ineligible for surgery. I am not overweight.
If I cannot find an alternative method to get me through then I don't know what to do
Views: 443
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Charley K on
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John, you may be giving up on CPAP therapy too soon. It took 6 monthes and four mask configurations to finally feel like CPAP or BiPAP was helping me. I also had teeth grinding that started after I began using BiPAP, although I was fortunate enough to not get the pain in molars you expeienced. I purchased a $20 custom mold-yourself mouth gaurd for bruxism from Walgreens and it took care of the teeth grinding during CPAP useage. Bonus: Mouth gaurd also made it easier to keep my mouth closed at night and seems to help keep mouth and teeth cleaner, fresher at night!
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Permalink Reply by Mary Z on
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Your dentist should be able to craft a simple device just to keep you from grinding your teeth. Some people buy a simple mouth guard like those used by athletes. None of the other methods you described are really useful in treating OSA. Either CPAP or a dental device are the best accepted treatment. In case your apnea is positional in nature try staying off your back while sleeping.
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Permalink Reply by Terry Vella on
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John, I was similar to Charley K even though I had a positive attitude towards CPAP it took my 6 months and 5 masks to get used to it, now I'm fine. If you have been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea you really need to persist for your own health. Is problem with CPAP the machine, mask or teeth grinding? Do you use a full face mask, nasal mask or nasal pillow?
I grinded my teeth prior to CPAP and now where a chin strap so I breath through my nose and this has also stopped my teeth grinding as it keeps my mouth closed and my teeth together so I can't grind.
Teeth grinding is probably due to stress so I relieved the stress by using CPAP after 48 years of non treatment and suffering.
There are many suggestion on this forum and other forums that may help you.
Hope you can keep up the CPAP.
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Some people have lots of luck with plain old $30 boil-it-yourself mouth guards. I'm not sure why using a mask would make you grind your teeth if you otherwise don't though. People usually use the guards with the machine, not without. I used a guard a time or two with and without the machine and my teeth and jaw became very painful, so I can relate.
I've used the Buteyko method (tape or Ace bandage!) too and raised the head of bed many a time; I just bought an adjustable Tempurpedic bed, matter of fact, and it feels wonderful. I don't need each technique every night but when I have troubles I do go back to them. Haven't tried throat exercises yet. Chin straps don't work for me unless they cover my mouth. I get lip leaks plus my mouth opens. Ugh.
If you tell us more, like what kind of masks you've tried, if you open your mouth while asleep, etc. we might be able to zero in a little better and be more helpful. I tried over a dozen masks before I found a couple that work for me. It takes a lot of trial and error sometime.
One thing for sure; I would never be without my machine and the paraphernalia that goes with it sometimes. Before treatment I felt like I was having nightly heart attacks before I was diagnosed. Never again!
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I am very much obliged for the replies to my post. I have used a full face mask and then a nasal pillow. I never ground my teeth prior to CPAP and now that I have stopped CPAP the grinding has stopped too. I have moderated obstructive apnea. My teeth were constantly aching and i was told by my dentist that grinding teeth could kill the nerve. he alsi said that it was probably caused bt stress and the only stress I seemed to have was the CPAP machine. I did not think that enduring that for several more months was a god idea.
I am glad that it works for all of you but I must be different.
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I agree the bruxism must stop. You have received all kinds of probable solutions and a Google search came up with a lot of hits. Surely your dentist does not expect you to just stop CPAP treatment. That is really not a viable option, John. This is just one more problem you have to work through. I believe a small dose af a sedative such as valium has helped some people stop grinding your teeth. Surely your dentist has a better solution than just stopping CPAP therapy.
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