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Mouth breathing and FFM
#1
Mouth breathing and FFM
Just curious....

If a person wears an FFM, can the lower jaw move around a bit? Or does that make the mask leaky?

I'm trying to create a short list of masks for someone who has TMJ. It would be optimal for me that a mask doesn't jam my jaws together. It helps if I can relax my jaws to prevent this from happening. Am I right in thinking I should look first at FFM's? For a nasal mask I'm going to have to do whatever it takes to keep my jaws closed?

Input would be great.

I feel I have to narrow down some mask choices, otherwise there'll be a sea of possibilities when I go to the DME for mask fitting. I also have to worry about headgear sitting on the jaw joint, since this will be instant bruxism.
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#2
RE: Mouth breathing and FFM
i can easily leak out of the corners of my mouth
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#3
RE: Mouth breathing and FFM
I think that all FFM's would put some pressure on your jaw. Nasal mask or Nasal pillows would probably be better. You could also use a cervical collar to help keep your mouth closed without creating pressure on it.
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Advisory Members serve as an "Advisory Committee" to help shape Apnea Board's rules & policies.

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#4
RE: Mouth breathing and FFM
No FFM should be pushing so hard on the chin that it irritate TMJ conditions. There are exceptions, such as the ones with the built in chin cup/strap. If the FFM is pushing against the chin that hard, it isn't the write mask for that person because they're having to wear it too tight.

I would recommend an FFM over a chin strap any day. The FFM allows for more movement and more comfort. It is designed for mouth breathers not because it holds the mouth shut, but it covers the mouth, eliminating mouth leaks even though the mouth can still open. The chin strap's job is to pull the chin up and back, dropping the back of the jaw. I hated chin straps for this reason. That and the heat.

I use the Simplus at times. I had less temple-related headaches while wearing it than I do without it. Mainly because it helps keep my lower jaw aligned. Without my top teeth, my lower jaw has shifted forward. I may go back to the Simplus just to line up my jaw before I finally get the teeth replaced.

And I disagree about the cervical collars being good for TMJ conditions. Unless you place the jaw in exactly the right position, the collar is going to be pushing it into the wrong position. Any slip of the jaw will dislodge it from the right position and the collar is not going to help get it back into place. Same issue as chin straps.
PaulaO

Take a deep breath and count to zen.




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#5
RE: Mouth breathing and FFM
If worn right the cervical collar won't push the jaw. It sits right below the jaw which just gently restricts the jaw from opening. It's not suppose to push the jaw at all.

Nasal pillows don't touch the jaw at all. Full face masks do.
Download SleepyHead
Organize your Sleepyhead Charts
Posting Charts
Beginner's Guide to SleepyHead
Mask Primer
5
Advisory Members serve as an "Advisory Committee" to help shape Apnea Board's rules & policies.

Membership in the Advisory Members group does not imply medical expertise or qualification for advising Sleep Apnea patients concerning their treatment.



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#6
RE: Mouth breathing and FFM
I can see this is going to be quite a challenge.

I have a cervical collar from a prior injury, so I do have a head start on that option.
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#7
RE: Mouth breathing and FFM
A couple of points.

First read the Mask Primer.  (In my signature)

A cervical collar should be worn loosely when used for Apnea issues.

I sleep with my jaw open but my lips closed and use nasal pillows as my everyday mask.

Mask trial strategy should go from least intrusive (pillows) to most intrusive (full face) 

Fred
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