Mandibular devices

[carolT]

Hi

Has anyone successfully been able to move away from using CPAP to using a mouth device. I am giving it some serious consideration and my orthodontist tells me he can make a device for me. The downside is that it is likely to be expensive and I cannot really afford to pay out on something that may not work.

[ElleCee]

I suppose it all depends on what causes the aponeas in the first place.
What does your doctor say?
Only advice I would give is to do lots of research before spending out on anything.

Lorraine

[Fredxx]

You can get "boil-and-bite" devices. they probably won't work as well as the dentist made version, but are considerably cheaper. It might be worth trying that as a cheaper option to see if it works for you

[carolT]

I suppose it all depends on what causes the aponeas in the first place.
What does your doctor say?
Only advice I would give is to do lots of research before spending out on anything.

Lorraine

Hi

My feeling is the sleep apnea is probably linked to my weight, not really spoken to my GP about it and I guess that the NHS only recognise the CPAP as effective treatment??? I suppose on my next review appointment i could ask. I might just for a laugh get my orthodontist to quote me for a device but suspect It might be very expensive.

[carolT]

You can get "boil-and-bite" devices. they probably won't work as well as the dentist made version, but are considerably cheaper. It might be worth trying that as a cheaper option to see if it works for you

Hi

Thanks for replying

I confess I do have one but it does tend to make me gag when I have it in, your comments do spur me on to stick with it. Have you had any experience of using one at all?

[Fredxx]

Hi

Thanks for replying

I confess I do have one but it does tend to make me gag when I have it in, your comments do spur me on to stick with it. Have you had any experience of using one at all?

No experience sorry, just an idea. For me, the solution is CPAP at a fairly high pressure

[ElleCee]

Give me a cpap any day. My gag reflex is not good and I know it would not work for me.
As for weight, it may often be that the weight has made it happen but it sure doesn't stop the aponeas when you lose the weight although it help and your pressure will be less.

Lorraine

[Firemaniac]

I have tried Dentist made devices and they didn't work for me!! I have a respironics cpap supplied by the NHS, I had to threaten to sue the PCT manager personally to get treatment after they rejected 3 appeals by Me, GP and Sleep clinic.
Its the best thing that has ever happened to me as far as sleep goes, I get 6hrs quality sleep every night and wake up feeling well rested.
My machine goes everywhere with me and its really good for getting free upgrades to first class on flights, 3 upgrades in 3 years.
My problem is getting a face mask that is comfortable. I have tried most of them and have found the respironics gel mask about the best. Nasal pillars where so uncomfortable for me.

[ElleCee]

I am taking a long flight in June and would love an upgrade so how does that work with taking a cpap?
Any advice would be grately appreciated

Thanks
Lorraine

[Firemaniac]

Hi Lorraine,
I take cpap as hand baggage and ask to be seated with my partner as she has to keep me awake because airlines dont have sockets to plug cpap into, this usually gets a sympathy vote from them, they usually say lets see what we can do? if that doesnt work just mention it to a stewardess as you get on plane.

Hope it helps.
Alan

[Tigers Fan]

If you turn up at the airport dressed as you imagine 1st and Business Class passengers dress and simply ask for an upgrade, you may well get one. They want bums on seats so in an over-booked plane, just look the part over the folk in jeans and a t-shirt - or pink clothes, generally!

An Executive Club Card does it every time,of course.

[ElleCee]

The only card I have is an Iberian Plus card, I will try that along with the cpap one. I always dress smart!
But for an 11 1/2 hour flight I also want to be comfortable so me thinks black stretch trousers, a black knitted top and a nice scarf and broach should do it. Paul always wears shirt and tie with a jacket so no problem there.
I think you have to book your actual seats in advance though so that may be an added problem.
I will just keep my fingers crossed that they feel kindly towards us

Thanks for the tips
Lorraine