(07-15-2021, 03:38 PM)mcman56 Wrote: Thanks for this input. I'll go see my doc today.
Believe it or not, I was all done by a sleep doc. The same one. When challenged he just said I could stop wearing the dental device if it was not helping. I was quite shocked at his response.
It's never encouraging when you get an answer like that. But the game may not be over.
I get you on the claustraphobia, so I am going to revisit the MADD, because I've worn a few before. You've already bought it and I'm not certain you've maxed your options with it.
Your MADD should (ideally) have the ability to advance via adjustment mechanisms. Glidwell and SomnaDent both have adjustment possibilities. This adjustment is usually done slowly (months) and under supervision because when you put force on an object, that object applies force back.
If you haven't maxed out its advancement settings it means there's still opportunity for improvement. If you have a MADD that doesn't have adjustable advancement then I think that's pretty poor of the physician, and you will need to rethink MADD vs CPAP.
Some people need to combine positional with MADD to get the best results.
I maxed my second MADD out at 12 mm advancement. Then it wore out and I haven't repurchased one because (as you know) they can be more difficult to obtain than a CPAP. When I revisited CPAP I went the bipap route to help me with the claustraphobic feelings. I also went nasal inserts + chin strap and spent a lot of time during my days off just sitting in bed getting used to the fear (this is called exposure therapy in psych). I get along with it much better now. That's my story for what its worth.
Hope it helps you out.
Sleep well.
EDIT: Well I am late to the party.