NEWLY diagnosed OSA decisions: CPAP vs Oral device

[englandsf]

Go CPAP, buy two and choose mask like the P10 that just slips off. You'll live longer.

[MJKelleher]

Ease of use, getting it on and off when a call comes in is another big concern.

As for getting the mask on and off - I use the Swift FX nasal pillows. If you can adjust to them, being able to sleep with your mouth closed, they take virtually no time to remove. Just a few seconds to get them seated with no leakage.

In an emergency, one hand sweeps off the mask, the other slaps the button on top of the unit to turn it off. You're on your way.

Which ever way you choose, best of luck. Solid sleep is sooo much better than the broken sleep we all have had.

[chunkyfrog]

Before cpap, I was Gollum, wretched, miserable, obsessed with the rest I could never have.
Then I got on the hose. Small wonder someone calls hers, "Precious".

[JustinD9]

I use cpap but had a go of a jaw device. Whilst I think the practicality and convenience of one gives the user a lot of flexibility and independence ( I wanted it for travel and camping) in my case it did nothing for my apnea and was very uncomfortable. If you have the ability to give it a go without the significant cost (and you can handle the discomfort) it's worth seeing if it works for you. Also other than how you feel you will also need an additional sleep study to see if it's truely effective ($). Otherwise cpap

[Goofproof]

Don't pay any attention to any of us, go for it, it's good for the economy to waste your money, as long as the people you give it to pay their taxes.

Power to the Lead standard, it's good for more than making fishing weights. Jim

[RogerSC]

I have to agree that cpap's make more noise than I'd like. I sleep with one next to my head, and if I didn't use earplugs, I wouldn't be able to sleep. Yes, being a light sleeper has always been a problem for me...if the window's open and there's a dog barking outside or the neighbor is using power tools, I won't be able to sleep. So I've been using earplugs for years (before cpap), and that really helps me to sleep with a cpap machine going right next to my head. I don't know what those that say a "properly adjusted cpap is very quiet" or "a cpap doesn't make any noise" are talking about, they must be heavy sleepers or have damaged hearing *smile*. On the other hand, it isn't really noisy, either. My wife's breathing, now that's "very quiet", my cpap, no, not "very quiet". And yes, the cpap is quieter for my wife than my snoring, but it's across the bed from her. I think that it would be a different story if I put my cpap on her side of the bed and used a long air tube to my side for my mask *smile*.

Anyways, there's lots worse things than having some noise and my using earplugs, so we both put up with it *smile*.

[Mynah]

I don't know what those that say a "properly adjusted cpap is very quiet" or "a cpap doesn't make any noise" are talking about, they must be heavy sleepers or have damaged hearing *smile*.

I wonder if there is something wrong with your machine?

I have the same model and was amazed from the first night at how quiet it is. My hearing is good.

[Mynah]

Ok so I am new to this, haven't even started treatment yet just in the decision making stage trying to decide between CPAP or an oral device.
My diagnosis is moderate OSA with an AHI of 16.6
My concerns regarding CPAP are noise and portability first, then comfort a close second.
I am a firefighter and live in a fire station for approximately 40% of each month. My station is 175 miles from where I live so either I would need two devices, one portable (if there is such a thing) and one set at home by my bed. Noise in the station would be a big concern because there are typically 2 to 3 crew members sleeping in my same dorm. Ease of use, getting it on and off when a call comes in is another big concern.
Suggestions and input
If anyone has used both CPAP and an oral device (not necessarily concurrently) and can weigh in on benefits for or against either, with my particular circumstances in mind, I would greatly appreciate hearing from you.
Thanks

Never tried the oral appliance because of what others told me about their experience.

CPAP is really easy for me, and I travel around with the equipment - not much of a problem.

Good luck.

[Too tall]

My dentist has sleep apnea and we've talked about the oral device. He said he was afraid it would cause TMJ problems as it shifts your jaw considerably. I absolutely hate the CPAP and am still looking at alternatives. Hopefully, one day they'll have a drug that will fix it. I know I'm along as most people see such improvement in sleep from a CPAP that they love it. I didn't, my sleep is much worse with it.

[RogerSC]

I don't know what those that say a "properly adjusted cpap is very quiet" or "a cpap doesn't make any noise" are talking about, they must be heavy sleepers or have damaged hearing *smile*.

I wonder if there is something wrong with your machine?

I have the same model and was amazed from the first night at how quiet it is. My hearing is good.

Yeah, that's probably it. Thanks.

[SewTired]

My Airsense for Her is SILENT. The series 60 Respironics were also silent. I would not buy a portable. Just get 2 of the same machine but one of the newer models. The only sound I have ever heard from either myself or my brother is from the mask and that is usually due to either poor fit and leaking or having your face in the pillow.

The oral devices have not been shown to be all that effective AND can create jaw problems.