CPAP wasn't working - Found solution

[napnaptime]

So I was on CPAP for over two years and was still exhausted, my AHI was on average 0.5, I went to bed slept 8 hours every night and still woke up exhausted. I was convinced I still was sleeping right but the sleep doctors started to treat me like I was mad.

I decided to take the plunge recently and go for the Mandibular Advancement Device, it worked! I woke up the next day refreshed and every other day after that, I am happy now but I wonder why a mandibular device would work better than CPAP?

Anyone who has mild sleep apnoea like me and CPAP hasn't worked for them after a year I recommend it.

[49er]

Hi napnaptime,

Unfortunately, as you and many folks have found out, doctors think the key to great sleep is a wonderful AHI and stop investigating when patients continue to feel exhausted. I can't answer your question as to why you would feel better with a dental device but I am happy it is working for you.

As I am sure you are well aware, you do need to have a sleep study to make sure the results match your perception of how well the device is working.

Much continued success with it.

49er

[chill]

My guess: your CPAP pressure was too low to keep your airway open.

[kwhenrykerr]

I tried the contraption in my mouth. It did not work for me. Raising the pressure has helped a lot. I am still looking for more improvement.

If it works for you that is good news.

[Daisylouu]

I think I seriously need to try it. Can you old give me more info as to what it feels like and what kind you have? I'm getting desperate

[HomerJay]

I had one of these devices a while back and found it painful and my mouth was always very very dry. I would wake after a couple of hours or less and have to remove it. After about 5 weeks I gave up. It cost me around $2000 as it was purpose made by my dentist. Now sits in my draw never Used...

Obviously different people get different results, levels of comfort. Maybe using one with a CPAP with a humidifier would help the dryness?

When I was diagnosed my doctor said I should CPAP or I could try a mouth device. I thought mouth device would be much easier, the thought of being on a CPAP with mask wasn't so nice....

[chill]

My first thought that was sleeping with a CPAP machine was horrible. Then I had a long discussion with a dentist on using a Mandibular Advancement Device. The problems caused by change in bite over time (100% in 11 years, IIRC), time to make adjustments, repeated sleep studies etc convinced me to try CPAP. I have never regretted it. Mandibular Advancement Devices are not a solution without problems. Make your choice carefully.

[WakeUpTime]

For mild sleep apnea, perhaps. My research (and first hand experience) tells me that you get a reduction in AHI at best with that technology -- along with other potential issues. If it works for you, great for you. Those devices seem to help with snoring, and a little more. The serious stuff is solved by CPAP/BiPAP/etc.

Dentists, however, are absolutely excited about adding this to their solution mix. This represents the next big profit expansion, after teeth whitening.

For those with moderate or severe sleep apnea who are struggling with CPAP, I'd persist on making CPAP work rather than the allure of an evening dental insert.