? use of dental appliance & CPAP simultaneously

[robert_zucker]

Does anyone have experience using nasal (or other) CPAP and a dental appliance (mandibular positioner) at the same time, in order to get better results ?

I have seen a dentist who told me that this was a possible using the TAP appliance. He said that the manufacturer of the TAP also made an optional attachment which made nasal CPAP possible - without using a full face mask.

I have been using CPAP regularly for at least six months -- -- with suboptimal results for improving my daytime alertness problem (due to OSA). Also, I am also having trouble with aerophagia. Perhaps this would improve if, using the TAP, I would be able to lower the CPAP pressure while, at the same time, maintaining or improving the AHI.

[neversleeps]

Here's a link to a TON of info regarding your question:

Dental Appliances for OSA

Happy reading!!

[snork1]

my particular variation on the DIY tongue guide dental device(made from a boil and bite sports guard), has a bit of jaw-ramping-forward effect, especially when I grind my teeth in deep sleep. I am convinced it is one of the factors that keeps my AutoPAP pressure running at the low end of my range.

[meister]

I use the Dental Device called a Silent Nite as a chinstrap
replacement. Chin straps just come off during the night, or
stretch out of shape in a couple of weeks. So I insert the
Dental Device and it does two things: 1) it juts the jaw forward
and opens up my airway, and 2) it keeps my mouth closed so I
don't get cottonmouth.

Probably the DD also allows me to use a lower pressure.

[john5757]

I use the Dental Device called a Silent Nite as a chinstrap
replacement. Chin straps just come off during the night, or
stretch out of shape in a couple of weeks. So I insert the
Dental Device and it does two things: 1) it juts the jaw forward
and opens up my airway, and 2) it keeps my mouth closed so I
don't get cottonmouth.

Probably the DD also allows me to use a lower pressure.

I do have a problem with mouth leaks at times even with my jaws closed. At first thought I would think that this device would cause more mouth leaks with the jaw set forward while there is pressure being delivered CPAP. That is kind of opposite of the Nose Breathe device.

[GoodKnight]

Hi Robert,

I use a MAD along with my AutoPAP. I was titrated at a pressure of 15 without the MAD and 11 with it. This reduction was enough for me to sleep comfortably. I just could not stand 15, but 11 is ok. Most of the time my pressure with the Auto stays around 9. I was diagnosed Dec 2004, so this is all recent experience.

I think it is definitely worth a try, but make sure you go to an orthodontist very experienced with these devices. Ask around.

[coffee]

I have also been considering a dental appliance to team up with my XPAP.
Aerophagia has been a problem for me from the beginning. I was first titrated at 14, I couldn't take that so they lowered the pressure to 10 which didn't prevent my apneas. Retitrated at 12 they set it at 11 which was still unbearable. I now have an Auto PAP, set at 9-15, which has reduced, but not eliminated, the aerophagia by keeping the mean pressure usually below 11.
I would like to try raising my lower pressure on the APAP as others have suggested in an attempt to further lower my AHI but I can't without the aerophagia attacking.
I'm thinking the dental appliance (I'm looking at the TAP 2...) will not only get my pressure needs down, but also give me something to assist my OSA when I go backpacking and have to leave the blower at home.
And, if I'm real lucky, eliminate the need for the machine altogether!