Update on me:)

DCTom · Joined: 02 Mar 2006 Posts: 19

For anyone who visits this Site regularly....I am still using TAP II. I seem to do better when I don't bring out my jaw too far. I wound the thing back in a little and found it to be more comfortable. It has not eliminated my apnea but it helps a lot. Every few nights I can sleep pretty good and wake up very rested. Other days not as good. If I don't use it I feel absolutely horrible. I was recently fittted for the Aussie SomnoMed MAS device and I'll be getting it in 2 weeks. One thing about TAP is that it locks your jaw shut and that bothers me. I also am hoping the SomnoMed will be more comfortable. So that's my story. All in all I am doing better and very glad to not be on CPAP, which did nothing for me and I think it's a shame so many doctors sell CPAP machines without explaining about dental devices.

waters96 · Joined: 21 Nov 2005 Posts: 65

Tom,

After you try out your new device, I really suggest you get a titration sleep study. As they did in my case, I was at 16 turns on my TAP2 going in. However, as they titrated, they discovered my "sweet spot" is 20 turns, at which I have ZERO AHI and NO snoring. At 18, my AHI is around 20, with a fair amount of snoring.

Obviously, dental devices aren't perfect for everybody, but they only work as well as they're adjusted. The key is to pre-screen the tech to make sure they know how to work with a dental device. Many of them, and many sleep centers, are run by people who only believe in CPAP and can't believe that something as simple as a dental device can actually control sleep apnea.

Again, I'm local to DC, so I believe I have the names of doctors and sleep centers who have familiarity with dental devices.

Good luck.

snork1 · Joined: 16 Dec 2003 Posts: 1415 Location: Kirkland, WA

Very cooool that its working out for you!

"Dialing in" the dental devices is one area that really needs to be strengthened for implementing this mode of treatment. Even with the certified sleep dentist, its too much a case of "take it home and crank on it until you feel better".

I must say having a pulse ox machine has helped me to dial mine in, combined with a light sleeping spouse.

And my dream rate seems to be another good indicator. I never got close to the same amount of REM sleep when I was using CPAP, and of course it is zero REM without any treatment.