proven alternative to cpap machines

Was talking to an emergency room doctor tonight. From what he said, in combat when a doctor is treating apnea and could not turn the head (sucking chest wound maybe), he would take a big safety pin and pin the tongue to the cheek.

Alternative to cpap machines? Some people already have their tongue pierced.

Hi DaveMunson,

You better get a new doctor, he is not keeping up with the times.

Sure, a lot of us old timers used the ol safety pin trick, probably paved the way for the latest tongue piercing fashion statements. But my wife complained bitterly when I used this technique to shut her up. Tried it both ways - inside as well as outside the mouth. The inside muffled the sound better but the outside helped improve her breath. Seemed to work better when I alternated, got the best of both worlds.

The thing is, safety pins are old hat nowadays. Just use crazy glue and it works fine and simple to administer. Be sure to have a good supply on hand, it has many other uses!

Good luck with your alternative Apnea treatment!

Bob F

I have been pushing the using a rubber band around a couple of lip piercings to at least easily stop mouth leaks, but for some reason no one seems to take my suggestion seriously.


I must admit I was pretty silly in not taking this idea to the logical conclusion to cure apnea altogether and all it would take is a couple if minor piercings. Heck with all the discomfort we put up with on CPAP, the piercings would be a breeze in comparison. Heck some people do it for FUN!

Scuse my whal I jam thus softy pan into ma tongue. Ahhhh, its muth betta now.

Why not pierce the trachea instead of the tongue?
No depending on electricity, no dry tongue problems, simply cap it when you get up, remove the cap when you go to bed - and voila, instant obstructive apnea solution.

Ummm. Oh. They already tried that?


O.