Posted on 03/10/2022 12:57:37 PM PST by ConservativeMind
Oral appliances similar to mouthguards—called mandibular advancement devices (MADs)—have been shown to work as well as CPAP in treating sleep apnea for many patients.
"The oral appliances have been around for less time than CPAP, but they've grown a lot in popularity over the last couple of years and they can be as effective as CPAP for the right patient," Wang said.
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your throat muscles relax to the point of collapse and block your airway during sleep. When this happens, your body becomes starved for oxygen and you periodically wake up for a few seconds to gasp for air.
People with severe sleep apnea can wake more than 30 times an hour while trying to get their rest. Daytime sleepiness is the most prominent side effect, but sleep apnea also has been linked to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.
Mouthguards keep airways open
These devices consist of two pieces that cover your upper and lower teeth, connected by a mechanism that uses your upper jaw as leverage to push the lower jaw forward, explained Dr. Colleen Lance.
MADs are similar to over-the-counter devices sold to help treat snoring, but they are custom-made by dentists working with sleep doctors, Lance and Levine said.
The upper and lower pieces are molded to your teeth, and the dentist performs a physical examination of your airway, including X-rays, to determine the exact adjustment you'll need.
"They calculate how many millimeters forward—we're talking about millimeters here, itty-bitty movements of the lower jaw—they would need to move the lower jaw to keep that airway open," Lance said.
These adjustments are usually made very slowly over a matter of weeks to prevent your jaw from aching or your bite from changing dramatically, Lance said.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
All these devices sound disgusting. Furthermore, how do you even lie down to sleep with all the hoses and masks snake nest?
Was this device included as an option for providing TMJ pain relief?
Interesting, because I saw a TMJ specialist — one of only five in the SF Bay Area. She thought it might be useful.
Yeah, the dentist thought it could relieve the TMJ pain and maybe eliminate the CPAP machine.
Thanks. Is the term “mandibular advancement devices” understood by the medical and dental profession alike?
“mandibular advancement devices (MADs)” are 100% GUARANTEED to eventually destroy your TMJ (temporomandibular joint), otherwise know as your jaw-joint ...
First of all, this special jaw-pulling device is not full of hoses. That is the point.
2nd, many people manage. My hubby, who is sensitive, does it fine.
I thank God for it because he finally got it just before our son was born. For 3 years I kept being awakened and leaving the room, even when I was pregnant, having to go upstairs (the nature of our house) to get a good sleep far away.
It’s a Marriage Saver!
I tried a mouth appliance for sleep apnea years ago. $$$ Had to quit due to jaw pain.
Has Kamala used this device?
Hers should be the “Lock-Jaw”.
Doesn’t the CPAP HAVE HOSES AND WIRES.
It would be handy if the power is out.
Wouldn't that give you an ache in your jaw?
Thanks so much for posting these threads. I really appreciate it.
“Wouldn’t that give you an ache in your jaw?”
I tried one and it was actually trying to bend my teeth into a new position.
What I want to know is why there’s no surgical fix.
See a dentist who specializes in sleep stuff. Ask your regular dentist for recommendations.
Sorry I wasn’t clear. THIS device, subject of the article, is strictly a self-contained mouthpiece.
MY HUSBAND uses a CPAP for 14 years (I know because our son turns 14 tomorrow and hubby finally got CPAP just prior to birth). Yes, it has a hose and head straps. No wires.
He uses it fine. I was surprised because he’s very “sensitive” to anything weird encumbering the body.
It also runs on battery power. He takes it on Scout camping.
Yes, you’re now using the “pillows”. My hubby has only had to have the nose pillows this whole time and that has worked well. Some use the triangular mask like surgery gas. Is there anything more than that?
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