Oral Lichen Planus and CPAP

Posted by mrssippy @mrssippy, 2 days ago

I’ve been treated for erosive Oral Lichen Planus for several years. I see a dermatologist at UAB in Birmingham, AL who specializes in OLP. I am a school teacher, and there have been several times I have seriously considered trying to qualify for disability because NOTHING seems to ease the pain. I’m on a LOT of different medicines. I started a new one in December called Acitretin. I also use a CPAP. I am using a machine that was traded out during the CPAP recall several years ago, and this new one sent to me is a piece of junk…..but I’ve endured because my insurance will pay for a new one every 5 years and it’s not quite 5 years. Last week I fell asleep without my CPAP. I noticed the next morning my mouth was somehow not as sore….maybe????? so I have slept now 3 nights in a row with no CPAP, and something is changing. I ate like a little pig today because for the first time in ages it didn’t hurt to eat. I’m not quite believing what is happening…. and definitely cautiously proceeding… but my question is….. Does anyone know of a connection between Oral Lichen Planus and CPAP machines? Or has the new medicine I started in December just finally kicked in and is actually working? Thanks!! And bless you all, fellow OLP peeps…. It’s hell.
MrsSippy from Mississippi

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minnesota10 | @minnesota10 | 2 days ago

Do you have allergies. You might be allergic to something in the tubings.
I have both. I do know when I have a flare up it is because I ate something I am allergic to or I’m coming down with something.
CPAP mask is only over my nose and they have many styles.
So my mouth isn’t covered.
I wish you the best figuring it out.

mrssippy | @mrssippy | 2 days ago

In reply to @minnesota10 "Do you have allergies. You might be allergic to something in the tubings. I have both...." + (show)

I don’t know of any allergies, but I’ve certainly not ruled that out. My mask is only over my nose. I wouldn’t be surprised to find my machine has been keeping the OLP inflamed. I plan on looking into a new one this week! Thanks for your reply.

minnesota10 | @minnesota10 | 1 day ago

In reply to @minnesota10 "Do you have allergies. You might be allergic to something in the tubings. I have both...." + (show)

I’ e been thinking I too am having trouble. My mask is not right. I guess I have a small head and I wear a mask for dry eyes at night.
When the mask hone power increases it is too much and my mask leaks. Then it sounds like a major storm is going on. I have a hold the mask in place. I have tried a number of mask and is going to change again.
Itching. I was told that is common. The itching stops after a few minutes.
I guess the old saying holds true. It’s man make.
You are not alone.

Lara K | @larak | 1 day ago

I am seriously thinking of switching to an oral appliance for sleep apnea, as I am worried about new guidelines for cleaning CPAPs. Several sources are now saying to rinse out your water reservoir and replace distilled water each night. The same sources say to wash your mask, tubing, and reservoir with warm, soapy water once a week. Some say daily. That's nuts. Can you imagine? The FDA hasn't approved any of the ozone CPAP sanitizing units yet. The change in frequency of upkeep for one's CPAP due to concerns about mold, bacteria, viruses, etc. seems fairly recent. So I'm left wondering if they are now more aware of CPAP side effects, like skin and nasal irritations, being due to needing to spend half your life cleaning this darn machine!

I have atopic dermatitis and get frequent nasal infections that spread around my nose. I am cleaning my CPAP more often now and replacing mask parts, etc. I also have dry eyes and have not found a CPAP mask that doesn't make this worse. I have also started to notice chest pain (lower ribs and chest) that may be CPAP-related lung issues. But I do need to avoid stressing my heart out too much.

I want to try the oral appliance with a home sleep test, to see how well I do. You can throw your oral appliance in a pretty cheap sanitizer for retainers and such. It would be so much easier to maintain properly.

But you do need to know if an oral appliance is keeping your sleep apnea in check enough.