Oral device for flights

[schneider4]

Hello all -

I've got a series of international flights coming up, and I was wondering if anyone out there has found an oral device that will work as an alternative to a CPAP for these types of situations. Of course, I bring my CPAP with me everywhere, but it's not feasible (or even possible) to plug it in on flights, especially the shorter ones.

Thanks in advance for any guidance...

[Nozzelnut]

Oral appliances can work for some folks. They can be expensive; $1000-$3000 depending on type and how much you're charged by your dentist/orthodontist/oral appliance sleep specialist. I've found it's difficult to find an oral appliance maker in my area that takes my insurance.

[schneider4]

Thanks. My research is showing me that there's no quick, cheap, and easy device that I can buy over-the-counter that will be of much help on a flight. Given that, does anyone out there have any tips for being more comfortable napping/sleeping on a long flight? For that matter, does sleeping sitting up itself help with OSA?

[Julie]

Sleeping sitting up does help. There is something called Provent you can try - it takes some rehearsal though ahead of time to get used to breathing with it (it's a little nasal device - look it up) and can be effective and nonobtrusive for flights, etc. but doesn't work for everyone.

[kteague]

Hopefully you have some time before your travel to experiment a bit. Finding what works for you will likely be trial and error - unless you can get your hands on a recording pulse oximeter while you test things out to help you see what happens when you sleep upright. For me, good posture and using a c-pillow to keep my head from going either forward or back can provide me uneventful sleep. Just a couple inches of my chin tilted either way and all bets are off. If experimenting, maybe with an observer present, indicates your apnea is controlled enough by being upright to be helpful, maybe a cervical collar would do the job during travel - just be sure your pillow of choice adequately stabilizes your head. One thing to consider, since a lot of apneas happen when the tongue relaxes backward, avoiding leaning backward just seems wise. I've seen advertised a rather large inflatable travel pillow for forward sleeping. Can't vouch for it, just seen it in ads. Some of the pics on their website look like some of the people may be in positions that are compromising the neck, but hey, worth taking a look at. Again, some simulated travel beforehand would be a good idea.
http://www.skyrest.com/default2.html

[StuUnderPressure]

Thanks. My research is showing me that there's no quick, cheap, and easy device that I can buy over-the-counter that will be of much help on a flight. Given that, does anyone out there have any tips for being more comfortable napping/sleeping on a long flight? For that matter, does sleeping sitting up itself help with OSA?

A "double" mouth guard may help.
I bought 1 from a local sports outlet for $ 7.

It certainly is NOT a dental device, but would be better than nothing.