Sleep Apnea Appliance for Teeth?

[goclark]

I am currently using the CPAP Machine.

I have had good periods of time and then one problem after another.

Today my eyes are red, this is the second time this has happened to me.

I must control my Apnea but I am now wondering if the sleep appliance is something to consider.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[virgogal]

1. I think you would be better off seeing an MD than looking for

medical advice here.

Sleep apnea can be quite serious.

[goclark]

9. I have already spoken to two Dr's regarding this

I'm not really looking for Advice.

I more interested in hearing from those that have used the Dental Device.

I know that sleep apnea is serious.
Even though I was found to have mine labelled "moderate" I currently have an Internist and and E&T doctor that are very familiar with my case.

I have had two sleep studies and speak often to the company to adjust my techniques.

[virgogal]

18. So sorry for your problem----it must be very discouraging.

Good luck and hope you find some answers soon.

[goclark]

20. Thanks for your support

I worry every night that I will have a good nights rest.
I have an early morning appt. with my Eye Dr., my eyes have been red since I looked at them this AM.

[Kali]

2. lots of good advice here

http://www.apneasupport.org/index.php

CPAP is the most effective treatment - keep trying!

[goclark]

22. Thanks so much for your enouragement

Today I was crying in the eye doctor's office.
I was just so frustrated because I know that this is important to my health and I want it to work so badly.

I also want to set an example for others that are afraid to try the Machine.

Thanks again to everyone. :hug:

[Peregrine Took]

3. I posed something similar a week ago and the thread was locked.

I guess they don't want us exchanging opinions on health care treatments.

[ashling]

6. Did you put it in the Health forum?

There is also a group (you have to be a donor) for chronic health conditions. There is usually something on sleep apnea there. I have had no problem posting in those places.

[goclark]

11. Isn't this the "Health" Forum?

?

That is what it tells me at the top of my post.

:shrug:

[ashling]

13. Yes, this is, but I have no idea where you brought it up the other day.

As far as I know you brought it up the other day
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

it might actually be a good idea to have a sleep apnea group

[goclark]

16. Yes it would be good to have a Sleep Apnea Group here

I saw an amazing thread in one of the main forums about Apnea the other day.

It was fantastic!

[trotsky]

12. No, they don't want someone getting bad medical advice from DU.

Well, that and Skinner is TOTALLY in cahoots with big pharma. SRSLY.

[goclark]

17. Was that your wonderful thread in the Discussion Forum?

I loved it!

[ashling]

4. Mask leak?

Are you having problems keeping a consistent seal ... particularly air escaping into your eye.

This is one of the problems I have had. As you relate, I have good luck at times, but never all night. My air pressure/flow number is 13, and so when it ramps up to that amount I have to completely readjust it - which defeats the purpose of ramping up.

I located a full face mask on line which should help with this, It also says it is good if you have claustrophobia It is a Resperonics Full Face Fit mask. I will try and find the link.

here is the link:
http://fitlife.respironics.com/

[goclark]

14. Thanks! I probably will need that one even though

I love my "Ladies Mask."
I'll ask the Sleep Apnea Tech when he calls back today.
He has been wonderful!
I'm just remembering that he suggested I get a Humidifier for my room.
I did get a small one but I have not used it because the CPAP was working for me most of the time. I better try it, don't think it can hurt.

I love this Forum because I get different views.

The air really bothers me and I have to use those eye masks to keep the air out of my eyes.

Usually it works but for some reason,the "really red eyes" woke me up this AM.

I have an appointment with my eye doctor tomorrow.
When it happened before he put me on an antibiotic and lots of "Dry Eyes" drops.

The full face may be my only choice,because I just can't seem to adjust to my ladies mask because of the air blowing.

I also have bad allergies and the EYE Dr.'s Tech said that it may just be my allergy situation. So, I was a good girl this morning and took my allergy meds. : )

Thanks to everyone for their input ~ one of my friends has the dental
appliance and loves it. Another reason why I love this forum is that it jogs my mind ~ my friend that has the Dental Device has a jaw that is unusual.

[supernova]

5. Usually teeth appliances

are for people who have a receding jaw line (i.e. no or little chin), the jaw falls back toward the neck during sleep. The appliance is supposed to make your jaw stay forward more during sleep, helping your airway stay open.

YMMV. I'd check with a dentist/orthodondist/ or even oral surgeon to see if it would work for you.

[sui generis]

8. yep - teeth appliances have other side effects

not the least of which they have to be maintained bacteria free and can cause other dental problems and morphological changes if used improperly.

Talk to your doc - there are newer, smaller quieter CPAP models out there that might help.

[goclark]

10. Thanks !

That is the kind of information I was looking for ~ you are not in any way trying to tell me what to do ~ I just wanted to know the experiences others have faced.

This helps me to make a better decision with my doctor.

[Bluebear]

7. Also, does anybody have experience with the Pillar Procedure?

I know somebody who would love to lose the mask :)

[goclark]

15. Yes and No ~ I spoke to my E & T Dr. and he does the Pillar

Procedure.

I was so excited about it and asked him if he could do it for me.

He said it was not for me at this point in time, I needed, in his opinion, to use the CPAP Machine. I trust him so I'm on the Machine.

He has done two Sinus Surgeries on me.
He is "The Doctor To Many of the Stars,especially singers" and also my doctor that I trust and adore....

The first Sinus Surgery was 7 years ago. The surgery was not the problem, the straws in your nose for 2 days are not much fun BUT, the problem was me. After I started feeling better, I didn't keep my appointments exactly. I was feeling so much better ~ I would put off my Office Visits.

Don't do it!

That is how I had to have Surgery #2 two years later.
After Surgery #2 I am sitting in his waiting room at the exact time and date on my appointment card.

Back to the Pillars ~

Wish it would be helpful for me because that would be a Easy Way compared to the CPAP. But Dr. R says NO so I can't do it.

I do remember seeing loads of material on the web about it.
It seemed wonderful!

[Chemisse]

19. I had a problem with a very nasty case of conjunctivitis

After having reddish eyes for quite a while. I finally realized that the air leaks from a poor fit on my CPAP mask was irritating my eyes. I have had a lot less trouble now that I am replacing my mask often and trying to get the best fit. For a while I wore an eye mask to protect my eyes at night, but that really hasn't been necessary.

[goclark]

21. I just got back from the Eye Doctor

He has me on strong eye drops of anti biotics and to stay on the Sleep Machine and I am to report my progress to him.

Then my Tech called and told me there are "gel pads" that fit around the seal of the pillows so that the air does not get in your eyes as much.
He is sending these gel today to me to try.

I asked him about the "full face mask and he wants me to try the "gel" because he really believes that will solve my problem.

I am determined.

[Chemisse]

24. I had not heard about this gel

Maybe I will check into it.

Best of luck with your Sleep Machine.

[goclark]

25. I should be getting it in a few days

Remind me and I'll keep you posted.

I want to hope that it will help.

[goclark]

26. I hadn't heard of it either ~ let's hold a good thought

that it will help those that desperately want to get a safe and sound nights sleep.

I'll keep veryone posted as soon as it arrives and I try it.

[goclark]

23. Me too ~ the SPAP tech told me there is a new gel

that can be put around the nose piece that helps with it.

He is sending it to me ASAP.