SF Bay Oral Appliance Recommendation & Cost Info ?

[mymontreal]

Hi

I have moderate Sleep Apnea (AHI=30), though I suspect it has been getting worse... (last sleep study was done 12 months ago).

I have been on a APAP machine for the last 12 months - I got great results for the first 6 months, but since then, I have had severe gas/bloating issues - this has meant reducing the APAP Max pressure, which has obviously degraded my SA treatment... It's frustrating, because APAP was working so well & without an effective pressure to reduce apnea events, I feel like I've been hit by a truck...

My apap range is currently 9 - 13.5, but I can see from the reports that it needs to go to 15/16 to resolve many of the apnea events - problem is, I just cannot tolerate pressure > 13.5 - it's just too painful...

I would like to try an Oral appliance before considering any surgical options, but have a couple of initial questions:

1. I am looking for a Dental recommendation in the San Francisco Bay Area - Can anybody help ?

2. Does Medical or Dental Insurance ever cover part of the cost of an Oral appliance ?

3. How much does it normally cost for a TAP or SomnoDent Device to be fitted ? On aadsm.org I saw an average cost of $850, yet I have also heard crazy California figures of $7,000... ?

Many Thanks
Mike

[lea1234]

Hi,

I have an excellent dentist in San Jose (even works for the Sharks), but he's expensive! I'm not sure if professional recommendations are allowed, but if you email me, I'll give you his info.


Sorry I can't help you with your other questions.

Good luck with your search,

[roster]

.........3. How much does it normally cost for a TAP or SomnoDent Device to be fitted ? On aadsm.org I saw an average cost of $850, yet I have also heard crazy California figures of $7,000... ?

Many Thanks
Mike

$7,000 may not be crazy. It likely includes sleep studies to check the efficacy of the device and follow-up visits to check for teeth movement. I can get a local dentist to make a TAP for about $1300 but that includes no sleep studies and follow-up visits are charged separately.

You might want to check out how I solved my aerophagia (intestinal gas from CPAP) problem. See this post: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=43663

[midnightdweary]

You are looking at $1000 and up. A consultation fee will be from $85 to $100 usually.
It is recommended for mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Then there is no guarantee that it will work.

It is not covered by insurance or Medicare.

[albill]

I just had an oral device made by Dr. Michael Alvarez in Fremont. I was referred to him by my sleep doctor.
http://www.drmichaelalvarez.com/