I have been getting ear pain and jaw pain since starting cpap. Has anyone else expereinced this? What have you done to relieve it My pressure is set at 7.
Debbie
Ear and Jaw Pain anyone?
you should not be having those pains. If the pain is on both sides it could be from TMJ joint from clinching your teeth. It could also be a inner ear infection.
put your hands in front of your ear and move your mandible, if soreness is felt I'd see your doctor/dentist. One can check you for ear infection, the other TMJ joint pain and can examine your teeth for signs of wear from bruxing.
http://www.doctorspiller.com/TMJ.htm
put your hands in front of your ear and move your mandible, if soreness is felt I'd see your doctor/dentist. One can check you for ear infection, the other TMJ joint pain and can examine your teeth for signs of wear from bruxing.
http://www.doctorspiller.com/TMJ.htm
someday science will catch up to what I'm saying...
Debbie,
I am not a healthcare professional, so all I am about to say is just from my own experience. I began CPAP last September and soon developed serious tightness in my jaw muscles that was painful (my CPAP pressure is 7 as well). I did not have ear pain, so don't have ideas about that. Possible causes for jaw pain:
1) Sleeping with the head, neck or body in weird or unusual positions as you try to get used to CPAP or try to not dislodge your mask. I have seen a number of posts from people who experienced new aches and pains with the initiation of CPAP. Most people said it was temporary.
2) Tooth clenching or grinding while asleep (or even during the day)
3) Muscle tenseness from anxiety (increased anxiety is not uncommon while trying to adjust to CPAP)
4) Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) -- I have seen nothing that suggests that CPAP can cause TMJ, but the TMJ could just happen to coincide with the start of CPAP therapy.
Things to think about doing in response:
1) If it is mild, you might wait a couple of days to see if it goes away.
2) If it is more than mild and/or does not resolve quickly, call your doctor.
3) If there is a possibility you are a tooth grinder or clencher, see a dentist to find out whether you need a "biteguard" or "nightguard" appliance to wear at night. They are painless and can save you major dental problems down the road. You can actually get these over the counter at the drugstore. But a dentist can provide you with a custom fit and provide professional advice and care.
4) If you already have a biteguard, visit the dentist to see if it needs to be adjusted.
5) If you are having trouble with your neck, you might want to see a chiropractor. I think it is the C 2 verterbrae that can cause jaw pain if it is misaligned.
6) You might get some relief from using a cold pack, then a heat pack (or just a heat pack) on your jaws a few times a day. You can also massage your jaw, cheek, and neck muscles. Or go to a massage therapist.
Good luck and let us know how you are doing.
Janna
I am not a healthcare professional, so all I am about to say is just from my own experience. I began CPAP last September and soon developed serious tightness in my jaw muscles that was painful (my CPAP pressure is 7 as well). I did not have ear pain, so don't have ideas about that. Possible causes for jaw pain:
1) Sleeping with the head, neck or body in weird or unusual positions as you try to get used to CPAP or try to not dislodge your mask. I have seen a number of posts from people who experienced new aches and pains with the initiation of CPAP. Most people said it was temporary.
2) Tooth clenching or grinding while asleep (or even during the day)
3) Muscle tenseness from anxiety (increased anxiety is not uncommon while trying to adjust to CPAP)
4) Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) -- I have seen nothing that suggests that CPAP can cause TMJ, but the TMJ could just happen to coincide with the start of CPAP therapy.
Things to think about doing in response:
1) If it is mild, you might wait a couple of days to see if it goes away.
2) If it is more than mild and/or does not resolve quickly, call your doctor.
3) If there is a possibility you are a tooth grinder or clencher, see a dentist to find out whether you need a "biteguard" or "nightguard" appliance to wear at night. They are painless and can save you major dental problems down the road. You can actually get these over the counter at the drugstore. But a dentist can provide you with a custom fit and provide professional advice and care.
4) If you already have a biteguard, visit the dentist to see if it needs to be adjusted.
5) If you are having trouble with your neck, you might want to see a chiropractor. I think it is the C 2 verterbrae that can cause jaw pain if it is misaligned.
6) You might get some relief from using a cold pack, then a heat pack (or just a heat pack) on your jaws a few times a day. You can also massage your jaw, cheek, and neck muscles. Or go to a massage therapist.
Good luck and let us know how you are doing.
Janna
Hi!
I did have ear pain, like an earache, when I first started on CPAP. My pressure was 9 for about a week, then 8 for about a week, then 8.5, which is where it is now. The right side was particularlly bad. It lasted for about two weeks, and then stopped. I'm not a doctor or an expert, but I think it was just my body getting used to cpap.
I also had headaches and neck pain, which I now attribute to putting my head at an odd position trying to keep the mask from leaking!!
Also had a burning feeling above my lip and on my chin and had to put mole skin on in order to wear the mask (Hybrid).
All of these problems are gone now. I say all this to make the point that all our bodies are different and will react differently to his machine. It might be a good idea, though, that if it doesn't go away soon, to call your physician.
Pam
I did have ear pain, like an earache, when I first started on CPAP. My pressure was 9 for about a week, then 8 for about a week, then 8.5, which is where it is now. The right side was particularlly bad. It lasted for about two weeks, and then stopped. I'm not a doctor or an expert, but I think it was just my body getting used to cpap.
I also had headaches and neck pain, which I now attribute to putting my head at an odd position trying to keep the mask from leaking!!
Also had a burning feeling above my lip and on my chin and had to put mole skin on in order to wear the mask (Hybrid).
All of these problems are gone now. I say all this to make the point that all our bodies are different and will react differently to his machine. It might be a good idea, though, that if it doesn't go away soon, to call your physician.
Pam
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kavanaugh1950
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I get earaches especially when the humidifier is running at a higher number. I do get jaw pain which I believe is caused by the full face mask putting pressure on the jaw. I can live with the pain if the treatment is working. pat
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airwayease
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ear and jaw pain
I think you need to see your dentist, the mask is causing you to grind your teeth, and especially if you are getting more sleep , because you are now doing para-functional grinding- something you would not "dream" (excuse the pun) of doing if you were fully or partially awake- like when you are suffering non delta-phase sleep. So great, the device you wear is working to help you with breathing, but what about the tmj pain. CPAP VPAP and all the other PAP's do not allow for parafunctional jaw activity, grinding OR clenching, and the mask keeping your teeth in closer proximity than they have been for years before this is not helping this- answer, get a CUSTOM fitted mouthguard to help keep the teeth apart, better still get an Airwayease and enjoy years of comfortable support and service from a soft device that is nothing in a material sense like the thermoform softies you might otherwise get. I know this sounds like a plug, and it is, but the truth is I want you and others to benefit from further, more advanced, side support to help you get maximum experience from your investment into your health, without the pain of getting cheap and awful side help devices that will cost you and exacerbate problems because of their intrinsic bulk and lack of longevity [/img][/quote]
Full face mask & TMJ
I've been a CPAP user for a long time, using mostly nasal masks. Recently I switched to a full faced mask. I thought I had found THE one, since I often have allergies and the Resmed Full Face Mirage allows nose or mouth breathing. Not to be. About 2 months later I experienced jaw pain and could not close my jaw completely on the right side.
Diagnosed by a specialist/surgeon as TMJ. He sent me to a physical therapist with lots of TMJ patients. The therapist says he gets lots of CPAP patients with TMJ problems caused by masks that put backward pressure on the jaw (like the Mirage).
Since getting off the Mirage and going to therapy, I'm able to close my jaw (and eat any food) again.
I've had to switch back to the Comfortlite 2, which is not good for me. I can't get the cushions to seal at all and the nasal pillows will seal at first but eventually leak badly during the night.
For the first time in years, I've been getting my old apnea symptoms (sleepiness during the day, etc..).
Anyone have a suggestion for a full face mask that doesn't pull backwards at the chin/jaw? I've looked, but so far haven't found anything.
Diagnosed by a specialist/surgeon as TMJ. He sent me to a physical therapist with lots of TMJ patients. The therapist says he gets lots of CPAP patients with TMJ problems caused by masks that put backward pressure on the jaw (like the Mirage).
Since getting off the Mirage and going to therapy, I'm able to close my jaw (and eat any food) again.
I've had to switch back to the Comfortlite 2, which is not good for me. I can't get the cushions to seal at all and the nasal pillows will seal at first but eventually leak badly during the night.
For the first time in years, I've been getting my old apnea symptoms (sleepiness during the day, etc..).
Anyone have a suggestion for a full face mask that doesn't pull backwards at the chin/jaw? I've looked, but so far haven't found anything.
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It isn't always a mask pushing the jaw backwards. In my case, it is a matter of my pushing my jaw forward some in holding my tongue to the roof of my mouth to prevent breathing thru the mouth. Is that clear as mud?
My jaws started locking on me and getting mighty uncomfortable at times. Just since I started CPAP last October. My family doctor sent me to a dentist w/lots of expertise w/TMJ. Some minor dental work, some minor denture work to work my bottom jaw BACK instead of forward and I'm getting some relief already.
In my case I have very little to no "padding" left between the two jawbones at the joint. That doesn't help but it didn't cause me any problems until after several months of CPAP therapy.
LeenMan, did the simple nasal cushion come w/your CL2 or did you get the nasal pillows and nasal seals? If you have the simple nasal cushion try that instead. I found I like the simple nasal cushion BETTER than the nasal pillows. Less drying to the nasal cavity and sinuses too. And I've since found that I like the Respironics simple nasal cushion even better. I can sleep on my side or my back or back to my side and still maintain a good seal.
My jaws started locking on me and getting mighty uncomfortable at times. Just since I started CPAP last October. My family doctor sent me to a dentist w/lots of expertise w/TMJ. Some minor dental work, some minor denture work to work my bottom jaw BACK instead of forward and I'm getting some relief already.
In my case I have very little to no "padding" left between the two jawbones at the joint. That doesn't help but it didn't cause me any problems until after several months of CPAP therapy.
LeenMan, did the simple nasal cushion come w/your CL2 or did you get the nasal pillows and nasal seals? If you have the simple nasal cushion try that instead. I found I like the simple nasal cushion BETTER than the nasal pillows. Less drying to the nasal cavity and sinuses too. And I've since found that I like the Respironics simple nasal cushion even better. I can sleep on my side or my back or back to my side and still maintain a good seal.
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| Additional Comments: PR SystemOne BPAP Auto w/Bi-Flex & Humidifier - EncorePro 2.2 Software - Contec CMS-50D+ Oximeter - Respironics EverFlo Q Concentrator |
Women are Angels. And when someone breaks our wings, we simply continue to fly.....on a broomstick. We are flexible like that.
My computer says I need to upgrade my brain to be compatible with its new software.
My computer says I need to upgrade my brain to be compatible with its new software.
Sorry, I think I misspoke. Mine came with two Simple Cushions and two Direct Seals. I did not get the Pillows.
I can't get a decent seal out of the Simple Cushion to save my life. The angle adjuster needs a couple of more notches on the outside that would allow me to move the Simple Cushion in closer to my nose and actually press a little. It just doesn't work for me. Wish it did, because I like the idea. If you have any suggestions I'm all ears.
I may try the Pillows. The Direct seals keep moving during the night and leaking. My problem, is I don't wake up. I just sleep through the night with apnea episodes.
I know what you mean about moving your jaw forward. I think I did that also. You tend to do that during the night with a full face mask to avoid leaks. Problem is, your exerting a constant pressure forward against the backward pressure exerted by the strap and the part of the Mirage (my full face mask) that touches the chin. So I think it is possible that full face masks can contribute to TMJ. 6-8 hours of pressing your jaw forward against an opposing pressure is a recipe for tenseness. It might also be that if your mouth is open the pressure from the part of the mask touching the chin actually pulls your jaw open more. An overextended open jaw is also a possible aggravation to TMJ symptoms. That idea is supported by the fact that people often get TMJ after operations requiring intubation down the throat. The intubation process will sometimes overextend the mouth opening to get the tubes in. Then you wake from surgery with TMJ. Part of my therapy has been to counteract any yawning or otherwise overextending my mouth opening.
I can't get a decent seal out of the Simple Cushion to save my life. The angle adjuster needs a couple of more notches on the outside that would allow me to move the Simple Cushion in closer to my nose and actually press a little. It just doesn't work for me. Wish it did, because I like the idea. If you have any suggestions I'm all ears.
I may try the Pillows. The Direct seals keep moving during the night and leaking. My problem, is I don't wake up. I just sleep through the night with apnea episodes.
I know what you mean about moving your jaw forward. I think I did that also. You tend to do that during the night with a full face mask to avoid leaks. Problem is, your exerting a constant pressure forward against the backward pressure exerted by the strap and the part of the Mirage (my full face mask) that touches the chin. So I think it is possible that full face masks can contribute to TMJ. 6-8 hours of pressing your jaw forward against an opposing pressure is a recipe for tenseness. It might also be that if your mouth is open the pressure from the part of the mask touching the chin actually pulls your jaw open more. An overextended open jaw is also a possible aggravation to TMJ symptoms. That idea is supported by the fact that people often get TMJ after operations requiring intubation down the throat. The intubation process will sometimes overextend the mouth opening to get the tubes in. Then you wake from surgery with TMJ. Part of my therapy has been to counteract any yawning or otherwise overextending my mouth opening.
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I am also going to a physical therapist who works a lot with TMJ patients. I apparently don't have TMJ, but just a great deal of tightness, tension and soreness in my jaw muscles. This started at the same time I began CPAP last fall. I don't want to speak too soon, but I am starting to get some relief.
The physical therapist told me something that I had not heard elsewhere. He asked if I am sleeping through the night. I told him that I have had a very difficult time adjusting to cpap, that I am a light sleeper (insomnia perhaps), and that I still usually wake from 3 to 8 times a night. He said that with that many arousals I am probably not getting enough restorative sleep (which is the case - still tired). He said that we don't swallow much in delta wave sleep, and thus our jaws are very relaxed. But if we stay mostly in alpha wave sleep, we are swallowing all night. That does not allow the jaws to relax and recuperate. He said swallowing puts a lot of tension on the jaw muscles.
Interesting.
Janna
The physical therapist told me something that I had not heard elsewhere. He asked if I am sleeping through the night. I told him that I have had a very difficult time adjusting to cpap, that I am a light sleeper (insomnia perhaps), and that I still usually wake from 3 to 8 times a night. He said that with that many arousals I am probably not getting enough restorative sleep (which is the case - still tired). He said that we don't swallow much in delta wave sleep, and thus our jaws are very relaxed. But if we stay mostly in alpha wave sleep, we are swallowing all night. That does not allow the jaws to relax and recuperate. He said swallowing puts a lot of tension on the jaw muscles.
Interesting.
Janna
Interesting....so if we have leaks in our mask serious enough to effect the level of sleep we're going into, or how long we're going into the REM cycle, then that could contribute to jaw muscles tensing up as well. I'm guessing (and I am just guessing) that could contribute to teeth grinding and TMJ.
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birdshell
- Posts: 1622
- Joined: Sun Mar 26, 2006 11:58 am
- Location: Southeast Michigan (Lower Peninsula)
Here are some ComfortLite 2 fixes from Rested Gal's Lab Rat awards. Some of the newer folks might appreciate them!
BTW, I use the ComfortLite 2 Direct Seal and have found that moving up a size is helpful. I use lanolin (found in the nursing mothers' section of stores) to help seal around the nostrils; this seems to avoid the microleaks.
I also use the twist-tie fix. (I found that the plastic coated longer twist ties found holding new small appliance cords are best.)
And, of course, the ULTIMATE fix is of course a pantyhose/tights strap--mine is tied around the tube just above the tube/direct seal connection.
BTW, I use the ComfortLite 2 Direct Seal and have found that moving up a size is helpful. I use lanolin (found in the nursing mothers' section of stores) to help seal around the nostrils; this seems to avoid the microleaks.
I also use the twist-tie fix. (I found that the plastic coated longer twist ties found holding new small appliance cords are best.)
And, of course, the ULTIMATE fix is of course a pantyhose/tights strap--mine is tied around the tube just above the tube/direct seal connection.
I hope that these are helpful! I'm also bumping up the full posting for Laura's Lab Rat awards.rested gal wrote:LINKS to Lab Rat Trophy awards.
<snip>
ComfortLite 2
NightHawkeye
fishing line fix for CL2
Apr 30, 2006 subject: Fix Turns ComfortLite 2 to Perfection to NightHawkeye for description and pictures - using fishing line to bring CL2's nasal assembly in closer to the nostrils.
viewtopic.php?t=8884
oldgearhead
twist tie fix for CL2
Oct 15, 2006 subject: CL2- creative modification help please to oldgearhead for directions and picture - twist ties to bring ComfortLite 2 nasal assembly closer to nostrils
viewtopic.php?t=14379
Another oldgearhead modification using chinstrap and twist tie for the "simple cushion" attachment - with pictures:
viewtopic.php?t=15175
sleepyWI
fishing line fix for CL2
Feb 02, 2007 subject: My CL2 fishing tackle fix to sleepyWI for description and pictures - using snap swivels and braided fishing line to bring CL2's nasal assembly in closer to the nostrils.
viewtopic.php?p=161903
kteague
Breeze nosegear used on CL2
Feb 14, 2007 So this is what a good fit feels like to kteague for modification using Breeze nosegear with CL2 headgear.
viewtopic.php?t=17411
linda b
fleece/velcro half strap to steady ComfortLite 2 simple cushion
Sep 07, 2006 subject: New mask to linda b for directions on making a fleece/velcro half strap to steady the ComfortLite 2 "simple cushion" nasal piece.
viewtopic.php?t=13347
Another linda b modification described here:
viewtopic.php?t=15175
flygal6
several fixes from top to bottom on CL2
Feb 28, 2007 subject: New CL2 Modifications to flygal6 for several modifications to CL2 - exhaust, swivel, pillows angle.
viewtopic.php?t=17794
rested gal
removal of swivel elbow on the 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
viewtopic.php?t=8493
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sharon1965
- Posts: 1232
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- Location: Windsor, Ontario, Canada
these answers all seem to address the jaw pain, which is great, since i've started clenching and grinding again and didn't know why, so it's good to read about the type of sleep i'm getting coinciding with the reappearance of these behaviours, and i've ordered a new mouth guard already...however, i also get ear pain, mainly while i'm wearing the mask, where i swallow and hear a squelchy sound in my ear and have a little pop and some minor pain; this will actually wake me up sometimes!...and for the last two weeks the pain has been slightly more than minor...i've been on cpap for 5 months, so is that still considered "getting used to cpap"? if it is, i can live with it a while longer, but it is starting to get on my nerves to have to put up with this along with all the other issues i've dealt with (and am still trying to deal with), especially since i still don't feel like i've had any resultsI have been getting ear pain and jaw pain since starting cpap
sharon
If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got...
I've had TMJ for years... the thing that's worked for me, dunno if it'll work for others or not is a massage... special kind if you can find it. It's called cranial sacral therapy. Basically they work on your head.
With the massage usually I can manage, without it... eventually something starts to mess up.
With the massage usually I can manage, without it... eventually something starts to mess up.
Sharon,
This forum is a great place to learn about similar problems and also about how individual our experiences are. You say you have been on cpap for five months and have not seen results. I started cpap last September and immediately started experiencing a bunch of new problems, including jaw pain. My problems have been more or less manageable, but certainly quite uncomfortable and trying.
I always hesitate to say that I am still tired and that I developed new problems for fear of discouraging new cpap users. At the same time, it is comforting to know that those of us who do not see immediate results are not alone. One way I keep from getting discouraged is to pay close attention to my body, state of mind and behaviors. When I do that, I acknowledge the subtle (and not always subtle) positive effects of cpap for me thus far. For example, while it is true I don't have a big increase in energy, I also don't fall asleep in my chair in front of the TV every evening. I hardly ever take weekend naps any more. Yea -- those are positive changes for me.
So, I am committed to continuing this quest for good sleep. Darn it -- I am going to keep on cpcp'ing. I know it is helping me in ways I don't even realize.
Hang in there Sharon. I know you have had a difficult journey.
Janna
This forum is a great place to learn about similar problems and also about how individual our experiences are. You say you have been on cpap for five months and have not seen results. I started cpap last September and immediately started experiencing a bunch of new problems, including jaw pain. My problems have been more or less manageable, but certainly quite uncomfortable and trying.
I always hesitate to say that I am still tired and that I developed new problems for fear of discouraging new cpap users. At the same time, it is comforting to know that those of us who do not see immediate results are not alone. One way I keep from getting discouraged is to pay close attention to my body, state of mind and behaviors. When I do that, I acknowledge the subtle (and not always subtle) positive effects of cpap for me thus far. For example, while it is true I don't have a big increase in energy, I also don't fall asleep in my chair in front of the TV every evening. I hardly ever take weekend naps any more. Yea -- those are positive changes for me.
So, I am committed to continuing this quest for good sleep. Darn it -- I am going to keep on cpcp'ing. I know it is helping me in ways I don't even realize.
Hang in there Sharon. I know you have had a difficult journey.
Janna