got some extra SUAD spacers?

[minerva]

Hi all,

Got myself a SUAD device a couple of years ago. I find it works for me about 90% as well as my CPAP, so I don't use it all the time, but it's handy when travelling if I'm only going to be gone for a few days. Anyway, the dentist that prescribed it has since gone out of business, and I've managed to wash some of my spacers down the sink. Any of you fellow SUAD users have some extra spacers you could pass on?

Thanks -- Minerva

[Janknitz]

What is a SUAD device????

[chunkyfrog]

It looks like the spacers are being sold online.
The devices are out there, since at least 2008. I refrain from posting a link, but feel obligated to pass on several cautions.
Insurance is unlikely to cover the cost, The DOT/FAA did not consider it "treatment" for licensure (at least in 2008)
They are quite expensive, and have been linked to TMJ. Efficacy needs to be documented with a PSG for each patient.
If you are at the point of using a device because there is no way you can "pap",
I wish you well, and be very cautious that you are actually getting some help--like the OP.

[ChicagoGranny]

Hi all,

Got myself a SUAD device a couple of years ago. I find it works for me about 90% as well as my CPAP, so I don't use it all the time, but it's handy when travelling if I'm only going to be gone for a few days. Anyway, the dentist that prescribed it has since gone out of business, and I've managed to wash some of my spacers down the sink. Any of you fellow SUAD users have some extra spacers you could pass on?

Thanks -- Minerva

This is a CPAP forum so you mostly find CPAP users here and they tend to be haters of alternative treatments.

Glad to here that SUAD works for you in some cases.

About the spacers, you might try contacting the SUAD manufacturer - http://www.strongdental.com/contact_us.php

Good luck,

ChicagoGramps

[minerva]

Chunkyfrog: Where do you see the SUAD spacers being sold online? You can PM me if necessary. I'm well aware of the pros and cons, insurance coverage, etc., since I already have the device and have had it now for a couple of years. I use CPAP as my main treatment, and the SUAD as a back-up (see comments to Janknitz below).

Janknitz: the SUAD is a mandible advancement device (pulls your lower jaw forward while you sleep) that is sometimes prescribed for apnea. You can read all about it here: http://www.strongdental.com/suad_patient.php. It hasn't been clinically proven to be efficacious in all cases, like CPAP is, but for some it can reduce AHI enough that it's effective for a few nights, such as when travelling, etc. Or on those nights when I just cannot stand the mask, I will use the SUAD. It reduces my AHI from ~6 to ~3, which is enough for me to feel rested the next day. With the CPAP I get better sleep, but it's a pain in the ass to take it with me if I'm just going somewhere overnight, or camping, etc. So I use the SUAD as a backup device. I also have sinus issues that make using the CPAP problematic at times, and the SUAD gives me the opportunity to get *some* improvement in my sleep when I can't use my CPAP. Something is better than nothing!

ChicagoGranny: on the contrary, I've been a member of this forum for some years (since 2006, despite what my profile says) and have found it to be very welcoming of anything that helps improve our sleep! I had already contacted the SUAD mfg and gotten no response, which is why I'm posting here. I thought it possible someone had tried the SUAD, been unsuccessful with it, and would be willing to give me their extra spacers. I just know there's somebody out there with one in their 'fail' drawer...