Anyone use a CPAP and have TMJ? What helps?

blaird89 · Post by **blaird89** » Mon Jun 26, 2023 10:15 pm

Hey I've recently noticed that my TMJ is flaring up and it started when I started using a CPAP, what might help with this? I have a full mask but have ordered a nasal one so I think that might help? I also use a mandibular advancement device - should I be no longer using it to pull my jaw forward? I tried without but it seemed like I was biting down more.

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Mon Jun 26, 2023 10:47 pm

blaird89 wrote: ↑
Mon Jun 26, 2023 10:15 pm
Hey I've recently noticed that my TMJ is flaring up and it started when I started using a CPAP, what might help with this? I have a full mask but have ordered a nasal one so I think that might help? I also use a mandibular advancement device - should I be no longer using it to pull my jaw forward? I tried without but it seemed like I was biting down more.

You asked, and were responded to.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=186863&p=1442101#p1442101

chunkyfrog · Post by **chunkyfrog** » Mon Jun 26, 2023 11:07 pm

It is my understanding that a MAD can sometimes AGGRAVATE TMJ.
If it hurts, don't do it.
Lesson #1: Don't believe the ads.

readingteacher · Post by **readingteacher** » Tue Jun 27, 2023 10:31 am

In your first post, you did not mention that you wear an MAD. That raises a bunch of new questions: Were you using your MAD before you started CPAP? If so, for how long? Was it aggravating your TMJ before you started using a full face mask? Or did you start with both near the same time?

A mandibular advancement device does exactly what the name says: it moves the position of your jaw forward. So it is messing with the alignment of your lower jaw. That can cause TMJ symptoms even in someone with no prior TMJ problems. It is generally NOT recommended that someone with a TMJ problem use an MAD.

The MAD would be my top suspect in causing your TMJ discomfort, but neither the full face mask nor the MAD is a good idea for someone with TMJ issues. You will have to do some experimentation to figure out what is aggravating your pain. If you have good treatment with the CPAP, I don't think you should need to use an MAD.

blaird89 · Post by **blaird89** » Tue Jun 27, 2023 12:27 pm

readingteacher wrote: ↑
Tue Jun 27, 2023 10:31 am
In your first post, you did not mention that you wear an MAD. That raises a bunch of new questions: Were you using your MAD before you started CPAP? If so, for how long? Was it aggravating your TMJ before you started using a full face mask? Or did you start with both near the same time?

A mandibular advancement device does exactly what the name says: it moves the position of your jaw forward. So it is messing with the alignment of your lower jaw. That can cause TMJ symptoms even in someone with no prior TMJ problems. It is generally NOT recommended that someone with a TMJ problem use an MAD.

The MAD would be my top suspect in causing your TMJ discomfort, but neither the full face mask nor the MAD is a good idea for someone with TMJ issues. You will have to do some experimentation to figure out what is aggravating your pain. If you have good treatment with the CPAP, I don't think you should need to use an MAD.

Ya I made this post because I missed a few things in the first one, I was using it before I started CPAP. I was using it for about a year, it was not aggravating my TMJ prior to starting on CPAP.
I think I'm biting down in my sleep and that while using MAD isn't helping, I tried a night without MAD and it hurt a lot the next day. I think I need to slowly adjust it back to a more aligned setting and then not use it. Thanks for your opinion on the issue!

chunkyfrog · Post by **chunkyfrog** » Tue Jun 27, 2023 11:15 pm

In a year's time, maybe the MAD has slipped out of adjustment.
See your provider.

lazarus · Post by **lazarus** » Wed Jun 28, 2023 7:45 am

I used MAD in conjunction with PAP for many months when I started out with PAP, since it helped train me to keep my mouth shut. But then the MAD started making my jaw hurt, so I stopped using the MAD. My understanding is that jaw pain eventually makes many people stop using a MAD.

OSA can almost always be treated effectively by the gold standard treatment, PAP, alone, when that treatment is properly optimized for you.

If you have some other reason for using an oral device besides OSA, that device needs to be adjusted for you in a way that will not do permanent damage to your teeth or jaw and that will not cause you discomfort that interferes with your sleep.

zonker · Post by **zonker** » Wed Jun 28, 2023 11:11 am

lazarus wrote: ↑
Wed Jun 28, 2023 7:45 am
I used MAD in conjunction with PAP for many months when I started out with PAP, since it helped train me to keep my mouth shut.

and your wife let you stop using something that kept your mouth shut?

JRBall · Post by **JRBall** » Wed Jun 28, 2023 12:49 pm

blaird89 wrote: ↑
Mon Jun 26, 2023 10:15 pm
Hey I've recently noticed that my TMJ is flaring up and it started when I started using a CPAP, what might help with this? I have a full mask but have ordered a nasal one so I think that might help? I also use a mandibular advancement device - should I be no longer using it to pull my jaw forward? I tried without but it seemed like I was biting down more.

I use a nightguard made by my dentist (I was advised not to use the ones you can buy and do yourself at the drug store). And I know this is not a feasible option for many people, and I am very lucky that mine is covered by insurance, but I get botox in my jaw, neck and head area for TMJ and chronic migraines. The botox has been a life saver, its made a massive difference in my pain levels. When I am flaring up I will sometimes use a massage gun on my masseter muscles (I have been told to avoid the neck area due to the arteries in that area). I am new to my APAP machine and I haven't noticed too many issues with my TMJ getting worse, so I am sorry I cannot be more helpful in that sense. Good luck with everything.

lazarus · Post by **lazarus** » Wed Jun 28, 2023 2:18 pm

zonker wrote: ↑
Wed Jun 28, 2023 11:11 am

lazarus wrote: ↑
Wed Jun 28, 2023 7:45 am
I used MAD in conjunction with PAP for many months when I started out with PAP, since it helped train me to keep my mouth shut.
and your wife let you stop using something that kept your mouth shut?

I think she was OK with my stopping, since she looked forward to taking charge once again of telling me when to shut up.

Fortunately on this forum there is an entire online community here to tell me that sort of thing.

With me, it will always take a village.

zonker · Post by **zonker** » Wed Jun 28, 2023 5:06 pm

lazarus wrote: ↑
Wed Jun 28, 2023 2:18 pm

With me, it will always take a village.

always happy to help.

Anyone use a CPAP and have TMJ? What helps?

Anyone use a CPAP and have TMJ? What helps?

Re: Anyone use a CPAP and have TMJ? What helps?

Re: Anyone use a CPAP and have TMJ? What helps?

Re: Anyone use a CPAP and have TMJ? What helps?

Re: Anyone use a CPAP and have TMJ? What helps?

Re: Anyone use a CPAP and have TMJ? What helps?

Re: Anyone use a CPAP and have TMJ? What helps?

Re: Anyone use a CPAP and have TMJ? What helps?

Re: Anyone use a CPAP and have TMJ? What helps?

Re: Anyone use a CPAP and have TMJ? What helps?

Re: Anyone use a CPAP and have TMJ? What helps?