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Anti-Sleep Apnea Mouthguard
Zython
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
Background: I have obstructive sleep apnea, and after several appointments, found out that I'm a good candidate for the Inspire implant. However, before I get that, I want to try out the mouthguard solution first. I've tried using a CPAP machine before, but couldn't sleep with it.
Problem: I'm not sure which brand I should go with. My ENT doc suggested prioritizing comfort, but Amazon isn't particularly helpful. I tried asking my dentist for recommendations, but she only recommends doing a specialized one that's like $2k, and I'm not paying that much for something that might not work.
So which brand should I go for?
Problem: I'm not sure which brand I should go with. My ENT doc suggested prioritizing comfort, but Amazon isn't particularly helpful. I tried asking my dentist for recommendations, but she only recommends doing a specialized one that's like $2k, and I'm not paying that much for something that might not work.
So which brand should I go for?
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Steam: pazython
Steam: pazython
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Did you do an in home sleep test for apnea? If so which one/how was the experience?
I'm 99% sure I have it, but I'm pretty sure I'm never going to do a sleep study at a not-my-bedroom kinda place.
I've done one at the facility, and another at home (my insurance would only cover the at-home one). This is the one I used at home.
It was bit finicky to get everything situated, but I was able to sleep well enough with it on, and the people at the center seemed to think the results were conclusive enough. Definitely more comfortable than all the shit they hook up to you at the facility.
Steam: pazython
Not sure if it's $40 worth of materials or engineering, but it seems like it would work fine. I'll update my thoughts after sleeping with it in for a few nights
It does seem to help with the breathing thing, but it kinda feels like I stopped wearing my retainer for a few months, then right before my dentist visit I tried to start wearing it again to fool the doctor.
Not sure if this is the right one for me
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Steam: pazython
you'll also want to get some denture cleaner and use it regularly so you're not growing bacteria in your mouth.
I have this as well.
Have had mine for 7 years, but the inner lining has started to come off which is causing it to not fit as tightly, so I'm getting a new one.
Mine works by having my lower jaw move forward and then the way the mouth guard is designed, locks it there. It is adjustable so if it's too far in either direction, it can be changed. But your dentist should provide the initial fitting. And although it's a dental device, apparently it goes to my health insurance so we'll see what they charge me for this new one.
Steam: pazython
Interesting. Do you have any links to these pillows?
Steam: pazython
https://www.amazon.com/Sleeping-Stylish-Jacquard-Sleepers-Pregnancy/dp/B09KMBQY3N/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?keywords=wedge+pillow+side+sleeper&qid=1688700393&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1
As far as I know, I only get the apnea when I'm on my back, but I am already a side/stomach sleeper at night, which is nice.
But after I wake up the first time, I will often stay in bed and fall asleep again on my back, and then I wake up with loud snorting sounds and stuff. Not in the night at least!
My dentist wants 2 grand for that, and my health insurance doesn't cover dental.
Steam: pazython
Something like this could work:
https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/SUNSIOM-Side-Triangle-Pillows-Foam-Body-Positioner-Orthopaedic-Leg-Raise-Acid/1MUMBL1UI60Y
You want enough weight to the pillow that it doesn't just slide away. I have a very firm rectangular bolster pillow that is mostly useless because it just slides away. The triangular prism shape helps because your own body weight helps hold it in place.
Even a pair of pillow animals in their folded up shape can work in a pinch.
This of course works best if you are already a side sleeper. Paying attention to your sleep hygiene is also a big part of this. I know for example that I want to make sure to not go to sleep on a full stomach or having eaten too protein heavy of a meal before hand. I sleep best in a cool room, with fresh airflow. Sleeping on my side gives me the most rest and the useful bit of information I got from my sleep study is that while I might snore normally even on my side, I only had the obstructed airflow and gasps typical of sleep apnea when I rolled over on my back during the night.
The mouth guards can help some people, but they typically do have some impact on your teeth positioning and dental health over time, even if you get one properly fitted. The CPAP machine was useless for me, since it couldn't handle me sleeping on my side and I was not able to get good rest sleeping on my back. I lucked out with the pair of triangle pillow approach and it even is somewhat adaptable when travelling and staying at hotels since I can use extra pillows to sort of approximate the effect. It may be worth a try and you may already have something you can use to at least trial the effect without having to go out and buy something.
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Go to an ENT. In the process of getting it insurance approved I had to do an at home sleep study and had to get a letter from the dentist saying I didn't suffer from TMJ/lockjaw (the person in the dentists front office helpfully offered to sell me the same mouth guard at almost full price because dental insurance is a scam and a lot of dentists are absolute swindlers) but then the insurance relented and covered the whole thing.
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