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For sleep apnea, a mouth guard may be a good alternative to CPAP

nytimes.com

1–10 of 76 posts

Re: For sleep apnea, a mouth guard may be a good alternative to CPAP

#2
It's the path I took over ten years ago here in oz, and I've never regretted it. The device gets pretty janky because it's a soft liner moulded into the rigid carrier and biofilms just love that kind of interface to grow on.

I got a medical fund rebate on a GP diagnosis and referral to the dentist.

My partner continues to tell me it works. Ymmv.

Re: For sleep apnea, a mouth guard may be a good alternative to CPAP

#3
post #2

It's the path I took over ten years ago here in oz, and I've never regretted it. The device gets pretty janky because it's a soft liner moulded into the rigid carrier and biofilms just love that kind of interface to grow on. I got a medical fund rebate on a GP diagnosis and referral to the dentist. My partner continues to tell me it works. Ymmv.

I've had a mouth guard before, for bruxism, but that thing 100% prevented me from falling and staying asleep, it was effectively a torture device in my experience.

How is falling asleep with this device? Is it easy to adjust to? How heavy is it on maintenance?

Re: For sleep apnea, a mouth guard may be a good alternative to CPAP

#5
post #3
post #2

It's the path I took over ten years ago here in oz, and I've never regretted it. The device gets pretty janky because it's a soft liner moulded into the rigid carrier and biofilms just love that kind of interface to grow on. I got a medical fund rebate on a GP diagnosis and referral to the dentist. My partner continues to tell me it works. Ymmv.

I've had a mouth guard before, for bruxism, but that thing 100% prevented me from falling and staying asleep, it was effectively a torture device in my experience. How is falling asleep with this device? Is it easy to adjust to? How heavy is it on maintenance?

So I have one also. It took me a good 7-10 days for it to feel comfortable enough to easily fall asleep with.

My jaw alignment takes around 20-30 minutes to go back to normal.

I'm around 5 years in using it and i can put it in and fall right to sleep. That said I'm told results really vary for people.

Re: For sleep apnea, a mouth guard may be a good alternative to CPAP

#6
post #4

I think this this article leaves out the consequences of the device, which I believe include permanently changing your bite and tooth damage.

It's weird because I'm seeing this page [1] say the exact opposite of what I'm reading here:

"Prescribing a night guard to a person with sleep apnea will stop the teeth from becoming damaged, but will not address the much more serious issue of keeping the person breathing at night. [...] The scientific evidence that bruxism can be a symptom of sleep apnea has come from studies that were relatively recent, and not all dentists are aware of this information yet. This is why many dentists are still prescribing night guards for bruxism without screening for sleep apnea."

[1] https://millcreekdentistry.com/why-a-night-guard-for-teeth-g...

Re: For sleep apnea, a mouth guard may be a good alternative to CPAP

#7
post #4

I think this this article leaves out the consequences of the device, which I believe include permanently changing your bite and tooth damage.

FWIW, some mouth guards are actually beneficial for your bite, though I can't comment on tooth damage. I bought Invisalign from my dentist which is a specially-made acrylic mouth guard that is designed to realign your teeth/jaw, and probably also serves this purpose... unfortunately, I'm allergic to acrylics so I had to stop using it.

I've yet to successfully fall asleep while using a CPAP, so I wish this was an alternative for me. Alas.

Re: For sleep apnea, a mouth guard may be a good alternative to CPAP

#8
I sleep pretty well with a CPAP, but I feel like I'm very sensitive to pressure inside my mouth or teeth. I keep adjusting my CPAP nose mask so it puts no pressure on my teeth, and rests on my cheeks instead.

Not sure how I'd take to something like this, but nice to know there are more options for fellow sufferers.

Re: For sleep apnea, a mouth guard may be a good alternative to CPAP

#9
post #3
post #2

It's the path I took over ten years ago here in oz, and I've never regretted it. The device gets pretty janky because it's a soft liner moulded into the rigid carrier and biofilms just love that kind of interface to grow on. I got a medical fund rebate on a GP diagnosis and referral to the dentist. My partner continues to tell me it works. Ymmv.

I've had a mouth guard before, for bruxism, but that thing 100% prevented me from falling and staying asleep, it was effectively a torture device in my experience. How is falling asleep with this device? Is it easy to adjust to? How heavy is it on maintenance?

First month? Hell. Got used to it. Mine has a hex key adjustable chin distance setting, helps to avoid really tiresome jaw ache if you can get this set right.

Sure, have heard both that it does nothing for some snorers, and some people can't get used to it, which sucks at the price.

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