Dental device for sleep apnea

Posted by margareto @margareto, May 17, 2012

are the dental devices for sleep apnea helpful. Have moderate sleep apnea and have terrible time with CPAP. Many thanks.

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@jeannielee

For those of you who've had CPAP machines recalled, are you:
1) Using the recalled machine anyway?
2) Not using anything?
3) Using something else?
If "something else", what? And how did you come to get it?

My sleep doctor has been no help at all.... He's offered no advice and no possible alternative.

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Please look for a different doctor. One that gives no information is in the way of you managing treatment which affects every aspect of your health and your life.

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@ess77

@jeannielee, @tarmansbks, @mslw and everyone...
Hello, fellow Apnea Sleepers. After reading your messages, I am compelled to reach out to you as one who has severe obstructive sleep apnea, I use a BiPap machine now that is probably keeping me alive.
I was first diagnosed w/sleep apnea years ago. I used a C-Pap machine for many years, stopped after it got so hard to keep it clean properly. I have worsening arthritis and several other conditions that made it hard to clean well and I got multiple infections. I gave up in total frustration.

Now, after several years not using my machine, I began working with Mayo Clinic doctors to help with diagnoses and care. I referred to the Sleep Clinic. I have severe obstructive sleep apnea, use a Bi-pap nightly, religiously. I won't miss a night. When I got this machine, I also bought a So Clean machine, knowing I had to have help with cleaning.

I love this machine. It's Resmed, uses a heated hose that makes the air much more comfortable all night, it's almost silent. Small. Easy to operate. I pop the mask attached to the hose directly into the SoClean that's set to automatically turn on and off at my designated time. I works. I clean it every morning when I take it off....just stick it in the So Clean and let it do it's thing. I do have the expense of changing the filter system as needed, but it's not much cost. Medicare picks up all the Resmed costs/replacements.

I change the mask holder and hose every couple of months. I use a new nasal pillow every week. I think this is very important to my continued usage.

I have recently been diagnosed with a serious disease probably caused by sleep apnea not treated properly. It's serious, folks. I was shocked at this development and the thought I played a part in it's development by not using the machine.

This said to alert you all that this is something real and that can lead to very serious illness and death.
A lot of improvements are available the last couple years. I am so pleased with the Resmed machine that small and quiet. Love the cleaning system. What a difference today! AND, please hear me.....I can not wear a mask, ever. Nothing over my nose or face. I even have trouble in elevators!

The system I use is a nasal pillow. This pillow rests on my top lip, with holes blowing air into my nasal passages. Nothing inside my nose. Nothing over my nose or face or mouth at all. Only a soft, comfortable 'pillow[ resting on my upper lip. It works just fine. The heated hose attaches at the top of the head and gives me more flexibility for movement, etc. I also use a long hose for comfort.

Frankly, these are issues and possibilities that you and your doctor and machine provider should work out and discuss openly. Be proactive. Ask questions. Tell the professionals, whomever they are, your issues, your needs, your concerns so you can actually have a successful experience and possibly save your life. Certainly improve your life!

FYI: I didn't do well with any of the dental products. They didn't work well, were uncomfortable, costly and not covered by insurance, out -of-pocket expense. Importantly, every time I had dental work done, the appliance had to be changed as my bite and fit were affected. Just a bit no for me.

Well, there you go. You now have all the information pretty much I've learned and use for success with this very important issue. Bless you on your wellness journey. Be vocal, proactive, ask gobs of questions and let them know if it's not feeling right.

elizabeth

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Elizabeth You write like a Resmed commercial. lol. I’m copying your post in hopes of getting my husband to begin again. The pillow sounds like an excellent comfort fix. Thanks for the info!

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@happy2bhear

Elizabeth You write like a Resmed commercial. lol. I’m copying your post in hopes of getting my husband to begin again. The pillow sounds like an excellent comfort fix. Thanks for the info!

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@happytobehere and all
Well, I think I thank you...Don't mean to represent Resmed, the machine just works well for me and I've been able to make peace with this whole process. It's a pain to do all this junk, but at least I've finally found a way to get the help I need to live better and longer!
You must be your own representative...be proactive, fight for yourself and get answers and help. Then.....by cracky, follow through and take action. Be good to yourself.
Bless you!
Elizabeth

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@ess77

@happytobehere and all
Well, I think I thank you...Don't mean to represent Resmed, the machine just works well for me and I've been able to make peace with this whole process. It's a pain to do all this junk, but at least I've finally found a way to get the help I need to live better and longer!
You must be your own representative...be proactive, fight for yourself and get answers and help. Then.....by cracky, follow through and take action. Be good to yourself.
Bless you!
Elizabeth

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Thanks for the extra advice. I’m learning to do that for myself. Always used to think that would be aggressive not assertive. Now I understand. Good thoughts to you!

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@happy2bhear

Thanks for the extra advice. I’m learning to do that for myself. Always used to think that would be aggressive not assertive. Now I understand. Good thoughts to you!

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we really have to learn to stand up for ourselves. It's tough. I went through years of being 2and class as a woman, of doctors treating me like any issues were 'in my head'...imagined, emotional, hormonal.
Nope.
I know my body and the docs will hear me! No need to be aggressive . Assertive is good. Assertive and get things done. All good!
Be well...Elizabeth

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