Tooth Pain After Two Months Mask Use

[Art Stan]

Hi everybody,

I've been using a DreamWear mask with a DreamStation machine for several years now. I've always found that after a few months with a new mask, I start to experience pain in my jaw (the upper back of my mouth, to be precise) and on the bridge of my nose. (Strange since the mask doesn't touch that part of the face.) I also feel tired during the day, though my AHI is not higher than usual.

I try adjusting the tightness but it doesn't seem to help. When I replace the cushion and headgear the problem goes away.

But the amount of time before this happens is getting shorter and shorter. It's now down to two months. I really don't want to buy replacement parts this often. And I've been told by several people that new masks should last longer than this. (I am washing the cushion in warm soapy water daily, the headgear weekly.)

Is there something else I can try to prevent this problem from recurring?

Thanks in advance!

[SarcasticDave94]

I'm not at all certain, but it seems that the mask may be overly tight or maybe a wrong size for you. Take a look at the Wiki on mask adjusting (I have a link in my signature) and see if it gives some insight. It could be that you may want to consider another brand/model if problems continue.

[Art Stan]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for your reply. The 'Mask Primer' was indeed helpful. I tried adjusting my mask as per its guidelines, and ended up with a much looser fit.

The pain is much improved, but my software says I had 'significant periods of major mask leakage'. And I do feel a little tired today, though my AHI was 1.53.

My instinct is to tighten; the Primer says not to do so automatically, but I'm not sure I'm reading it correctly. Any suggestion on what to try next?

Thanks again for your help!

[SarcasticDave94]

Welcome, and if you need to tighten it up, just do it a very little bit. Another thing is try varying it a bit on top to bottom. They may not need to be equally snugged up. Try for the best balance of comfort and leak control. Grade it if it's acceptable then. If so, just keep plugging away. If not, maybe a new mask model or size does the trick. Best to your success.

[Sabina]

Hi there. Quick point... are you sure it’s tooth pain? The air from CPAP can enter the eustachian tubes in your ears and cause pressure that can mimick tooth pain, especially if you end up mouth breathing.

Just a thought.

[Art Stan]

Welcome, and if you need to tighten it up, just do it a very little bit. Another thing is try varying it a bit on top to bottom. They may not need to be equally snugged up. Try for the best balance of comfort and leak control. Grade it if it's acceptable then. If so, just keep plugging away. If not, maybe a new mask model or size does the trick. Best to your success.

Thanks! Balance is getting better. But what do you mean by 'grade it'?

Hi there. Quick point... are you sure it’s tooth pain? The air from CPAP can enter the eustachian tubes in your ears and cause pressure that can mimick tooth pain, especially if you end up mouth breathing.

Just a thought.

Oh, wow, interesting! Now I'm not so sure. Any resources where I can read about this problem?

[SarcasticDave94]

"grade it" means after adjustments, and having obtained a balance between no leaks and pain, etc. grade or decide if it's a good situation or not. Never put up with pain and discomfort. If it needs to be that tight, either a different sized cushion or different model or style of mask is needed.

[Hydrangea]

I have experienced the same problem.

For me, the answer is to replace the cushion regularly (monthly), and to wash the headgear regularly (once it seems to be stretching out).  

I know plenty on this forum say they make a cushion last a year.  I get it.  Perhaps that's possible for some.  But for me, I just can't.  After a few weeks to a month, the cushion starts leaking or I have to crank it tighter to keep it on right, and then I start having pains in places.

Everybody is different.

So I'd take this as a cue to replace your cushions and wash your headgear more frequently.

[Hydrangea]

Hi there. Quick point... are you sure it’s tooth pain? The air from CPAP can enter the eustachian tubes in your ears and cause pressure that can mimick tooth pain, especially if you end up mouth breathing.

This is an excellent point to consider!

I had jaw/ear pain, and it ended up that I needed to lower (or actually eliminate) my EPR.

[Sabina]

Welcome, and if you need to tighten it up, just do it a very little bit. Another thing is try varying it a bit on top to bottom. They may not need to be equally snugged up. Try for the best balance of comfort and leak control. Grade it if it's acceptable then. If so, just keep plugging away. If not, maybe a new mask model or size does the trick. Best to your success.

Thanks! Balance is getting better. But what do you mean by 'grade it'?

Hi there. Quick point... are you sure it’s tooth pain? The air from CPAP can enter the eustachian tubes in your ears and cause pressure that can mimick tooth pain, especially if you end up mouth breathing.

Just a thought.

Oh, wow, interesting! Now I'm not so sure. Any resources where I can read about this

My resource is personal experience and a discussion with my ENT. Though you might find something online. 

I get air pressure in my ears when my mouth opens during CPAP, feels just like a toothache. My sinuses have cleared up since CPAP and it has resolved because I no longer have to breathe through my mouth. It also helped to reduce the EPR.

https://www.enttoday.org/article/middle-...ssure-use/