Sleep Apnea Support Group

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. People with sleep apnea partially awaken as they struggle to breathe, but in the morning they may not be aware of sleep disturbances.

984 Members

1,450 Posts

0 Online

TiredMomNY 07/15/2013

Hi all,

I often find myself biting the sides of my tongue at night while wearing my CPAP. I used to be an open mouth sleeper. Keeping my mouth shut with the nasal mask on has not been an issue - but I keep biting the sides of my tongue. It's so weird. I notice it when I am falling asleep as it hurts. Now today, it hurts to talk sometimes.

Anyone else get this?

keeska 07/15/2013

Yup. I bought teeth-grinding guards and they helped tremendously. Try them. They're clear and they're cheap. Good luck.

harry3333 07/15/2013

probably from toothgrinding, a common problem, football mouthguards sometimes help, also a dentist can make up a splint to keep teeth apart

deleted_user 07/16/2013

That is interesting. My tongue hurts when I use my CPAP too, but for different reasons. I crank my humidifier all the way up, but my mouth gets so dry that my tongue cracks. Very uncomfortable. I hope you find some relief, biting your tongue hurts!

keeska 08/01/2013

Music, I had to make a chin strap that keeps my mouth closed AND my lower jaw tight against my upper. The elastic under my chin keeps my tongue against my hard palate so no air circulates inside my mouth, but instead stays in my airway.

Even with my humidifier working my mouth was painfully dry. But not any more.

I hope this helps.

Join the Conversation