Newbie with Jaw Pain after CPAP Use

[TeddyBfan]

Mask replacement frequency can vary between insurance companies so you need to check with yours to make sure what it is but in general 3 months or 6 months for a new complete mask is common.
Mask cushions can be replaced more frequently.
So yes you could use your next new mask allowance to try something else and not have to give up the current mask. I didn't mean to make it sound like you need to rush out and try all those other masks next week. I think when I was in my mask experimenting phase I did the bulk of it over a period of 6 months.

Watch the forum...often members will offer up a gently used mask either for free to get it out of their house or real cheap. That's how I got most of my mask experiments...even used they will give you an idea if it is worth proceeding with further experimentation or it simply won't work.

And yes...mask liners will greatly reduce the accumulation of facial oils on the cushion. Liners will help keep it cleaner.

In terms of the expected life of the masks..most will last a lot longer than 3 months. There are parts that will last longer than other parts depending on the mask. Plastic frames will last forever with common sense care. The elasticity of the headgear will vary depending on the mask type and how much it's used. The silicone part...the cushion probably lasts the shortest time for some people and again it depends on a lot of things...cleaning routine or facial oils or just handling. Some people need to change monthly (and for full face mask cushions insurance will usually pay for 1 cushion per month) and others not so often. This is something you will need to sort through on your own as to how long they will last but get a spare cushion as soon as you can because you never know when one might tear or something.
It's good to always have a back up of some sort for everything.

Thank you for all your help, Pugsey. No, you did not make it sound like I needed to go out right away to change my mask. So, no worries.

The silicone around the mask does look thin and can possibly tear. So, I will ask the supplier about getting some extra ones.

I wanted to share that last night I used a mask liner that I made myself. I believe it greatly reduced the leaks. I feel much more rested today. At this time, I only have MyAir to give me some idea of how I am doing. Last night I scored a 0 out of 5 for mask seal. The night before I woke up numerous times to adjust the mask but I scored a 5 out of 5. Go figure. I still scored the max points in all other categories with an AHI of 1.5. I think I will continue using the liners.

Thank you again to everyone. This is much appreciated.

[Pugsy]

We don't want to be waking up multiple times a night having to adjust the mask. When we wake often it totally messes up the normal progression of the sleep cycles that we need to progress through for the restorative powers of sleep to work.

If you are unable to use the software to see exactly what the leaks are doing...get the leak data off the machine. It's better than whatever MyAir is offering in terms of something to evaluate.
Do you know how to get the data off the LCD screen on the machine? The clinical manual (talked about in your other thread) explains how to get to the data available on the machine or turn it on so you can see if if you can't right now.

[musculus]

TBF,

I found that maxing the humidity and turn down the pressure a bit help with the dry mouth.

The mouth breathing is caused by nasal congestion, so the full face mask is necessary in your case, just work on the leak control.

musculus

[TeddyBfan]

XyliMelts are perfect for use with the CPAP at night.

https://www.amazon.com/XyliMelts-Dry-Mo ... s=xylomelt

I'm sorry. I completely missed this post. Thank you for the suggestion and the link. Xylomelts was also recommended by another member here. I placed the order today and should receive it early next week.

I saw my dentist yesterday and he advised that I also use Biotene, as a different member recommended. I will try all suggestions to see what works.

[TeddyBfan]

TBF,

I found that maxing the humidity and turn down the pressure a bit help with the dry mouth.

The mouth breathing is caused by nasal congestion, so the full face mask is necessary in your case, just work on the leak control.

musculus

Hi Musculus,

I find that when the humidifier is on the higher settings, inside my FF mask becomes very warm, which makes me uncomfortable. Sometimes it feels as if I cannot breathe. So, I keep the humidifier at a medium level and even then I feel warm. At your recommendation, I will maximize the humidity tonight and see if I can tolerate it.

Thank you for the suggestion.

[TeddyBfan]

Update:
I have had some improvement in my CPAP experience since I have been following this forum. While there are still leaks, the liners seem to have reduced them. The last three nights, I have had more hours of uninterrupted sleep and I have felt more rested the following days. Also, the pain in my jaw is not as uncomfortable.

I was told not to dismiss the dry mouth. So, last night, I set the machine at the highest humidifier setting and I used the Biotêne gel. Unfortunately I still woke up with very dry mouth. I will continue to try both for a few more days to see what happens.

Tomorrow I have my first appointment with the sleep doctor since I started CPAP therapy. Besides what I have been discussing here, is there anything else I should ask/share with the doctor? Will he have reports that show what SleepyHead shows?

Lastly, does this site provide notifications when someone has quoted us?

[tan]

Update:
I have had some improvement in my CPAP experience since I have been following this forum. While there are still leaks, the liners seem to have reduced them. The last three nights, I have had more hours of uninterrupted sleep and I have felt more rested the following days. Also, the pain in my jaw is not as uncomfortable.

I was told not to dismiss the dry mouth. So, last night, I set the machine at the highest humidifier setting and I used the Biotêne gel. Unfortunately I still woke up with very dry mouth. I will continue to try both for a few more days to see what happens.

Tomorrow I have my first appointment with the sleep doctor since I started CPAP therapy. Besides what I have been discussing here, is there anything else I should ask/share with the doctor? Will he have reports that show what SleepyHead shows?

Lastly, does this site provide notifications when someone has quoted us?

Partial vertical mouth taping helps me eliminate both leaks and dry mouth

[49er]

XyliMelts are perfect for use with the CPAP at night.

https://www.amazon.com/XyliMelts-Dry-Mo ... s=xylomelt

I'm sorry. I completely missed this post. Thank you for the suggestion and the link. Xylomelts was also recommended by another member here. I placed the order today and should receive it early next week.

I saw my dentist yesterday and he advised that I also use Biotene, as a different member recommended. I will try all suggestions to see what works.

No apologies and I hope it works for you.

[Janknitz]

You can get an entire mask frame and cushion on Medicare every three months, and some private insurers follow Medicare guidelines. But the ridiculousness is that Medicare only covers headgear every six months (and that's the thing that usually needs replacement sooner). Some DME's will just give you an entire mask because since they part out the cushion and frame anyway, they get more than their cost for an entire mask. But some DME's will not give you the headgear. Not much good having a different mask without headgear

If dry mouth on CPAP is bothering you, the best bet is to address the cause--mouth breathing rather than trying to treat the symptoms with an oral moistener. Options for keeping the mouth closed are taping, chin strap, or cervical collar. And practicing nose breathing all day long by placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth and breathing from your nose all day long to build up the habit (I didn't that that would really work, but it did for me). Also address any nasal condition issues--address allergens and food sensitivities, use a saline nasal rinse or nasal spray before bed, and just plain be sure to blow your nose before bed.

[TeddyBfan]

You can get an entire mask frame and cushion on Medicare every three months, and some private insurers follow Medicare guidelines. But the ridiculousness is that Medicare only covers headgear every six months (and that's the thing that usually needs replacement sooner). Some DME's will just give you an entire mask because since they part out the cushion and frame anyway, they get more than their cost for an entire mask. But some DME's will not give you the headgear. Not much good having a different mask without headgear

If dry mouth on CPAP is bothering you, the best bet is to address the cause--mouth breathing rather than trying to treat the symptoms with an oral moistener. Options for keeping the mouth closed are taping, chin strap, or cervical collar. And practicing nose breathing all day long by placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth and breathing from your nose all day long to build up the habit (I didn't that that would really work, but it did for me). Also address any nasal condition issues--address allergens and food sensitivities, use a saline nasal rinse or nasal spray before bed, and just plain be sure to blow your nose before bed.

Thank you for the suggestions. My insurance plan will cover a new mask every 3 months. I saw my sleep doctor today. He had me try a few masks, including the Philips Respironics Wisp Nasal mask. It was very comfortable. I believe I would sleep more soundly if I use that nasal mask. My doctor is placing an order for the Wisp nasal mask which I should receive in September.

As you suggest, I have to practice nose breathing. I can do that in the day but I find that when I am sleeping, if I don't mouth breathe, I feel like a am choking. While I start the night breathing through my nose, once I fall asleep, it seems that I revert back to oral breathing. So, I will try taping by mouth this weekend. What surgical tape is recommended?

[Lucyhere]

You might find some help in this thread:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=112747&p=1086297&hi ... e#p1086297

I've forgotten the name of the tape that most people use because I don't use tape. Someone will come along and mention the name. I use a cervical collar... works best for me.

[SewTired]

To add to SirNoddingoff's post, I also had some problems with jaw pain (using nasal pillows) and I'm pretty certain it was teeth grinding at the time. It went away by itself when I worked out the proper humidity.