Jaw pain

[JZ]

I started CPAP in Sept. 06. I have a small head and face. I sleep on my side and turn from side to side some during the night. I am also a very light sleeper. Everything about the CPAP experience is very hard for me to sleep with and stay asleep for any length of time. I fought with my first mask for a week (lots of leaks), then my DME switched me to a ResMed Mirage Swift nasal pillows system. Much better in terms of leaks. HOWEVER, for four months I have had persistent and often severe tightness in my jaw muscle (the long muscle coming down in front of ones ears to the lower jaw). It may just be some sort of stress reaction to the CPAP. But I also think I may be creating a problem for my neck and jaw when I lay on my side. I have to arrange my head in a somewhat unnatural position on the bed pillow so that the bed pillow won't move the headgear or nasal pillows and create a leak. I have a caring physician, dentist and chiropractor all trying to help, but no solution yet.

Has anyone else heard of this tight jaw muscle problem or the CPAP gear throwing one's neck out of whack (the C-3 vertebrae according to the chiropractor) which causes problems with the jaw? Does anyone have any suggestions about masks or nasal pillows that make it possible to sleep on your side without dislodging the gear? I have been trying to learn to sleep on my back, but so far I just can't do it.

Also, I have been reading about the CPAP PRO on their website. I'd like to hear from some users of that device if there are any out there.

[Linda3032]

Welcome to the forum. Let's take some baby steps here and work on the Swift problem first.

You probably have your straps too tight.

You are sleeping in strange positions.

You pressure might be too high and causing ear problems - which can be felt in the jaw.

All of the above can contribute to jaw pain. Here is a site with tips on fitting the Swift.

viewtopic.php?p=85539#85539

And, if you will register, and fill in your equipment on your profile, we can better help you. Let us know what pressure you are using also.

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): swift

[JZ]

I have registered and entered my profile. Thanks for prompting me to do that.

1) I keep my straps fairly loose. I will experiment with making them looser, but I don't think that is the problem.

2) Yes, I think there may be a connection with me sleeping in a strange position -- on my side, which is normal for me, but maybe with my head at a weird angle and at the edge of the bed pillow to keep the bed pillow from pushing on the strap and/or nasal pillows and creating a leak.

3) My pressure is 7. I am not aware of any ear problems.

I have a meeting scheduled tomorrow with the clinic manager of my DME. I am not at all sure what the role of the DME is in assisting me. They were extremely interested in me when trying to get me in for the sleep studies, but not overly helpful once I got my equipment. I am going to ask them to get more involved with me, advise me on masks/nasal pillows options, how often I can try someting new, and help me figure out what my insurance will cover.

[Snoozy Q]

Hi JZ. A lot of people love the Swift but I think for some folks with smaller faces it may extend out from the midline of the face a bit too much for comfort. At least that's the way it was for me when I tried it.

You might consider trying a Breeze nasal pillow. It comes down the midline of the face & doesn't extend much beyond the midline of the face.

The Aura (I think its called the Everest now) and the Comfortlight 2 may be possibilities too. They both have a nasal pillow assembly on the midline of the face. They have both gotten pretty good reviews here too.

And don't underestimate what a really good bed pillow can do for your comfort. I found a very firm foam pillow with an edge I can hang my face (&mask off) to work great. Others have sung the praises of those swishy pillows filled with teeny-tiny plastic beads -- easy to sink into, mask & all. Consider some experimenting on this part of the comfort equation, too.

[cflame1]

JZ,
Does your jaw click at all, do you grind your teeth? Sounds like you might be clenching them at least.

Check with a dentist if it persists, get them to check for TMJ.

Good suggestion is to go to a local pharmacy and get a bruxism guard, it won't allow your teeth to clench which should take the pressure off the muscle.

[CollegeGirl]

Hi JZ - as someone already suggested, you might try the Aura (now called the TwilightNP). It allows you to lay your full face on the pillow without dislodging the nasal pillows. Very good item.

Based on reviews I have seen from multiple users on this forum, I would not reccommend the CPAPPro. If you use the search function and search for cpappro (all one word) you'll see why. Out of many users who have tried it, only one or two have had any success with it.

Someone mentioned in chat the other night that many people who have apnea also have TMJ and frequently have had a tooth or two removed. I found this fascinating, as I, too, have TMJ, and had my wisdom teeth surgically removed before they came in due to space constrictions in my unusually small mouth (although, if you ask anyone around here, they'll tell you they never would have suspected I had a SMALL mouth. ) I find it interesting that this is all inter-related. Let us know what you find out - but defintely get checked for TMJ/grinding.

[sharktone]

I have had somewhat the same problem as you.. I have had my set up since the beginning of November... I used to wake up with my front teeth being sore right around my gum line.

I have always been a mouth breather, so getting used to the nose mask was kind of challeging, and I noticed when I first started wearing my mask I would clench my teeth. I use a pressure of 9

I tried loosening my straps and that helped some.. also there is something called a Papillow which you can buy online or at special retailers. its a pillow designed for CPAP users.

as stated above, you may want to try a mouth gaurd also.

[JZ]

Wow! I am grateful for the replies and advice.

A few days ago I switched to a ComfortLite 2. It is definitely more comfortable than the Mirage Swift when I am on my side (although unfortunately it is heavier). I think it may be helping a little.

I am a tooth clencher, not a grinder. I have a biteguard made by my dentist many years ago that I wear at night. The dentist is currently readjusting it to try to help with my jaw pain. The dentist does not think I have TMJ, but may send me to a specialist to make sure.

Thanks for the several suggestions about trying a different bed pillow. I had not thought of that and will give it a try.

[rested gal]

A few days ago I switched to a ComfortLite 2. It is definitely more comfortable than the Mirage Swift when I am on my side (although unfortunately it is heavier). I think it may be helping a little.

JZ, I also liked the ComfortLite 2 much better than the Swift. One thing that can help make the ComfortLite 2 more "comfy" (or did for me, anyway) is to cut off that clunky swivel that's on top of the headgear.

Here's a link you can click to see what I did to my CL2:
Apr 14, 2006 subject: ComfortLite 2 without the elbow drawings and description of removal of swivel elbow on top of headgear - by rested gal

And here's a link to many topics about the CL2, with other "fixes" people have come up with:
LINKS to Respironics ComfortLite 2 nasal pillows mask topics
viewtopic.php?t=8066

My #1 favorite mask though (bear in mind masks can be different for each person -- one can love a mask and another hate the same mask!) is one of the ones Snoozy Q mentioned. The Invacare Twilight NP (formerly called the "Aura" or the "Headrest.") Same mask College Girl and Linda 3032 use. With or without the headgear, the Twilight NP lets me lay the entire side of my face flat against any head pillow. Lets me sleep on my side (or in any sleep position, for that matter) more "naturally" than any mask I've ever tried.

Here's a link to many topics about the Twilight NP ("Aura") mask:
LINKS to Invacare Twilight NP (Aeiomed Headrest- Aura) nasal pillows mask topics
viewtopic.php?t=3098

Two types of head pillows that get lots of good reviews from message board posters are the PAPillow (a double-edge PAPillow is what I use) and Target's "Shapeable" pillow.

[JZ]

Thanks, Rested Gal, for the tips.

I am going to think about cutting the elbow off my ComfortLite 2 for awhile longer until I feel sure I won't ruin it.

In the meantime, I'm going to try both the garbage bag ties on the pillows attachment and the panty hose tights strap. I'll report back.

Thanks to all on the forum who are so generous in discussing your experiences and sharing tips. Sure makes me feel less alone.