oral appliances vs. CPAP

Has anyone else tried an oral appliance instead of a CPAP machine?

I used one before CPAP, to tide me over until I got a machine, then I used it for a while along with the CPAP.

Although they can be viewed as a primary treatment for those with mild OSA, they are often reserved for those unable or unwilling to use CPAP after giving CPAP, which is the gold standard, the full shot. They aren't as effective as CPAP overall--they generally help about 50 percent of patients get a 50 percent reduction in the severity of their condition, which may be enough for those with a mild issue. Opimized CPAP, on the other hand, used all night every night, can virtually eliminate sleep disturbances from bad breathing at night for the vast majority of patients who can make a go of it with the right mask for them and efficacy data to perfect the treatment.

Here are some aspects to consider:

Jennifer Hines at Alaska Sleep Education Center, on June 26, 2018, wrote:
Pros of Dental devices

• Many patients find dental devices to be more comfortable and tolerable to wear as opposed to CPAP masks.
  
  Patients on CPAP often complain of dry, itchy noses from the air pressure drying out their sinuses. Oral devices do not have this problem.
  
  There is less equipment to become entangled with during sleep, or knock off during slumber, for patients who are active movers during sleep.
  
  There is a lot less equipment involved, and therefore easier to travel with.

Cons of Dental devices

• Jaw pain, soreness, or tension
  
  Sore teeth and/or gums
  
  Excessive salivation or even dry mouth
  
  Possible damage or permanent change to jaw position/bite
  
  Loosening of dental restorations (crowns, bridges, etc)

Who qualifies for dental appliances?

• Patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea (not recommended for moderate to severe sleep apnea)
  
  Patients with primary snoring (in absense of sleep apnea)
  
  Patients who have tried and failed at CPAP therapy may qualify
  
  Patients who were unsuccessful with or refused surgeries such as tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, cranofacial operations, or tracheostomy.
  
  In combination with CPAP device to help lower patient's apnea/hypopnea index for more tolerable air pressure settings.

--https://www.alaskasleep.com/blog/dental ... leep-apnea

Does that mean I might have wanted to try a dental appliance instead CPAP?
My Sleep Study showed mild apnoea, AHI was only 75.

bwexler wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 18, 2018 7:30 pm

Does that mean I might have wanted to try a dental appliance instead CPAP?
My Sleep Study showed mild apnoea, AHI was only 75.

My diagnostic AHI was only 114.7, so maybe by comparison . . .

bwexler wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 18, 2018 7:30 pm

My Sleep Study showed mild apnoea, AHI was only 75.

Unless you forgot a decimal point in there somewhere, that's far from "mild".