CPAP with jaw wired shut

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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NancyOlyWa
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CPAP with jaw wired shut

Post by NancyOlyWa » Wed Dec 24, 2014 12:24 pm

I will be having corrective jaw surgery and will have my jaw wired shut for a few weeks. One thing I forgot to ask my doctor is if it is possible to use CPAP with jaw wired shut. Has anyone had any experience with this?

herefishy
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Re: CPAP with jaw wired shut

Post by herefishy » Wed Dec 24, 2014 12:26 pm

Seems like it's the answer to a lot of problems with people who can't keep their mouths shut, better than taping.

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Nozzelnut
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Re: CPAP with jaw wired shut

Post by Nozzelnut » Wed Dec 24, 2014 12:40 pm

Is the surgery to correct OSA, malocclusion...? There may be other procedures that could help with OSA; if you were so inclined.

I'm going to be in a similar boat later in 2015, but will hopefully address my OSA at the same time as my bad bite.

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NancyOlyWa
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Re: CPAP with jaw wired shut

Post by NancyOlyWa » Wed Dec 24, 2014 12:49 pm

The surgery is to correct the disc displacement in my jaw joint. I have suffered from TMJD since I was a kid. The disc is completely out of the socket and is preventing me from being able to open my mouth, I can only open it about 1/2 an inch. The type of surgery that I will be having will give me more space in the joint and allow the disc to slip back in place. It is possible that if I follow through with the plan that the doctor has recommended (with two more surgeries) that I could come out of this not needing to use my CPAP machine. Taking this one surgery at a time...

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archangle
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Re: CPAP with jaw wired shut

Post by archangle » Wed Dec 24, 2014 3:52 pm

You're definitely going to have to ask the doctor on this.

Unfortunately, many doctors tend to take the easy answer and tell you to just stop everything that might conflict without considering the consequences. No CPAP could lead to really poor sleep, which won't help your recovery. It might take some effort on your part to get him to really think about it. Doctors also tend to think CPAP pressure is higher than it really is and think it's going to rip out your stitches or blow air bubbles into your bloodstream. Even a high pressure like 20 cmH2O is only like blowing bubbles through a straw into the bottom of a soft drink cup. You get a LOT more pressure when you sneeze or cough.

You should probably also consider where the mask and headgear will be pressing on your face.

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NancyOlyWa
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Re: CPAP with jaw wired shut

Post by NancyOlyWa » Wed Dec 24, 2014 4:28 pm

Thank you for your comments Archangle.