Question regarding Dental Device vs. CPAP

[Luthie2006]

I see to have many issues regarding CPAP. I have mild sleep apnea, AHI Index, 9 total without CPAP. I have mask problems, nose problems, etc. and it's been 4 months. Does anyone have experience with MAD, the mand. dental devices that thrusts the jaw forward, good or bad? Thank you very much.
I may consider this eventually.

[Julie]

If I were you (and I mean that literally), I would, using software and an oximeter for a week, try sleeping on my side only if possible, and see what that does to your numbers and 02 sats. If they improve, you likely have 'positional' apnea, which means you probably don't even need Cpap, but better sleeping habits, including e.g. a soft cervical collar to keep your head higher and your airway more open. With the very low study results, I would not be looking first for other apnea fixes, but better ways to not even need them. IF however, you still desat when sleeping as I described, then you do need Cpap, and I suppose if you wanted to try the device, see how others feel who have had it done. But I sure wouldn't want that (it has known backlash problems) if I had an easier choice.

[Luthie2006]

Thanks Julie. I am not sure what you mean "backlash problems?" You mean with the MAD, dental device? No, I don't think my APNEA is situational.
I do much better on my side (AHI of .4, .6) On my back it is 1.9, or 1.7. I do have apnea but getting tired of a red nose every day. I do hear that the dental device can cause TMJ. My dentist is a certified sleep apnea dentist and he swears by the Somnodent dental device. He wears it himself he said.
Not looking for TMJ of the jaw. Just wondering if anyone else out there has used the dental device for apnea and what they thought? Thanks Julie!

[spidey]

I stop breathing 7 times an hour, and they said it was mild. IM on a CPAP for almost a week now, and while I feel a difference, I havent used the machine all night yet. I wake up after a few hours and have to take it off due to breathing issues through my nose, etc

Id rather if I could find out if its just sleep position. Obviously if I dont have to use the machine I dont want to, but have accepted that I have to if needed.

Whats a way to find out if its position apnea only?

[Luthie2006]

Spidey: I think the way to tell if it is positional, is to sleep on your back and see the number on the machine and then sides and see the number and see if it lowers down.

[Julie]

Sorry, I was referring to TMJ.

[spidey]

Spidey: I think the way to tell if it is positional, is to sleep on your back and see the number on the machine and then sides and see the number and see if it lowers down.

When I got my test done with the machine, I sleep everywhere, as I didnt got to an actual sleep clinic to be watdched, just hooked to a machine

I will ask on the follow up appointment on mondya after using the CPAP for a week

[tyroneshoes2]

While a dental device may help with obstructive apneas, it won't help with centrals.

Be sure you get a sleep study if you think you may have apnea and think this devicemight be the whole answer.

[chunkyfrog]

Sometimes positional apnea may still require use of a cpap,
because sleeping in the same position too much can mess with your shoulders/back.

[VikingGnome]

My brother and brother-in-law are both dentists. They are both on CPAP. That should be a clue to whether a dental device is sufficient.

[Luthie2006]

Thank you all. I think I will buy the Lansinoh for my nose and try the large Airfit mask P10 and try that first. I have heard success stories with the MAD (dental device) but the thought of my jaw being thrusted outward every morning doesn't sound comfortable. Thank you all. I appreciate it!!!

[49er]

My brother and brother-in-law are both dentists. They are both on CPAP. That should be a clue to whether a dental device is sufficient.

Actually, it doesn't prove anything one way or another any more than if a pulmonologist chose a dental device over cpap.

According to the study in which I have provided a link to in my signature, variable rate appliances have a better success rate than fixed rate appliances in getting the AHI below 5. The Tap appliance was studied as the variable rate one. For most mild severities, the success rate was 75% and for most moderate ranges, it was 60%. Most severe ranges were below 50%.

Luthie2006, I definitely understand your reasons for not wanting to switch to a dental device and hopefully the large pillows of the P10 and the Lanisoh will do the trick.

49er

[Luthie2006]

Thanks 49er. I appreciate it! And everyone else too.