CPAP machines (2 Viewers)

[SharkBait]

I've been going to sleep every night with the full mask on but after a few hours I can't handle it. Sometimes it's because the seal gets jacked up. It's also either too dry or moist. I've tried it on "0" and also on "1".

Suggestions?

Well I'm a total rookie at this, but have you tried the mask that just goes over your nose? It worked great for me last night.

That's what I use

Yes I have one of those and it is much more comfortable. However I then begin breathing out of my house when sleeping and it feels like I've swallowed a bucket of sand.

I have this same problem. Someone said they have chin straps to keep your mouth closed. I'm going to look into that.

http://www.cpap.com/productpage/cardinal-health-tiara-ruby-topaz-adjustable-chinstrap.html

This is the 3rd model I've used and the one I like the best. First one was respironics brand and didn't last long before shredding. The second one was call a "pap-cap" and it was okay but I left it in a hotel room. It would have lasted a long time. This one was a little less expensive and I like it better. I did like the way the "pap-cap" kept my hair from looking like dog$&%* in the morning so I bought a little soft cap to wear as well. It's stupid, but it keeps me from frightening the children in the morning...

 

[flapgreen]

I've been going to sleep every night with the full mask on but after a few hours I can't handle it. Sometimes it's because the seal gets jacked up. It's also either too dry or moist. I've tried it on "0" and also on "1".

Suggestions?

Well I'm a total rookie at this, but have you tried the mask that just goes over your nose? It worked great for me last night.

That's what I use

Yes I have one of those and it is much more comfortable. However I then begin breathing out of my house when sleeping and it feels like I've swallowed a bucket of sand.

I have this same problem. Someone said they have chin straps to keep your mouth closed. I'm going to look into that.

When I was having the test done, they had to come in a couple times because my mouth was falling open and ended up putting a strap on. If you're mouth opens, it kind of defeats the purpose of having pressure through your nose too, I guess.Eta: Man that first sentence doesn't sound right.

 

[St. Louis Bob]

I ordered the small strap, it fits so much better and have been sleeping a lot better. Just thought I would throw it out there.

The bridge of my nose itches a ton during the night though it seems.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I wanted to get a new one, but I apparently cannot without going for another sleep study.

 

[bucksoh]

I wanted to get a new one, but I apparently cannot without going for another sleep study.

That is false at least for me. I went to the same home care company that I first recieved mine and asked for another one for my bedroom downstairs and they gave me one right away.

 

[Two Deep]

I imagine once you get one of these the spontaneous night sex is a thing of the past..

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I wanted to get a new one, but I apparently cannot without going for another sleep study.

That is false at least for me. I went to the same home care company that I first recieved mine and asked for another one for my bedroom downstairs and they gave me one right away.

Was this within 1 year of your initial sleep study? Mine was in 2008.

 

[St. Louis Bob]

I imagine once you get one of these the spontaneous night sex is a thing of the past.

It really can throw a wrench into things. However getting sexed while wearing the mask is interesting.

 

[rascal]

I imagine once you get one of these the spontaneous night sex is a thing of the past..

It's a distant memory

 

[pizzatyme]

I imagine once you get one of these the spontaneous night sex is a thing of the past..

Not if you go all Top Gun on her. Tear that ##### off and toss it aside Maverick-style.

 

[BigJohn]

I think I've found my secret for sleeping the whole night with my mask on. I have to sleep in my recliner. In bed, I always end up taking the mask off after just 2-3 hours. I could never sleep a full night with it on. I have a sinus infection, and I've been stuffy for a few days. Last Thursday, no mask, I snored so loud, my wife slept on the couch(first time its ever gotten that bad). So, Friday, on a whim, I decided to take my mask out to my recliner and give it a shot. Slept 6.5 hours straight. Saturday, 9 hours. Wow, I haven't felt a huge difference during the day yet, but I definitely do feel better.I'm hoping I can weane myself back into my bed at some point, but man, is it encouraging to finally have a full night's sleep.

 

[bucksoh]

I wanted to get a new one, but I apparently cannot without going for another sleep study.

That is false at least for me. I went to the same home care company that I first recieved mine and asked for another one for my bedroom downstairs and they gave me one right away.

Was this within 1 year of your initial sleep study? Mine was in 2008.

Yes, Sorry didn't see this, just go to the same home care company you got your first and say you need another one for travel or extra bedroom, and as long as it isn't new, you can buy a used one, that has been refurbished. Least this is what the therapist said that I talked too.

 

[flapgreen]

Just did the exact same thing, Bigjohn, and it worked great. I'll probably get a wedge at some point, though. I can't sleep in a recliner forever.

 

[Wingnut]

God I hope once I finally get a sleep study done I can get some type of surgery to correct whatever it is that's causing my snoring. These masks seem like a complete nightmare. I don't think I could deal with having to wear one.

 

[kutta]

God I hope once I finally get a sleep study done I can get some type of surgery to correct whatever it is that's causing my snoring. These masks seem like a complete nightmare. I don't think I could deal with having to wear one.

They are not that bad. Mine was a little rough for a week or so, but now it's like my teddy bear. I don't mind it at all.

 

[Rattle and Hum]

Leeroy Jenkins, just buy one off Craigslist. Many folks take them home, try for a week, and give up. I bought a very slightly used machine for $150.

 

[SharkBait]

God I hope once I finally get a sleep study done I can get some type of surgery to correct whatever it is that's causing my snoring. These masks seem like a complete nightmare. I don't think I could deal with having to wear one.

I probably would have sucked it up and done the surgery if the success rates were better. I'd make sure I knew exactly what my chances were before going through that.

I agree with Kutta. Once you get used to it it's no big deal. If I didn't have apnea I'd sleep with mine anyway just because I can breathe through my nose so much better with it.

 

[Copeman]

The only thing I do not like is having the strap marks embedded in my cheeks for the first 2 hours of the day. If I loosen the straps, then the mask leaks. Getting annoying.

 

[kutta]

The only thing I do not like is having the strap marks embedded in my cheeks for the first 2 hours of the day. If I loosen the straps, then the mask leaks. Getting annoying.

There should be lots of different strap-on options.

 

[Copeman]

The only thing I do not like is having the strap marks embedded in my cheeks for the first 2 hours of the day. If I loosen the straps, then the mask leaks. Getting annoying.

There should be lots of different strap-on options.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Leeroy Jenkins, just buy one off Craigslist. Many folks take them home, try for a week, and give up. I bought a very slightly used machine for $150.

But how do I know the pressure etc?

 

[kutta]

Leeroy Jenkins, just buy one off Craigslist. Many folks take them home, try for a week, and give up. I bought a very slightly used machine for $150.

But how do I know the pressure etc?

You can probably use trial and error. Start with really low pressure because it's easier to use that way and see if it helps (the lowest my machine goes is a 5, and I have mine on 6. I think the highest is 23). Slowly jack it up until it works.

You can use a snore app to determine if you are still snoring, or ask your SO.

 

[flapgreen]

The only thing I do not like is having the strap marks embedded in my cheeks for the first 2 hours of the day. If I loosen the straps, then the mask leaks. Getting annoying.

There should be lots of different strap-on options.

 

[flapgreen]

The only thing I do not like is having the strap marks embedded in my cheeks for the first 2 hours of the day.

 

[johnnycakes]

I have sleep apnea... had my first sleep study in early May, 2014. Scheduled to go for another on August 28, presumably to... I dunno... calibrate the cpap machine?

I am quite sure I won't be able to sleep well with the darth vader mask. Just today I read about a dental appliance that can be used instead.

I am also a tooth grinder.... I have used a night guard for several years, now, and sleep just fine with that, so I am somewhat hopeful I'll be able to sleep with the sleep apnea dental appliance just fine.

Question: has anyone tried one of these dental appliances? If so, any feedback?

tia.

 

[kutta]

I have sleep apnea... had my first sleep study in early May, 2014. Scheduled to go for another on August 28, presumably to... I dunno... calibrate the cpap machine?

I am quite sure I won't be able to sleep well with the darth vader mask. Just today I read about a dental appliance that can be used instead.

I am also a tooth grinder.... I have used a night guard for several years, now, and sleep just fine with that, so I am somewhat hopeful I'll be able to sleep with the sleep apnea dental appliance just fine.

Question: has anyone tried one of these dental appliances? If so, any feedback?

tia.

I had a cheap one that I bought on Amazon. It worked great but my jaw hurt like crazy in the morning. I also just got Invisalign braces so I can't use it anymore so I'm using the cpap. I think once I'm done with the braces I'll try a professional dental appliance and see how it goes.

 

[Rattle and Hum]

I have sleep apnea... had my first sleep study in early May, 2014. Scheduled to go for another on August 28, presumably to... I dunno... calibrate the cpap machine?

I am quite sure I won't be able to sleep well with the darth vader mask. Just today I read about a dental appliance that can be used instead.

I am also a tooth grinder.... I have used a night guard for several years, now, and sleep just fine with that, so I am somewhat hopeful I'll be able to sleep with the sleep apnea dental appliance just fine.

Question: has anyone tried one of these dental appliances? If so, any feedback?

tia.

I have one called an EMA which brings chin forward. It worked OK for a 4-6 months but get only marginal benefit from using now. Nothing physically has changed with me so, not sure why it doesn't work as well as it first did. The difficulty, as I see it, is these typically come from a dentist who is not part of the sleep study procedure or reporting. Because of this, I think its rare for sleep doctors to recommend dental appliances. YMMV.

If you are trying the CPAP may I suggest a less bulky option: http://www.thecpapshop.com/resmed-swift-fx-nasal-cpap-pillow-mask

 

[johnnycakes]

I have sleep apnea... had my first sleep study in early May, 2014. Scheduled to go for another on August 28, presumably to... I dunno... calibrate the cpap machine?

I am quite sure I won't be able to sleep well with the darth vader mask. Just today I read about a dental appliance that can be used instead.

I am also a tooth grinder.... I have used a night guard for several years, now, and sleep just fine with that, so I am somewhat hopeful I'll be able to sleep with the sleep apnea dental appliance just fine.

Question: has anyone tried one of these dental appliances? If so, any feedback?

tia.

If you are trying the CPAP may I suggest a less bulky option: http://www.thecpapshop.com/resmed-swift-fx-nasal-cpap-pillow-mask

Thanks... not looking forward to it. But my PCP seems to think I have a myriad of health problems all stemming from what he calls "severe" sleep apnea.

 

[Copeman]

I am getting benefits from using my cpap, but the thing about it that bothers me the most is how the side where the tube meets the mask kind of pulls the mask to that side, and that makes the seal not as good as it can be. It also blocks my vision (the tube) from seeing my tv. Just one eye, but still...

I need my tv before I go to bed. I need a strap or something to hold the tube to the top of the mask or something. I might try to rig something up.

 

[SharkBait]

I am getting benefits from using my cpap, but the thing about it that bothers me the most is how the side where the tube meets the mask kind of pulls the mask to that side, and that makes the seal not as good as it can be. It also blocks my vision (the tube) from seeing my tv. Just one eye, but still...

I need my tv before I go to bed. I need a strap or something to hold the tube to the top of the mask or something. I might try to rig something up.

I used the Swift FX that was mentioned in the prior post, and then I tried this one...

http://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed-airfit-p10-nasal-pillow-cpap-mask-headgear.html

ABSOLUTELY AWESOME! On my side, or other wise this thing just does not leak. It's got minimal straps so it doesn't stress the nasal pillows. When I order it a couple months back it came with "free insurance". The insurance basically let's you return the mask for a full refund and they usually charge for this. Since this one had free I thought what the heck and ordered one.

So glad I did. Best mask I've ever had and it's not even close.

 

[Dentist]

I have sleep apnea... had my first sleep study in early May, 2014. Scheduled to go for another on August 28, presumably to... I dunno... calibrate the cpap machine?

I am quite sure I won't be able to sleep well with the darth vader mask. Just today I read about a dental appliance that can be used instead.

I am also a tooth grinder.... I have used a night guard for several years, now, and sleep just fine with that, so I am somewhat hopeful I'll be able to sleep with the sleep apnea dental appliance just fine.

Question: has anyone tried one of these dental appliances? If so, any feedback?

tia.

having made a couple (including one for myself just to try it out) I can tell you they are EXTREMELY uncomfortable and that I haven't yet had a person who could persist with wearing one as recommended.

These things are much much worse than a night guard

 

[johnnycakes]

I have sleep apnea... had my first sleep study in early May, 2014. Scheduled to go for another on August 28, presumably to... I dunno... calibrate the cpap machine?

I am quite sure I won't be able to sleep well with the darth vader mask. Just today I read about a dental appliance that can be used instead.

I am also a tooth grinder.... I have used a night guard for several years, now, and sleep just fine with that, so I am somewhat hopeful I'll be able to sleep with the sleep apnea dental appliance just fine.

Question: has anyone tried one of these dental appliances? If so, any feedback?

tia.

having made a couple (including one for myself just to try it out) I can tell you they are EXTREMELY uncomfortable and that I haven't yet had a person who could persist with wearing one as recommended.

These things are much much worse than a night guard

Good to know, Dentist.... thank you so much. Maybe I need to peruse the CPAP masks the other FBGs recommend a little more carefully. I was hoping this thing would be similar to a night guard, with which my compliance is quite high. Oh well.

 

[Dentist]

I have sleep apnea... had my first sleep study in early May, 2014. Scheduled to go for another on August 28, presumably to... I dunno... calibrate the cpap machine?

I am quite sure I won't be able to sleep well with the darth vader mask. Just today I read about a dental appliance that can be used instead.

I am also a tooth grinder.... I have used a night guard for several years, now, and sleep just fine with that, so I am somewhat hopeful I'll be able to sleep with the sleep apnea dental appliance just fine.

Question: has anyone tried one of these dental appliances? If so, any feedback?

tia.

having made a couple (including one for myself just to try it out) I can tell you they are EXTREMELY uncomfortable and that I haven't yet had a person who could persist with wearing one as recommended.

These things are much much worse than a night guard

Good to know, Dentist.... thank you so much. Maybe I need to peruse the CPAP masks the other FBGs recommend a little more carefully. I was hoping this thing would be similar to a night guard, with which my compliance is quite high. Oh well.

not to mention they are expensive as hell with no insurance coverage.. I had to charge $900 to make one just to make a marginal profit for my time. I'd say most people will charge $1200+

 

[johnnycakes]

I have sleep apnea... had my first sleep study in early May, 2014. Scheduled to go for another on August 28, presumably to... I dunno... calibrate the cpap machine?

I am quite sure I won't be able to sleep well with the darth vader mask. Just today I read about a dental appliance that can be used instead.

I am also a tooth grinder.... I have used a night guard for several years, now, and sleep just fine with that, so I am somewhat hopeful I'll be able to sleep with the sleep apnea dental appliance just fine.

Question: has anyone tried one of these dental appliances? If so, any feedback?

tia.

having made a couple (including one for myself just to try it out) I can tell you they are EXTREMELY uncomfortable and that I haven't yet had a person who could persist with wearing one as recommended.

These things are much much worse than a night guard

Good to know, Dentist.... thank you so much. Maybe I need to peruse the CPAP masks the other FBGs recommend a little more carefully. I was hoping this thing would be similar to a night guard, with which my compliance is quite high. Oh well.

not to mention they are expensive as hell with no insurance coverage.. I had to charge $900 to make one just to make a marginal profit for my time. I'd say most people will charge $1200+

Now THAT'S sounding like the Dentist we all know and love!

 

[Rattle and Hum]

I have sleep apnea... had my first sleep study in early May, 2014. Scheduled to go for another on August 28, presumably to... I dunno... calibrate the cpap machine?

I am quite sure I won't be able to sleep well with the darth vader mask. Just today I read about a dental appliance that can be used instead.

I am also a tooth grinder.... I have used a night guard for several years, now, and sleep just fine with that, so I am somewhat hopeful I'll be able to sleep with the sleep apnea dental appliance just fine.

Question: has anyone tried one of these dental appliances? If so, any feedback?

tia.

having made a couple (including one for myself just to try it out) I can tell you they are EXTREMELY uncomfortable and that I haven't yet had a person who could persist with wearing one as recommended.

These things are much much worse than a night guard

Good to know, Dentist.... thank you so much. Maybe I need to peruse the CPAP masks the other FBGs recommend a little more carefully. I was hoping this thing would be similar to a night guard, with which my compliance is quite high. Oh well.

not to mention they are expensive as hell with no insurance coverage.. I had to charge $900 to make one just to make a marginal profit for my time. I'd say most people will charge $1200+

Now THAT'S sounding like the Dentist we all know and love!

My dentist charged me $500 for this. I think it was at his cost but he does not personally make them... just takes the impressions and sends them away: http://www.glidewelldental.com/snoring-sleep-apnea/product-ema.aspx Of course, it's not a great solution for me so maybe you get what you pay for.

 

[Dentist]

I have sleep apnea... had my first sleep study in early May, 2014. Scheduled to go for another on August 28, presumably to... I dunno... calibrate the cpap machine?

I am quite sure I won't be able to sleep well with the darth vader mask. Just today I read about a dental appliance that can be used instead.

I am also a tooth grinder.... I have used a night guard for several years, now, and sleep just fine with that, so I am somewhat hopeful I'll be able to sleep with the sleep apnea dental appliance just fine.

Question: has anyone tried one of these dental appliances? If so, any feedback?

tia.

having made a couple (including one for myself just to try it out) I can tell you they are EXTREMELY uncomfortable and that I haven't yet had a person who could persist with wearing one as recommended.

These things are much much worse than a night guard

Good to know, Dentist.... thank you so much. Maybe I need to peruse the CPAP masks the other FBGs recommend a little more carefully. I was hoping this thing would be similar to a night guard, with which my compliance is quite high. Oh well.

not to mention they are expensive as hell with no insurance coverage.. I had to charge $900 to make one just to make a marginal profit for my time. I'd say most people will charge $1200+

Now THAT'S sounding like the Dentist we all know and love!

My dentist charged me $500 for this. I think it was at his cost but he does not personally make them... just takes the impressions and sends them away: http://www.glidewelldental.com/snoring-sleep-apnea/product-ema.aspx Of course, it's not a great solution for me so maybe you get what you pay for.

He basically gave you that at cost then. You got a great value.

Between taking the impressions, processing them, fitting the appliance, educating you on use, etc... i wasn't going to do that free.

 

[Dentist]

I have sleep apnea... had my first sleep study in early May, 2014. Scheduled to go for another on August 28, presumably to... I dunno... calibrate the cpap machine?

I am quite sure I won't be able to sleep well with the darth vader mask. Just today I read about a dental appliance that can be used instead.

I am also a tooth grinder.... I have used a night guard for several years, now, and sleep just fine with that, so I am somewhat hopeful I'll be able to sleep with the sleep apnea dental appliance just fine.

Question: has anyone tried one of these dental appliances? If so, any feedback?

tia.

having made a couple (including one for myself just to try it out) I can tell you they are EXTREMELY uncomfortable and that I haven't yet had a person who could persist with wearing one as recommended.

These things are much much worse than a night guard

Good to know, Dentist.... thank you so much. Maybe I need to peruse the CPAP masks the other FBGs recommend a little more carefully. I was hoping this thing would be similar to a night guard, with which my compliance is quite high. Oh well.

not to mention they are expensive as hell with no insurance coverage.. I had to charge $900 to make one just to make a marginal profit for my time. I'd say most people will charge $1200+

Now THAT'S sounding like the Dentist we all know and love!

My dentist charged me $500 for this. I think it was at his cost but he does not personally make them... just takes the impressions and sends them away: http://www.glidewelldental.com/snoring-sleep-apnea/product-ema.aspx Of course, it's not a great solution for me so maybe you get what you pay for.

oh wait.. i just clicked on the link.. you didn't get the sleep apnea device.. just some cheap snoreguard... at $500 he made a great profit on that.

This is the sleep apnea appliance and it cost me nearly $500 to get it made: http://www.glidewelldental.com/dentist/services/removables-tap.aspx

 

[Uwe Blab]

I have sleep apnea... had my first sleep study in early May, 2014. Scheduled to go for another on August 28, presumably to... I dunno... calibrate the cpap machine?

I am quite sure I won't be able to sleep well with the darth vader mask. Just today I read about a dental appliance that can be used instead.

I am also a tooth grinder.... I have used a night guard for several years, now, and sleep just fine with that, so I am somewhat hopeful I'll be able to sleep with the sleep apnea dental appliance just fine.

Question: has anyone tried one of these dental appliances? If so, any feedback?

tia.

having made a couple (including one for myself just to try it out) I can tell you they are EXTREMELY uncomfortable and that I haven't yet had a person who could persist with wearing one as recommended.

These things are much much worse than a night guard

Good to know, Dentist.... thank you so much. Maybe I need to peruse the CPAP masks the other FBGs recommend a little more carefully. I was hoping this thing would be similar to a night guard, with which my compliance is quite high. Oh well.

not to mention they are expensive as hell with no insurance coverage.. I had to charge $900 to make one just to make a marginal profit for my time. I'd say most people will charge $1200+

Now THAT'S sounding like the Dentist we all know and love!

My dentist charged me $500 for this. I think it was at his cost but he does not personally make them... just takes the impressions and sends them away: http://www.glidewelldental.com/snoring-sleep-apnea/product-ema.aspx Of course, it's not a great solution for me so maybe you get what you pay for.

oh wait.. i just clicked on the link.. you didn't get the sleep apnea device.. just some cheap snoreguard... at $500 he made a great profit on that.

This is the sleep apnea appliance and it cost me nearly $500 to get it made: http://www.glidewelldental.com/dentist/services/removables-tap.aspx

I just got this from my dentist and, yeah it'll likely run me just under $1000, depending whether or not my dental insurance accepts calling it a nightguard. I don't want to jinx it, but for the past 10 days my wife says the snoring is gone and, whether it be placebo or not, I do feel a lot better during the day. I already wore a nightguard, and you're right, it is a nightguard on steroids now, but I like it a lot....and far more than the CPAP solution would have worked, I believe. Its got a little key and you can adjust the pull on your lower jaw for comfort and effectiveness. My jaw and teeth are a little sore in the morning, but it is definitely getting better each morning. The first few nights I went to sleep I had to simmer myself down a little because it is like having your jaw wired shut and you can get a little claustrophobic with that sensation. My dentist did say this was the first time he's tried this type and the past kinds he's used with patients have been pretty much ineffective. So far so good though with me...I hope its working as well as I think it is and continues to.

 

[johnnycakes]

I have sleep apnea... had my first sleep study in early May, 2014. Scheduled to go for another on August 28, presumably to... I dunno... calibrate the cpap machine?

I am quite sure I won't be able to sleep well with the darth vader mask. Just today I read about a dental appliance that can be used instead.

I am also a tooth grinder.... I have used a night guard for several years, now, and sleep just fine with that, so I am somewhat hopeful I'll be able to sleep with the sleep apnea dental appliance just fine.

Question: has anyone tried one of these dental appliances? If so, any feedback?

tia.

having made a couple (including one for myself just to try it out) I can tell you they are EXTREMELY uncomfortable and that I haven't yet had a person who could persist with wearing one as recommended.

These things are much much worse than a night guard

Good to know, Dentist.... thank you so much. Maybe I need to peruse the CPAP masks the other FBGs recommend a little more carefully. I was hoping this thing would be similar to a night guard, with which my compliance is quite high. Oh well.

not to mention they are expensive as hell with no insurance coverage.. I had to charge $900 to make one just to make a marginal profit for my time. I'd say most people will charge $1200+

Now THAT'S sounding like the Dentist we all know and love!

My dentist charged me $500 for this. I think it was at his cost but he does not personally make them... just takes the impressions and sends them away: http://www.glidewelldental.com/snoring-sleep-apnea/product-ema.aspx Of course, it's not a great solution for me so maybe you get what you pay for.

oh wait.. i just clicked on the link.. you didn't get the sleep apnea device.. just some cheap snoreguard... at $500 he made a great profit on that.

This is the sleep apnea appliance and it cost me nearly $500 to get it made: http://www.glidewelldental.com/dentist/services/removables-tap.aspx

I just got this from my dentist and, yeah it'll likely run me just under $1000, depending whether or not my dental insurance accepts calling it a nightguard. I don't want to jinx it, but for the past 10 days my wife says the snoring is gone and, whether it be placebo or not, I do feel a lot better during the day. I already wore a nightguard, and you're right, it is a nightguard on steroids now, but I like it a lot....and far more than the CPAP solution would have worked, I believe. Its got a little key and you can adjust the pull on your lower jaw for comfort and effectiveness. My jaw and teeth are a little sore in the morning, but it is definitely getting better each morning. The first few nights I went to sleep I had to simmer myself down a little because it is like having your jaw wired shut and you can get a little claustrophobic with that sensation. My dentist did say this was the first time he's tried this type and the past kinds he's used with patients have been pretty much ineffective. So far so good though with me...I hope its working as well as I think it is and continues to.

the appliance outfit called me this afternoon to tell me they were out of network, so it would cost ~$750 to get the sleep apnea oral device made. I told them I'd sleep on it. Pun intended.

 

[Dentist]

I have sleep apnea... had my first sleep study in early May, 2014. Scheduled to go for another on August 28, presumably to... I dunno... calibrate the cpap machine?

I am quite sure I won't be able to sleep well with the darth vader mask. Just today I read about a dental appliance that can be used instead.

I am also a tooth grinder.... I have used a night guard for several years, now, and sleep just fine with that, so I am somewhat hopeful I'll be able to sleep with the sleep apnea dental appliance just fine.

Question: has anyone tried one of these dental appliances? If so, any feedback?

tia.

having made a couple (including one for myself just to try it out) I can tell you they are EXTREMELY uncomfortable and that I haven't yet had a person who could persist with wearing one as recommended.

These things are much much worse than a night guard

Good to know, Dentist.... thank you so much. Maybe I need to peruse the CPAP masks the other FBGs recommend a little more carefully. I was hoping this thing would be similar to a night guard, with which my compliance is quite high. Oh well.

not to mention they are expensive as hell with no insurance coverage.. I had to charge $900 to make one just to make a marginal profit for my time. I'd say most people will charge $1200+

Now THAT'S sounding like the Dentist we all know and love!

My dentist charged me $500 for this. I think it was at his cost but he does not personally make them... just takes the impressions and sends them away: http://www.glidewelldental.com/snoring-sleep-apnea/product-ema.aspx Of course, it's not a great solution for me so maybe you get what you pay for.

oh wait.. i just clicked on the link.. you didn't get the sleep apnea device.. just some cheap snoreguard... at $500 he made a great profit on that.

This is the sleep apnea appliance and it cost me nearly $500 to get it made: http://www.glidewelldental.com/dentist/services/removables-tap.aspx

I just got this from my dentist and, yeah it'll likely run me just under $1000, depending whether or not my dental insurance accepts calling it a nightguard. I don't want to jinx it, but for the past 10 days my wife says the snoring is gone and, whether it be placebo or not, I do feel a lot better during the day. I already wore a nightguard, and you're right, it is a nightguard on steroids now, but I like it a lot....and far more than the CPAP solution would have worked, I believe. Its got a little key and you can adjust the pull on your lower jaw for comfort and effectiveness. My jaw and teeth are a little sore in the morning, but it is definitely getting better each morning. The first few nights I went to sleep I had to simmer myself down a little because it is like having your jaw wired shut and you can get a little claustrophobic with that sensation. My dentist did say this was the first time he's tried this type and the past kinds he's used with patients have been pretty much ineffective. So far so good though with me...I hope its working as well as I think it is and continues to.

the appliance outfit called me this afternoon to tell me they were out of network, so it would cost ~$750 to get the sleep apnea oral device made. I told them I'd sleep on it. Pun intended.

an appliance 'outfit' ?

 

[johnnycakes]

I have sleep apnea... had my first sleep study in early May, 2014. Scheduled to go for another on August 28, presumably to... I dunno... calibrate the cpap machine?

I am quite sure I won't be able to sleep well with the darth vader mask. Just today I read about a dental appliance that can be used instead.

I am also a tooth grinder.... I have used a night guard for several years, now, and sleep just fine with that, so I am somewhat hopeful I'll be able to sleep with the sleep apnea dental appliance just fine.

Question: has anyone tried one of these dental appliances? If so, any feedback?

tia.

having made a couple (including one for myself just to try it out) I can tell you they are EXTREMELY uncomfortable and that I haven't yet had a person who could persist with wearing one as recommended.

These things are much much worse than a night guard

Good to know, Dentist.... thank you so much. Maybe I need to peruse the CPAP masks the other FBGs recommend a little more carefully. I was hoping this thing would be similar to a night guard, with which my compliance is quite high. Oh well.

not to mention they are expensive as hell with no insurance coverage.. I had to charge $900 to make one just to make a marginal profit for my time. I'd say most people will charge $1200+

Now THAT'S sounding like the Dentist we all know and love!

My dentist charged me $500 for this. I think it was at his cost but he does not personally make them... just takes the impressions and sends them away: http://www.glidewelldental.com/snoring-sleep-apnea/product-ema.aspx Of course, it's not a great solution for me so maybe you get what you pay for.

oh wait.. i just clicked on the link.. you didn't get the sleep apnea device.. just some cheap snoreguard... at $500 he made a great profit on that.

This is the sleep apnea appliance and it cost me nearly $500 to get it made: http://www.glidewelldental.com/dentist/services/removables-tap.aspx

I just got this from my dentist and, yeah it'll likely run me just under $1000, depending whether or not my dental insurance accepts calling it a nightguard. I don't want to jinx it, but for the past 10 days my wife says the snoring is gone and, whether it be placebo or not, I do feel a lot better during the day. I already wore a nightguard, and you're right, it is a nightguard on steroids now, but I like it a lot....and far more than the CPAP solution would have worked, I believe. Its got a little key and you can adjust the pull on your lower jaw for comfort and effectiveness. My jaw and teeth are a little sore in the morning, but it is definitely getting better each morning. The first few nights I went to sleep I had to simmer myself down a little because it is like having your jaw wired shut and you can get a little claustrophobic with that sensation. My dentist did say this was the first time he's tried this type and the past kinds he's used with patients have been pretty much ineffective. So far so good though with me...I hope its working as well as I think it is and continues to.

the appliance outfit called me this afternoon to tell me they were out of network, so it would cost ~$750 to get the sleep apnea oral device made. I told them I'd sleep on it. Pun intended.

an appliance 'outfit' ?

Yeah... Dig, Dentist. I'd rather have my local dentist make the impression and fit the thing... I have to call her tomorrow to see if this is something she does. But I only heard about the appliance by way of this outfit's advertising. They send a do-it-yourself impression kit from which they expertly craft the appliance to perfection. Too good to be true??

http://americansleepassociation.com/

 

[johnnycakes]

This just in from my personal dentist whom I consulted before proceeding with the advertised product. I'll paraphrase:

"We take an impression of the top... and we take an impression of the bottom. Then we connect them. This prevents your jaw - not your tongue but your jaw - from moving backwards, thereby keeping the airway open. What I have seen happen, over time, is this puts stress on those teeth used to anchor the jaw, and eventually results in the teeth moving and there is an (adverse) change in bite."

So she recommended trying the CPAP first.

You can put that one in your notebook, Dentist.

 

[Kiddnets]

Started C-pap a few months ago - lost about 20 pounds since I started without really doing much dieting or exercising much - does this kickstart your metabolism or something or is it just coincidental?

 

[17seconds]

Started C-pap a few months ago - lost about 20 pounds since I started without really doing much dieting or exercising much - does this kickstart your metabolism or something or is it just coincidental?

Lack of sleep causes weight gain so I imagine better sleep can causes you to lose weight.

 

[Kiddnets]

Started C-pap a few months ago - lost about 20 pounds since I started without really doing much dieting or exercising much - does this kickstart your metabolism or something or is it just coincidental?

Lack of sleep causes weight gain so I imagine better sleep can causes you to lose weight.

Thx! I always thought that it gives you more energy so you work out more thus lose weight but I havent had time to work out last few months but have lost anyway....seems strange but maybe thats it....if anyone else has lost this way or knows anything please let me know!

 

[SharkBait]

Started C-pap a few months ago - lost about 20 pounds since I started without really doing much dieting or exercising much - does this kickstart your metabolism or something or is it just coincidental?

Lack of sleep causes weight gain so I imagine better sleep can causes you to lose weight.

Thx! I always thought that it gives you more energy so you work out more thus lose weight but I havent had time to work out last few months but have lost anyway....seems strange but maybe thats it....if anyone else has lost this way or knows anything please let me know!

I actually gained some weight. Not a ton but about 10 to 15 lbs. I figured since I was going into a deep rest and not fighting for breath all night long with my heart pounding out of my chest, perhaps I wasn't burning the calories in my sleep that I once was.

But I know my case was NOT typical. I have heard about lot of folks losing weight once they were on CPAP, mostly due to having more energy.

 

[Buck Bradcanon]

:(

Started on CPAP machine about 2 weeks ago. Pressure setting is 16 which feels suffocating. I can go to sleep OK during ramp but have thrown it off every night about an hour and a half into my sleep.

I'll try to continue and hope it gets better. For now, do not like.

 

[kutta]

:(

Started on CPAP machine about 2 weeks ago. Pressure setting is 16 which feels suffocating. I can go to sleep OK during ramp but have thrown it off every night about an hour and a half into my sleep.

I'll try to continue and hope it gets better. For now, do not like.

16 is high. Can you adjust it? Try lowering it to 10 or so and see if you can at least stay asleep. Maybe you can slowly increase it over time.

 

[Snoopy]

:(

Started on CPAP machine about 2 weeks ago. Pressure setting is 16 which feels suffocating. I can go to sleep OK during ramp but have thrown it off every night about an hour and a half into my sleep.

I'll try to continue and hope it gets better. For now, do not like.

16 is high. Can you adjust it? Try lowering it to 10 or so and see if you can at least stay asleep. Maybe you can slowly increase it over time.

The setting is prescribed by a doctor and there is no user control to adjust that number. At least that is the case with mine.

 

[johnnycakes]

Any love for those auto-adjusting machines?