Sore Jaw With FFM

[ValShotz]

I was just wondering if anyone else has experienced a sore jaw while using a full face mask for your CPAP machine. I don't know why, but out of the blue, this week has been absolute torture for me. I've been waking up every day with a sore right jaw, around the hinge, and I can't figure out what I'm doing that's causing this.

I've tried loosening my headgear straps, and when I do that, my mask slides around, leaks and gives me "face farts" (sorry!) all night long. When I tighten the straps, even just a little, I get a good seal, but I know that I'm not supposed to be using my headgear like that. I've adjusted that forehead dial into a position so the air isn't leaking directly into my eyes, but I wonder if I'm ending up putting it into such a position that it forces my jaw back.

It's only the right side that is sore when I wake up, and it's only been happening for about a week. I've trained myself to sleep on either of my sides, and I put two pillows in sort of a cross or lowercase T position so I can let my mask hang off of the pillow, rather than me using one pillow and the mask getting pressed sideways all night. I've been doing that since I started using my CPAP a couple months ago, so I don't think that's the problem. I don't grind my teeth or clench my jaw. If anything, my mouth hangs open and I end up drooling in my mask some nights. I've felt around in my mouth and there are no signs of abscesses or tooth problems.

I have no idea what the problem is. It seems like whenever I get myself into a good rhythm with the mask and machine, somehow or another, I fudge it up and I end up frustrated and sleepless all over again. I've asked my DME supplier if I can try a nose-only mask, which I will qualify for in early November, so I'm hoping that will help me sleep more comfortably, but I wondered if anyone had any experience with this or could offer some suggestions to help me out until then.

Thanks in advance!
-Valerie

[BlackSpinner]

Are you maybe grinding your teeth? Is there a bit more stress in your life lately?

You can get a cheap "boil & bite" bit in the drug stores - they are used as mouth guards. You may want to try that out.

A mask like the Inomed Hybrid works differently on the face and might help too.

ETA: Sometimes however TMJ just happens, you bite on something and it is the straw that breaks the camels back. It doesn't mater that you have chewed that before a million times, the millionth and one is too much for it. That is what happened to my sister years ago, one it she was fine, the next she wasn't.

[purple]

Hi, First of all, while I do not like doing this myself, it works.

Massage the joint with two fingers in a circular motion for a minute or two.

Also effective is to put heat on the joint, such as a heating pad, for five minutes, two three times a day.

I suspect that in my case some of the issue is that the air pressure causes some leakage into the area.

I also had severe aerophagia. I have gotten rid of that by using a bi level machine, and the jaw hinge joint pain is gone as well.

What is your pressure? Mask type?

[greatunclebill]

maybe you have TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder) that has not been diagnosed yet. maybe the mask and headgear are pushing the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) into an uncomfortable position resuling in soreness. this can happen. if the soreness persists, consult your physician to see if that is where it's coming from.