Jaw/Face Pain

I have been having very bad pain on one side of my face and especially lower jaw. Has anyone else who uses a CPAP or APAP mask had the same problem? I recently tried a nose one to see if it helps but was bad again. The pain is so bad it wakes me up. It is not my teeth as my dental health is good and has been checked.

Hi Lynnie.

Just my guess....you probably have the straps adjusted too tightly. I noticed this exact problem and through much trial and error, I found the perfect degree of tightness/looseness and I haven't experienced this issue in a while. They can be a lot looser than you think and still hold a good seal.

Of course, now I'm having a leakage problem, so I may need to re-adjust them again. I am leaning toward trying a different style mask though to see if that resolves the problems.

Paul

When fitting a silicone mask, think hover craft.
If held down tightly, creases form, air rushes out, and nobody gets anywhere.
When the tethers are adjusted to hold the hovercraft just barely off the ground, the skirt fills with air,
pushing the edge of the skirt down until it just kisses the ground.
Let your mask kiss your face, keep the creases out, and your mask will be smooth and happy, and so will your face.

I would see my doctor as there is a problem called trigeminal neuralgia and it causes shooting 'electric' type of pain in your face - just in case it isn't Cpap related (not everything is ), plus on occasion (esp. in women rather than men) serious cardiac problems show up as jaw pain... I wouldn't try to guess at things over the internet though.

Thanks for the replies. I have tried to loosten the straps as I also thought it might be that. When I Googled my problem I also found Trigeminal Neuralgia and that fits my symptoms more. I just thought that maybe the CPAP can cause Trigeminal Neuralgia as you have this cold air blowing onto your face all night. Thanks I will have to go to the doctor again (went last year) and see what they can figure out. Will let you know if I find an answer.

TN may be triggered by nerves at the back of the head and if the straps are tight, or even if they're not, they could interfere. I'd see a neurologist if at all possible - they usually have tricks GP's aren't always aware of.

Also get them to rule out heart problems (good catch, Julie)

Why not tell us what mask you are using...then you might get some specific suggestions.

AFTER you diagnose the problem, you may want to see your dentist to make sure your teeth aren't moving. If they are, you may need to wear a retainer at night. If you have this problem you will be catching it early before any damage is done. I didn't catch the problem, so I'm near the end of $4,800 worth of orthodontic work to correct the problems created by CPAP causing my teeth to move. A retainer is made by your dentist & will hold your teeth in place while you sleep.

I seriously would check out the medical end of this first. Drs.tend not to check for heart problems in women Julie has a very good point, that is too important t be diagnosed over the internet. Just check the teeth issue after you tend to the other issues.

Jen

This probably isn't your cause but I thought I'd mention it.
I have a sensitivity to scents, fragrances i.e perfumes, lotions and
many other manufactured item containing fragrances.

These cause me great ear and jaw pain. For years I was treated for TMJ
but I've found it is the scents. Weird!

Bryan