[ConservativeMind]

It appears virtually all people who “needed” a CPAP were able to instead use other methods to achieve and maintain the deep sleep they each needed, by working through other therapies that were better utilized.

From the abstract, in order:

1. Detailed physiology review 2. Oral appliance therapy (OAT) 3. Expiratory positive airway pressure valve (EPAP) 4. Supine-avoidance device therapy

Then, potentially adding one or more of the following:

- Oxygen - 80/5mg atomoxetine-oxybutynin - OAT combined with EPAP and CPAP therapy.

[ConservativeMind]

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[imabadboy99]

sounds like a pita. I’ll stick with my cpap. Tried a dental appliance instead of cpap and it didnt’ work for me. The cpap just works.

[libertylover]

I used to have a problem with Sleep Apnea.

I tried a dental device for a while, and it did help, but it was also making my lower jaw stick out and I was developing an underbite. Plus, it made my jaw ache all day long.

I had another sleep study done and they noticed that I have sleep apnea really bad if I sleep on my back, but I’m OK if I sleep on my side. So now, I just sleep on my side and don’t have sleep apnea.

[Bob434]

The dental devices are for sleep apnea caused by excess weight which c.oses off the throat at night when sleeping, but there is another form of sleep apnea where the brain shuts off the “need to breath” briefly- I think it’s called central sleep apnea? Whatever it’s called, that is the kind I have supposedly, but I have my doubts as I’ve recorded my breathing throughout the night a couple of times and I hear no disruptions in breathing or gasping for breath.

[mountainfolk]

Husband snored so loud I would relocate. After years of this he discovered that the snoring stopped when he discontinued his nightly glass of whole milk. He also found that side sleeping stopped the Apnea. In addition, sleeping on the left side stopped acid reflux. This is because of the way the esophagus enters the stomach.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

Irish whiskey and ________??

[exPBRrat]

I love my CPAC.

[The Great RJ]

I have successfully used a CPAP for 25 years. It works well for me and the results were immediate the first night I slept with it. I’m interested in the new technologies, but am content to use my CPAP. I have traveled with my CPAP to Europe and as far away as Australia without any issues ….just be sure to have the right adapter for your electric plug. Most CPAPs will run on 220v 50Hz electric systems found in many foreign countries, but will need an adapter to accommodate the various wall sockets. Customs and airport security are generally quite familiar with CPAP devices so you need not worry about traveling with your CPAP.

[Boomer]

I don't think anything other than a CPAP would keep the epiglotis open in my case. It would be great if there was a non mechanical alternative but I haven't seen it yet.

[Seaplaner]

CPAP takes a bit of getting used to, but I believe that more patients could succeed with better training and optimization of the machines.

APAP (which automatically adapts to needed pressure) works the best, but only if the lower pressure in the range is set at the titrated level, not 0, and the higher pressure is set no more than 5 cm above that.

From there, nightly readings can allow the patient to modify the pressures to obtain the lowest AHI (apnea hypopnea index).

This procedure was developed my patients communicating on online forums. For some sad reason, machine makers fight the notion that patients can take responsibility for their own therapy.