CPAP therapy ruined by goofy epiglottis

Hello,

I responded to littlered a few weeks back to share her pain about the trouble we were having adjusting to CPAP. After a week of use, I was sleeping worse than before, getting up to use the restroom more often, and zoning out for most of the day. The pressure was only 8cm, but my ears were popping and my mouth felt like I was blowing a trumpet. Something wasn't right!

After returning to the sleep clinic to discuss these problems, the doctor discontinued my CPAP therapy and sent me to an ENT, who took xrays of my jaw and throat, and said he suspected my epiglottis was to blame.

The sleep doctor had already discovered that my windpipe was smaller than average, because of my large pallette and tongue. What the ENT discovered is that the epiglottis "hangs out" much farther than normal into the middle of my throat. He suspected the pressurized air (from the CPAP) was causing it to vibrate or expand like a sail, thus reducing the amount of air that could pass unobstructed to the lungs. (This could also explain why my ears were popping so much.)

Anyway, the ENT suggested a dental appliance as a possible alternative, so I got tested to see if I could use one of those. My teeth and jaw are healthy enough to give it a try, so I made the molds and will receive the new device in two or three weeks. I won't miss CPAP that much, but the dentist did say the appliance could change my bite over time and cause some jaw discomfort. (There's no free ride no matter what treatment you use.) Hopefully it will keep the top of my skinny windpipe open without messing with my crabby epiglottis.

Moral of the story? If CPAP isn't working for you, keep using it until your doctor tells you otherwise, but ask to see an ENT. You might have other anatomical abnormalities that make it harder for CPAP to do its job.

Hi Adam,

Your post is most interesting. I have always wanted to know what exactly is causing my sleep apnea. I am trying the weightloss routine, but I am not sure that will even cure the sleep apnea. Many people still have it at ideal body weight.

Thanks for sharing.

Ted

Adam,
I wish you luck with the dental device. If it works it should be a LOT nicer to use than a CPAP.
I think it indicates you found a very good ENT and sleep doc that they all worked together so well with referals and the ENT referred you to a dental device instead of just slicing and dicing.

I wish that teamwork was more representative of the average resources available for treating apnea!

Sincere wishes for a non-CPAP, non-surgery solution for you!