AveoTSD dental appliance, experiences, insurance issues?

[ProfessorEd]

As background I have pituitary surgery planned, Friday, the 13 of December. For this they they go through the nose, into the Sphenoild Sinus, and then through that to the pituitary gland. The ENT surgeon on this (there is also a neurosurgeon, who probably does the most sensitive work, although each have a screen) says I could not use CPAP for 7 weeks afterwards. The apparent concern is that pressure in the nasal cavity can hinder the healing and force germ laden matter into where you do not want infections. (I have a threat asking for advice)

I talked to a dentist about appliances.

She suggested the AveoTSD which is a device that pulled the tongue forward and helped hold the airway open, at the cost of she said discomfort and having what looks like a pacifier in the mouth (see http://www.glidewelldental.com/download ... octors.pdf) for a picture.

This has the virtue of being the cheapest option (the device needs no fitting, with most people (95%) being able to use their Medium size and there is no fitting beyond that (although the dentist might show you how to use it) and could add on his fees. Because it is already made (no custom fitting), the only time needed is the shipping. With more complex devices that need fitting and lab work, it might not be ready for the surgery.

The device is only sold to dentists and doctors, and she offered to place an order for me ($139) and just charge me that. She also said a doctor might be able to order it for me.

I am not certain how this would be reimbursed (I have Medicare, Cigna, and a dental plan). On the face of it, it appears to be a durable medical device and subject to those rules, but something tells me the usual suppliers would not carry it, but might be willing to special order it, but would probably add a very large markup.

I also notice that the literature describes it as a snoring treatment, not a sleep apnea one (It has FDA approval, but probably only for snoring). This could complicate getting reimbursement.

The dentist was very helpful, and even gave me a free consultation (she did not know how to bill Medicare).

The most common appliances force the lower jaw forward, which requires attaching to both the lower jar teeth and upper jaw teeth. Alas, I have no upper jaw teeth (implants failed) and use an upper denture. While it might be possible to make the upper attachment to the denture, she was not sure this would work. Hence the suggestion I consider the AveoTSD.

I am inclined to go with this. It would get perhaps 7 weeks of use (and then back to my machine), and might have some use as a backup for when the power fails (and it does regularly) and for camping or travel, it it seems to work.

I would appreciate any advice from someone who has used this device, or had experience with getting reimbursed for it since there are a number of issues on the insurance side.