Dental Device Discomfort
Dental Device Discomfort
Hello,
I am new to this forum and curious if anyone has had similar experiences. I use a specially fitted dental device because I can't sleep with a CPAP. I've had the device adjusted a few times in order to open the airway to the point that air flow seems to be unobstructed enough when sleeping. However I've had constant tightness/soreness in my neck/shoulders which I assume is attributed to by jaw being pulled forward and keeping those muscles tight all night. I don't feel like I'm getting any quality sleep and feel tired all day every day. Has anyone else experienced this? Any tips?
I am new to this forum and curious if anyone has had similar experiences. I use a specially fitted dental device because I can't sleep with a CPAP. I've had the device adjusted a few times in order to open the airway to the point that air flow seems to be unobstructed enough when sleeping. However I've had constant tightness/soreness in my neck/shoulders which I assume is attributed to by jaw being pulled forward and keeping those muscles tight all night. I don't feel like I'm getting any quality sleep and feel tired all day every day. Has anyone else experienced this? Any tips?
Re: Dental Device Discomfort
The only thing a dental device did for me was give me terrible jaw soreness and an extremely modified bite that took hours and hours to go away when I removed the device in the morning. I could barely chew to have breakfast. How do you know that it has removed your need for a CPAP? DId you get sleep tested with the device on? If you don't feel that you are getting quality sleep and you feel tired all day, I would posit that your dental device is certainly not doing the job you were hoping it would. As is the case for a lot of people that try these dental devices.
I would say that with some advice on how to solve the issues you were having and some perseverance, you could solve your issues in adapting to a CPAP. Really, for Sleep Apnea and for preventing further pain discomfort as well as long term jaw issues...learning to use the CPAP machine and becoming comfortable with it would be your best bet, by far.
I would say that with some advice on how to solve the issues you were having and some perseverance, you could solve your issues in adapting to a CPAP. Really, for Sleep Apnea and for preventing further pain discomfort as well as long term jaw issues...learning to use the CPAP machine and becoming comfortable with it would be your best bet, by far.
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Machine: ResMed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier |
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Additional Comments: Pressure 10-15 with EPR at 1. |
Re: Dental Device Discomfort
Thanks for the replies. I've only tried the CPAP once, at a sleep study and didn't really sleep at all. My biggest hurdle with a CPAP is that I move around a lot throughout the night - I never stay in one position - so not sure how well that will work with a mask.
Re: Dental Device Discomfort
Well how is that working for you sleeping with a dental device in your mouth? It's amazing how many people think that is the answer to their sleep problems without thinking it thru. Of course when we are sleep deprived we do make some bad choices. IMO it would have been more affordable to give cpap a try since insurance (if you have it) will cover the cost of cpap where most will not for a dental device. Now you know why.New Guy with Dental Device wrote:Thanks for the replies. I've only tried the CPAP once, at a sleep study and didn't really sleep at all. My biggest hurdle with a CPAP is that I move around a lot throughout the night - I never stay in one position - so not sure how well that will work with a mask.
This a mostly a cpap help forum so if you decide to give that a go there is plenty of info and people here to help you find a solution.
Re: Dental Device Discomfort
There are lots of solutions to keeping the hose out of your way and the mask on. We can help with that. That is the least of your worries. In fact, you may find that you will move around much less and sleep far deeper with a CPAP than without. I sure know that was the case for me.New Guy with Dental Device wrote:Thanks for the replies. I've only tried the CPAP once, at a sleep study and didn't really sleep at all. My biggest hurdle with a CPAP is that I move around a lot throughout the night - I never stay in one position - so not sure how well that will work with a mask.
My advice, if it isn't already clear, is to ditch your dental device and go to your doctor. Get a prescription for a CPAP if your sleep test dictated it and then come back to the forum for help and advice to make it comfortable for you. In the end, you'll be glad you did.
_________________
Machine: ResMed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier |
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Additional Comments: Pressure 10-15 with EPR at 1. |
- chunkyfrog
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Re: Dental Device Discomfort
I move around at night.
At this point, I can make adjustments while barely awake.
I call it the dance of the mask.
Learning to adapt to the mask is a wonderful thing.
At this point, I can make adjustments while barely awake.
I call it the dance of the mask.
Learning to adapt to the mask is a wonderful thing.
_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Additional Comments: Airsense 10 Autoset for Her |
Re: Dental Device Discomfort
I too encourage you to spare yourself this pain and work through whatever issues you had that night in the lab with CPAP. It can take time and effort to adjust to the new sensations, but it is more doable than you think. That first time can be overwhelming, but that doesn't mean it will continue to be overwhelming. People here can walk you through issues as they arise. One night is really not enough to base such a major decision on. I haven't heard people mention neck pain with the dental device, but a lot with TMJ pain.
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Mask: TAP PAP Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Improved Stability Mouthpiece |
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
Additional Comments: Bleep/DreamPort for full nights, Tap Pap for shorter sessions |
My SleepDancing Video link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jE7WA_5c73c
- Okie bipap
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Re: Dental Device Discomfort
When my wife saw what had to do before going to sleep every night (put on the mask, check for leaks, put on the soft cervical collar), she said she could never do that. Now, she has her mask and collar on and is in bed before me. Most of us are very adaptable if we really want to be so. If we continue to say we can't, then we can't. You need to make up your mind you are going to make the cpap work for you, not give in to it.
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Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier |
Mask: Evora Full Face Mask - Fitpack |
Additional Comments: IPAP 20-25, ps 4, OSCAR software |
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