Anyone using a sleep apnea CPAP machine with braces?

[candle1112]

I was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea and I now am the proud user of a CPAP machine which I use nightly with a face mask when I sleep (yes, I know, very attractive) to keep my airway open while I sleep.
I also recently got braces and when I use my CPAP face mask it presses on my braces and my lips end up stuck to both my top and bottom braces when I wake up in the morning and I have to gently peel them off the braces which leaves my inner lips quite sore and irritated.
Anyone other brace-faced CPAP users who have some suggestions on what helped them with this problem.
Anyone else have to peel their lips off there braces in the morning?

[Lorianne]

Ouch! No, don't use one myself, but hubby does so I know how they are. You might try getting some sort of silicone mouth guard for protection for your lips.

[candle1112]

Ouch! No, don't use one myself, but hubby does so I know how they are. You might try getting some sort of silicone mouth guard for protection for your lips.

Yes, I saw some at DentaKit.com that might work, maybe one of the ones that musicians with braces wear. I'll order a couple to see if they work.
Has the CPAP helped your husband with his sleep?

[Lorianne]

The CPAP was life changing for us both. He can't sleep without it now and I definitely can't sleep next to him without it anymore. I don't know how I lived before with him snoring full out for 30 something years. He has sleep apnea bad and used to wake up feeling tired, headachy, not refreshed. That's all changed now. It's a good thing! Good luck with it and try different masks if you have to to make sure you're really comfortable. They have different types.

[candle1112]

The CPAP was life changing for us both. He can't sleep without it now and I definitely can't sleep next to him without it anymore. I don't know how I lived before with him snoring full out for 30 something years. He has sleep apnea bad and used to wake up feeling tired, headachy, not refreshed. That's all changed now. It's a good thing! Good luck with it and try different masks if you have to to make sure you're really comfortable. They have different types.

Yes, my husband would completely agree with you since I don't snore at all now that I use the machine. I use a full face mask which works well for me because sometimes I breath through my mouth, and I was losing pressure with a nasal mask. I've gotten used to it and I really like that I don't wake up my patient husband anymore. My main issue is getting used to it with the braces which is taking a little adjustment period since my mouth and lips are shaped differently now and much more tender.

[FireFinder]

I have been on CPAP for 7+ years. I use the nasal pillows, and can tell you if braces cause a problem after the uppers are done next Tuesday.

I tried a nasal mask but it drove me nuts, I don't think I could do a full-face mask. I had issues with my mouth coming open, but that was because the pressure was too high. You might check with your sleep doc about a titration or oximeter study to see if your pressure can come down. You might also ask your ortho about using rubber bands in a non-correction configuration to keep your mouth closed. I saw a sleep-medicine dentist over the summer about getting a SUAD appliance because I didn't want to lug a machine and battery on backpacking trips. He was going to make one with more clasps for bands to keep my mouth shut, but that is on hold until after the braces come off.

[bbsadmin]

My husband and I both wear CPAP masks. His is full face. Mine is nasal only. I wear it with my retainer at night and haven't had a problem. In fact, I think that wearing the retainer with the CPAP helps keep my airway open better. I have pretty much trained myself to keep my mouth closed when I sleep.

But anyway, regarding your problem, you should put some sort of shield over your top brackets; it might make things more comfortable for you. You can use dental wax/dental silicone, or try one of the shields we carry at DentaKit.com: Comfort Cover, Lip Protector, or ComfortBrace Strips.

You might also consider switching from a nasal mask to a nasal pillow (the type of CPAP "mask" that just fits into your nostrils). I personally can't use that type because of sinus issues (I tried, unsuccessfully), but I have a friend who loves her nasal pillows. If you haven't seen that type, go to cpap.com and check it out. That's a very good website for CPAP stuff!

[Lorianne]

I have been on CPAP for 7+ years. I use the nasal pillows, and can tell you if braces cause a problem after the uppers are done next Tuesday.

I tried a nasal mask but it drove me nuts, I don't think I could do a full-face mask. I had issues with my mouth coming open, but that was because the pressure was too high. You might check with your sleep doc about a titration or oximeter study to see if your pressure can come down. You might also ask your ortho about using rubber bands in a non-correction configuration to keep your mouth closed. I saw a sleep-medicine dentist over the summer about getting a SUAD appliance because I didn't want to lug a machine and battery on backpacking trips. He was going to make one with more clasps for bands to keep my mouth shut, but that is on hold until after the braces come off.

FireFinder: Please tell me more about that SUAD appliance? Is that something my husband can probably also get for travel purposes? It's really not exactly easy to lug the machine when traveling, but it's not all that horrible either. It's his job to prep it before we go and he sets up in hotel rooms, etc. It's part of the routine! But a simpler method might be nice too.

p.s. not to pry, but are you a Fireman??

[FireFinder]

Lorianne,

The SUAD is like a top and bottom Essix retainer that is reinforced acrylic, and has a Herbst-like telescoping rod on each side to advance the lower jaw. It has ball clasps on the top and bottom for elastics (the ones our sleep dentist makes). http://www.strongdental.com/suad_patient.php. I don't know if it is something I will do after I finish treatment, as I understand it can change the bite. My orthodontist also treats OSA, so it is something I will speak with him about.

No, I am not a Fireman, FireFinder was the part of the name of my MOS in the Army. Field Artillery Firefinder Radar Operator.

[Lorianne]

Lorianne,

The SUAD is like a top and bottom Essix retainer that is reinforced acrylic, and has a Herbst-like telescoping rod on each side to advance the lower jaw. It has ball clasps on the top and bottom for elastics (the ones our sleep dentist makes). http://www.strongdental.com/suad_patient.php. I don't know if it is something I will do after I finish treatment, as I understand it can change the bite. My orthodontist also treats OSA, so it is something I will speak with him about.

No, I am not a Fireman, FireFinder was the part of the name of my MOS in the Army. Field Artillery Firefinder Radar Operator.

FireFinder, thanks for the info. Very interesting. I didn't know anything about that. I'm going to show my husband that option as possible good option for traveling.

and wow, love your name as a nod to your old Army title!

[candle1112]

Firefinder,
What a great idea about using rubberbands to help keep my mouth closed at night. At my next appointment, I'll ask my orthodontist about that.