APAP causing TMJ

[OpalRose]

Have you tried a more minimalistic mask like a nasal pillow mask?

[trish6hundred]

Hi Kall,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
I'm sorry you are having such a rough time with CPAP therapy. I hope you are able to find a sleep doc that will listen to you and be more attentive, or you might consider seeing if your regular doc can take over your sleep apnea care.
Hang in there for more responses to your post.
Good luck to you.

[Kall]

Thank you!!

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I have a new mask that is very minimal and not full. No strap across the neck. So will see how it works. 

[Kryogen]

"My lower jaw is now protruding past my upper jaw, my teeth are out of alignment and I have severe TMJ in my left jaw. Can I sue RESMED or my STUPID DOCTOR for this??"

Seriously, cpap mask is not going to cause mandibular prognatism.
An overtightened mask might cause temporary tmj pain.

This makes no sense at all. Sorry that you are having issues and pain, look elsewhere. Have a talk about that with your dentist.

Oh, and I'm pretty sure that you will never win a lawsuit against resmed,
and that your doctor isn't stupid.

You have a negative attitude and it's not going to help you.

[HalfAsleep]

My understanding of the problem is that the strap holding my mask on has caused the jaw to shift. (per dentist).

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Thank you!

There are many designs of masks and headgear, so the cause would be on you, not the treatment. Your dentist could have said something sooner, though.

Oops...I now see you are trying a different mask.

[Cpapian]

I was pushing my upper teeth forward. The spacing became noticeably wider. A new upper night guard and a light lower night guard provide additional support to resist the movement. But further analysis determined the source of the problem. I raised my headgear about 1/4 of an inch, using a foldback clip to do this. This was the big one. A lesser problem is that I sleep on my stomach, although this one is harder to fix because it is a habit I have to break.

The new mask might solve 100% of your problem, but if it doesn't try experimenting with things like your sleep position, or positioning of the mask

And pay daily attention to what is going on with your jaw and teeth and your bite. Then you can address problems before they become severe.

[Kall]

New mask: just sits under the nose and pumps air in- major problem: I wake up coughing and gagging with my mouth all dried out, especially the roof of my mouth. Am I using it wrong?

[OpalRose]

It would be helpful if you told us what mask you are using. Also, a more complete profile aids us in answering your questions.

[Kall]

One more question: my Asshat Doctor basically told me that I have sleep apnea because I am overweight (he has a massive beer belly).  I was under the impression that it was due to my chin being receding. I’m sure that being overweight doesn’t help. I recently went off Prednisone I was taking for my Chiari inflammation, which caused my face and neck to balloon and messed up my blood sugar.. so I currently have balloon face. I’ve probably had sleep apnea for over 20 years as I know I’ve struggled to breathe when laying on a flat bed with only one pillow. My point is that it has more to do with weight.

[Kall]

ReaMed. AirSense 10. Ramp time Auto. Tube temp 61. New Mask is Phillips Respironics which has a head strap where tube goes in the top of your head and one strap goes in back of head. I don’t know name of it as they didn’t give me any package- this is a loaner. It only sits below the nose and pumps air in. If I open my mouth while it is going I get a rush of air coming out of my mouth.  So if I start coughing, air gushes in.