I've been wearing a custom guard at night for a few years because I clench my jaw. This is the same type of guard that can be used to cushion the teeth against grinding.

So... does anybody else have this? Does it affect which type of mask I can have? Does it get in the way?

(Hi, I'm new here)


_________________
The underdogs have it.

You should make sure that your sleep doctor is aware that you use it.  There shouldn't be any problem with any of the commonly used masks, as long as it doesn't cause mouth breathing; in which case you may need to use a full face mask.

I wear a mouthguard, use predates CPAP by many years.  I did take it with me to my sleep studies, but didn't think to take it with me when I was fitted for a mask.  Fortunately, it causes NO problems in how my mask fits (Fisher & Paykel Flexifit 431).  I actually didn't use it the first few days of using CPAP becasue I was worried "too much stuff going on by my mouth".  But once I did, I had fewer leaks (likely because it straightens up my little overbite.)

good luck


_________________
Give peace a chance

Like Petmama, I've worn a guard, a lower one for many years; I think around 15.  I have clenched ground so hard, that I actually have pushed my lower molars deeper into my jaw, and have warped my jaw bones noticeably outward.  I gone thru 3 custom guards actually breaking one in the middle of the night (It woke me right up). But my present one has lasted over 7 years, so I guess I'm easing up a little.  My dentist always jokes with me on my checkups, as I bring it with me for him to check.  It's usually something like "Dude!...you need to ease up and chill out a little.  Holy.......",  as he examines the the deep swirl marks in the plastic surface.



Last edited by NoseHose on Sat Apr 19, 2008 10:53 pm; edited 2 times in total
_________________
My life was restarted on June 29th, 2007

57 yr. male
pre-CPAP apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 64
ResMed S8 Escape w/humidifier
ResMed Mirage Swift II nasal pillows system
Prescribed for a 6 but I like to fool with things, and prefer 7

a CPAP often reduces jaw clenching and tooth grinding


_________________
respironics comfort gell mask,resmed S6 lightweight CPAP, pressure 10 no humidifier
NO DOCTOR EVER ASKED ME IF I SNORED

I've had a mouth guard for about 2 years, and was not using it consistently till I started Cpap 4 months ago.  Now it's become a habit to pop the guard in every night rught after brushing and washing my face and right before the mask goes on.

They go together well, in my life.  Oh, I use the Swift nasal pillows, so mask fit isn't a problem.

Sleep well,
Carrie

lynn321 wrote:

a CPAP often reduces jaw clenching and tooth grinding

Maybe you're right, generally speaking.  But I actually ended up breaking one of my bottom front teeth AFTER starting CPAP.    I was biting (not clenching) hard enough to cause breakage.  I never did this before CPAP.  I ended up getting a mouth guard.