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+--- Thread: [Health] Can CPAP/Sleep Apnea and TMJ be connected? (/Thread-Health-Can-CPAP-Sleep-Apnea-and-TMJ-be-connected)
Can CPAP/Sleep Apnea and TMJ be connected? - Beauchard - 06-12-2015
I have been using an APAP with nasal pillows for about 7 years. Last year I received my new Remstar Auto A-flex system one. After about 6 months I was diagnosed with Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD or TMJ) . Could the two be connected?
Could there be a connection between Sleep Apnea and TMJ?
Could there be a connection between using an APAP/CPAP and TMJ?
Could there be a connection between using nasal pillows and TMJ?
RE: Can CPAP/Sleep Apnea and TMJ be connected? - DariaVader - 06-12-2015
I think it is more likely that TMJ - especially with a receding jaw - would cause apnea, since one of the known features of apnea is the jaw receding and reducing the airway while sleeping
RE: Can CPAP/Sleep Apnea and TMJ be connected? - DocWils - 06-12-2015
People using nasal pillows tend to clamp down on their jaws at night and grind against the air pressure and this can build into TMJ - it is a known phenomenon.
RE: Can CPAP/Sleep Apnea and TMJ be connected? - PaulaO2 - 06-12-2015
Looking around on the 'net, there are some links but most consider it a mask issue, not necessarily a CPAP issue.
Make sure the straps are not pulling too tight.
Check your data for leak rate. You may be mouth breathing at night now and the weird positioning has hurt your jaw.
Take your mask to your dentist (or whoever diagnosed you) and demonstrate how you use it. Ask if anything about it is hurting you. If it isn't the cause of the problem, you still want to make sure it isn't making it worse.
And that's something to consider, too. It could be two totally separate issues.
RE: Can CPAP/Sleep Apnea and TMJ be connected? - GWild - 06-13-2015
If TMJ is adult onset - check the meds you are on for the simple contraindication symptom "teeth clenching" and you may surprise yourself the common meds that cause it.
RE: Can CPAP/Sleep Apnea and TMJ be connected? - Beauchard - 06-22-2015
Thanks for the advice. i have an appointment with an ENT in 3 weeks.