Received Dental Device

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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Swordz
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Received Dental Device

Post by Swordz » Wed Dec 07, 2005 11:49 pm

I finally got my Somnomed MAS (dental device) today, and my dentist's game plan is this: First week getting accustom to it and no advancing of device. Appointment next Tuesday, where they will show me how to advance it and give me the key to advance it. Advancements will be 0.5mm every 3 days. Advance device until fully extended, feeling maximum effects, or experience jaw discomfort/pain.

I'm a little dissapointed that I can't start advancing until next wk, but it does make sense that I need to get acustom to it. The device is very smooth and no protuding parts in my mouth. Aside from the unfamiliarity of having a device like this in, the device is comfortable and I can see already how compliance will be MUCH better and easier.

Hopefully things go well and I have a totally positive and outgoing perspective towards the device. I have the device now, but will start using it tomorrow night once I get denture cleaner for it!

I couldn't ever get used to APAP, and this device will completely replace that. I hope to have definitive results regarding AHI/RDI reduction to post within a month after I have a sleep study for titration.

Thanks for all the people, comments, and help that got me to this point. I've got some ways to go, but its taken quite sometime to get here and this is a REALLY big step. Thanks you all!

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CollegeGirl
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Post by CollegeGirl » Thu Dec 08, 2005 12:14 am

Congratulations, Swordz! I know you've waited a long time for this moment to come. Every one of us on this board (myself included) wishes you nothing but the best. Good luck, and keep us updated on you progress!

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snork1
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Post by snork1 » Thu Dec 08, 2005 12:16 am

Good luck! Keep us posted on your results and trials and tribulations and successes!

In theory, I will be trialing an Aveo TSD VERY soon. Should be interesting, if it works at all. Its supposed to pull the tongue forward instead of the jaw. I can't imagine how it can do that without major issues...but if it works and can at least reduce pressure needs or help in certain cases, or maybe even just stop mouth leaks, it could be worth it and much cheaper than the dental devices.

How much was your dental device if you wouldn't mind my asking?
Remember:
What you read above is only one data point based on one person's opinion.
I am not a doctor, nor do I even play one on TV.
Your mileage may vary.
Follow ANY advice or opinions at your own risk.
Not everything you read is true.

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Swordz
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Post by Swordz » Thu Dec 08, 2005 12:34 am

Yah, i have completely looked forward to getting it. I know i have to have patience and stick with it, but just having it in @ the dentist's office proved to me how much easier than CPAP it is.
snork1 wrote:Its supposed to pull the tongue forward instead of the jaw.
I know nada about the Aveo TSD device, but interesting how that works. I'm guessing you've done your research (as I did, because my device is really new), and know how greatly they can help if they work. So, I'm guessing through suction it keeps the tongue forward, preventin the tongue from falling back and causing apneas. That is quite ingenious, because the Somnomed moves your jaw forward through advancing the bottom piece in increments of millimeters at a time. With the suction and no moving of the jaw, you prevent TMJ, which is great!
snork1 wrote:I can't imagine how it can do that [keep tongue in place] without major issues...but if it works...
Its really amazing that alot of people don't realize the palate and tongue are usually the causes of apneas. Treat those causes and reduce or "cure" apnea. I'm glad I researched and found out CPAP wasn't my only option. Its good to realize one treatment doesn't fit all. I'm SOOOO happy that anyone gets treatment whether its CPAP, surgery, etc.

"Working" for you, I'm assuming, would mean could be reduction in pressure of CPAP, correct? Are there other options that device presents, such as bypassing CPAP?
snork1 wrote:How much was your dental device if you wouldn't mind my asking?
Pricey, Pricey, Pricey!!!! The Somnomed MAS goes for ~$1000, but I got it for $800 because I'm the 1st to use it @ my clinic. Keep in mind the cost of that device includes molds and bite registrations, making it personally fit. The cost also includes 6 months of follow-up visits. Sounds expensive, but actually quite cost effective I think.

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snork1
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Post by snork1 » Thu Dec 08, 2005 12:53 am

$1000 is a good deal if it works, Especially compared to CPAP. But it would be a pricey experiment if it didn't work, so its good you are getting a "trial" price at least. Still too rich for my blood for an experiment though, at least for now.

I am just STARTING to do research on the AVEO, it was first presented on this forum by someone that didn't have any previous posts and I and others assumed it was a scam. After a bit of research, I am thinking it MIGHT be legit, just new on the market. They supposedly have been using it in New Zealand and are going to START offering it here.

I am a mechanical engineer, so I am fascinated by creative approaches to problems.

I am HOPING I will have some good things to report, but time will tell.

Remember:
What you read above is only one data point based on one person's opinion.
I am not a doctor, nor do I even play one on TV.
Your mileage may vary.
Follow ANY advice or opinions at your own risk.
Not everything you read is true.

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rested gal
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Post by rested gal » Thu Dec 08, 2005 1:07 am

Swordz, I'll be looking forward to hearing how the MAS does for you. You always write such clear descriptions of what you're doing... keeping a good record of what you've been doing!

snorkster, you engineer lab rat, you! You already know how much I've always enjoyed following your experiments from, gosh, way back when! I'll be most interested in hearing how this one goes. You always chronicle the steps so well. (I've really got to get "Gangrene???" out of my mind!!)

Guest

Post by Guest » Thu Dec 08, 2005 1:16 am

snork1 wrote:...But it would be a pricey experiment if it didn't work, so its good you are getting a "trial" price at least.
The good thing is that dental devices are quite proven, of course with less results the more severe the apnea. The Somnomed is just basically a new "twist" on 40 other FDA approved designs. It looked the most comfortable and less impeding of the devices. Somnomed has also done extensive studies and trials that make thier device look really good. Imagine that, a company trying to make thier device look good!

Also, the Aveo TSD does look legit. Familiar with Quietsleep.com?

http://www.quietsleep.com/oralappliance ... escrip.htm

its the top-right device in the first block of four devices. I also did a google search, and its appears to be selling for around $150.00.

http://www.pharmacydirect.co.nz/default ... 883&P=4996

Of course, it does state "For maximum compliance this device is best suited for use with consultation by a medical doctor or dental professional."

You may have found a legitimate answer.

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Swordz
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Post by Swordz » Thu Dec 08, 2005 1:16 am

Last 1 was me...
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ozij
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Re: Received Dental Device

Post by ozij » Thu Dec 08, 2005 3:46 am

Swordz wrote:I finally got my Somnomed MAS (dental device) today, and my dentist's game plan is this: First week getting accustom to it and no advancing of device. Appointment next Tuesday, where they will show me how to advance it and give me the key to advance it. Advancements will be 0.5mm every 3 days. Advance device until fully extended, feeling maximum effects, or experience jaw discomfort/pain.
Don't be too disappointed, Swordz.

Can you imagine how many more cpap compliant people there would have been if they had been give instruction to raise the pressure gradually, .5 cm/h20 every three days? And given time to get used to the mask?

O.


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Guest

Post by Guest » Thu Dec 08, 2005 5:59 am

Dont be disappointed if it doesn't reduce your AHI low enough. RG will probably pop in here in a post or two about the pillar / dental device combo. That seems to have real promise. The dental devices by themselves don't seem to be able to do enough, but adding the combo has been proven to work. Good Luck!


Sleepless on LI
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Post by Sleepless on LI » Thu Dec 08, 2005 6:02 am

Cory,

Congratulations on finally getting your device. And you said you weren't a trailblazer, yet you are the first to try out this device at your clinic. And on this site, I can't remember many, if anyone else, who has used and reported their results as long as I've been on here, so you will be a trailblazer in my eyes, anyway. Keep us posted!
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Marie
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Post by Marie » Thu Dec 08, 2005 9:16 am

I am looking into the TAP dental device which works the same way as yours,Swordz.
If I get it, it will be $1,500.00. I still have a lot of questions, I have only had one visit with the dentist that provides it.
My question is, I slept on my stomach, how can the tongue get in the way, if one is sleeping on ones stomach? I haven't asked the Dr. that question yet. What if it is tissue or flab or whatever that gets in the way of breathing, then the TAP device won't help at all???

I have adjusted to CPAP very well, but am looking into this anyway.

I will be interested in your results.

Marie


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sleepylady
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TAP device

Post by sleepylady » Thu Dec 08, 2005 11:10 am

Marie I tried the TAP dental device before going to CPAP. Unfortunately this device didn't work for me, but that's not to say it won't work for you.

Here's my experience with the appliance. The device moves your lower jaw forward and this caused a problem with my bite. Also, even though the top and bottom retainers are extremely tight fitting, I somehow worked the bottom one lose during the night. Waking up with a "floating" retainer was interesting to say the least. Also I ended up with a lot of saliva buildup . I never was able to keep it on the full 8 hours and usually gave up after 3-4 hours. If you have TMJ be careful. After taking the device out you have to work your lower jaw back into place and it's a touch painful.

After two months of trying this, my symptoms were worse than ever so I gave up, took the plunge, and went for a CPAP. I can say after trying the CPAP and then the TAP device, I would now encourage a person to give CPAP their best effort. While the masks are a little cumbersome, if you can find the right one to work, I'd rather deal with a mask than the pain of the dental device. As I said, this is only my experience.

Wish you the best of luck. Hopefully it works well for you.

Melinda


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Post by Sleepless on LI » Thu Dec 08, 2005 11:18 am

Sleeplady,

As far as the excessive saliva production, did you find at least that subsided after the two months you tried the device? I had ordered the Dr. Sue device and that was one of the main reasons I had stopped using it. He advised me that continued use of the device would cause that to subside, but it never did for me; however, I didn't use it for the length of time you used your type of device.
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Swordz
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Post by Swordz » Thu Dec 08, 2005 11:34 am

First off, let me say how sore my teeth are. Quite sore, but manageable and out of 10, its prob a 4.

My sleep has been horrible since my surgery and really all this semester. It takes me forever to get to sleep and really stay asleep. I went to bed with my device in and fell asleep finally, but woke up around 5 AM. I woke up, but I could already tell a difference. Usually when I wake up I am literally drunk-tired becuase my apnea is so bad, and the fatigue is a 10 out of 10. When I woke up though, I could tell that I was already more refreshed than in probably years. That was short-lived though becuase I was very excited about being not as fatigued and it literally took me hours to get back to sleep becuase of thoughts and anxiety from the feeling of less fatigue.

Seriously, I have overcome a huge hurdle here in the 1st night becuase I actually got to sleep. I could never get to sleep on CPAP, so this is very exciting to me already. Granted the device is not advanced any becuase I am becoming accustom to it over the next wk, then will start advancing next wk.

Salivation wasn't really bad, but more than normal. This is quite normal though when you think of wearing something in your mouth, as salivation will always increase. I haven't worn a mouth guard in 5 years for sports, but I'm sure that has helped me somewhat.

I am not jumping to conclusions and setting myself up by failure by noting excitement just after the 1st night, but it definitely a VERY good start for me. It is good to realize I am actually able to find a treatment that works for me individually. Stress is crazy though this week as my friend's wedding, moving out of my appartment, and finals are all within the next week. Hopefully I can sleep more and keep everyone updated.

Keep in mind this is not an attempt to "lure" anyone from CPAP, becuase dental devices are not for everyone (bridges, dentures, any dental work not apply). I am just relieved about actually finding and having positive outcomes w/ my treatment so far.

Got class, so I will do my best to answer ?'s later. Thanks everyone for the support!

Sleep: Did I ever know you?
Soccer: The beautiful game.
2006 Advertising Graduate: Any1 got a job?!