Sleep Apnea with mouth guard solution?

[fh2000]

There is an old thread for sleep apnea, but I can't reply to it anymore.

The whole family has been dropping hints for the past 15 years that DW snores and have weight gain. DW is in total denial of having these issues. I understand this is an embarrassing issue for her.

But, after a car crash due a micro-sleep instance, and a diagnose of sleep apnea, she finally agreed to seek help. I accompanied her to see her doctor.

Her doctor said the index number of her symtom is 6. If the number is > 10, then a CPAP machine would be needed. For now, her doctor asked her to try to have a dental mouth guard first. The idea is to push lower jaw out a little to clear the airway.

She also needs to lose 15 pounds though looks like she is ignoring that advice from her doctor. She thinks her issue is caused by her TMJ so mouth guard should help.

Has anyone tried the mouth guard and how successful is it?

 

[easysurfer]

I can't comment on a mouth guard as after twice recommended by my dentist, I refused saying I'm doing what I can to avoid one .

No sleep apnea for me.

 

[MRG]

I've worn dental appliances for 30 years. I wouldn't have teeth without one. I'm a very heavy grinder and the appliance makes my TMJ so much better.

I've worn all kinds of them. Full horseshoes to partial to a bizarre looking thing that only was on several front teeth.

 

[greydog17]

yes, the mouthguard works, got it from dentist. Holds bottom jaw forward slightly to keep airway open, stops snoring and allows air passage so wake up doesn't occur. Oral Appliance Therapy - AADSM

 

[FlaGator]

My dentist recommended I get one to reduce my apparent overnight grinding. He asked if I snored - told him no one around anymore to tell me. Also asked if I was waking up in the middle of the night - told him yes. Have a brother with CPAP, so knew it was likely I had at least a mild form of sleep apnea.

Got the appliance, and it has made a huge difference - sleep better and have more energy on fewer hours of sleep.

Still don't know about the snoring, but working on that

 

[MRG]

I'll also chime in on weight loss. DW and I both went from obese to healthy weight. Both of us stopped snoring completely. If she wants to lose, myfitnesspal, enables you to track your calories and improve your diet.

 

[tgotch]

I bought a Serenity Mouth Guard on Amazon. Was skeptical, but it works. There is also a snore lab app you can use on your phone. It will record your snoring. I did before and after, and was surprised by how effective the mouthpiece is. Takes some getting used to though.

As someone mentioned, when you get the guard, you need to push your bottom jaw out, forward when you mold it.

 

[haloFIRE]

fh2000,
I use a TAP 3 elite mouth piece; you'll need a dentist to fit it. I have severe obstructive sleep apnea; index of 37. For various reasons i can't tolerate sleeping with a CPAP. The TAP 3 cuts my index down to 12. Not perfect, but so much better! No more snoring, and not exhausted in the morning.

With your DW's index of a 6, you may be able to get away with a model that doesn't require a dentist to fit it and still get a significant improvement

I wish you both the best!

 

[Rambler]

Unfortunately, the mouthpiece isn't for everyone. I've not been diagnosed with Apnea, but, I do have bouts of snoring problems from time to time. Interestingly enough, 3 years ago, I went through a bout where I snored nightly...according to DW. Then all of a sudden, I stopped, for well over a year. Last year, I lost about 45 pounds (that hopefully, I won't find again), but contrary to what is supposed to happen when you lose weight, I started a bout of snoring again. I did get one of the oral appliances to reduce snoring and had it fitted and adjusted, but unfortunately, I couldn't sleep with it in my mouth. I'm already a light sleeper, and couldn't get used to having it in my mouth, and rather than help me sleep, it just kept me awake. I'm pretty sure a CPAP would be similarly bothersome for me.

Just another data point for you. Not every solution will work for everyone. This may take some trial and error for you and your DW. All the best!l

 

[swakyaby]

I've tried a mouth device called SnoreRX, about $99, purchased online. You mold it to match your teeth, and you can adjust how far to adjust your lower jaw forward. DH said my snoring was noticeably quieter, and there were no more pauses in my breathing. But I noticed a mouthpiece tended to make me drool (yech), and sometimes my teeth felt sore in the morning.

So I finally had a sleep study and was diagnosed with moderately severe obstructive sleep apnea with an index of 20. During R.E.M. sleep the index went to 86 for one hour. I now wear a nasal CPAP and my index is 0.8. DH says my snoring is completely gone with CPAP.

Sounds like your wife has a mild case. She might like to try one of the online mouth devices or have the dentist fit her with one.

 

[easysurfer]

I had to wear a retainer for almost a year as part of the procedure for a dental implant. If a mouth guard requires regular cleaning like a retainer, I want to not have to use one unless I really, really, really need to.

 

[razztazz]

I had to wear a retainer for almost a year as part of the procedure for a dental implant. If a mouth guard requires regular cleaning like a retainer, I want to not have to use one unless I really, really, really need to.

I wear one to keep me from jaw-jacking in my sleep. It does not help with snoring or breathing problems (but I scored a Zero, which is an actual score apparently. It doesn't mean "Not Any", on the sleep study.)

The mouth piece is easy. I give it a shoosh with a toothbrush and soap first thing out of bed then drop it in a glass of water with one of those denture cleaning tablets OR if you're cheap, some white vinegar will do

 

[MRG]

I wear one to keep me from jaw-jacking in my sleep. It does not help with snoring or breathing problems (but I scored a Zero, which is an actual score apparently. It doesn't mean "Not Any", on the sleep study.)

The mouth piece is easy. I give it a shoosh with a toothbrush and soap first thing out of bed then drop it in a glass of water with one of those denture cleaning tablets OR if you're cheap, some white vinegar will do

Careful not all of them are to be kept in water. I haven't had one like that in 20 years.

 

[Teacher Terry]

I have a sleep apnea machine and asked about a dental guard but had 2 specialists tell me that a guard will make my TMJ worse.

 

[razztazz]

Careful not all of them are to be kept in water. I haven't had one like that in 20 years.

I got mine from the dentalist about 2 yrs ago

I got a briefing and the brochure for it

Alles klar herr komissar. Hoyle himself couldn't be more in accordance with it

For what it cost I was expecting it to solve all my problems

 

[MRG]

I got mine from the dentalist about 2 yrs ago

I got a briefing and the brochure for it

Alles klar herr komissar. Hoyle himself couldn't be more in accordance with it

For what it cost I was expecting it to solve all my problems

I think that's the point. Ours do the same thing with different care. Point is see the book or dentist office's care recommendation.

I never really had a favorite of the care. Perhaps when traveling the dry might be more convenient.

I know what you mean by the cost. I eat one every two years. I know it's cheaper then replacing teeth and crowns.

 

[swakyaby]

I had to wear a retainer for almost a year as part of the procedure for a dental implant. If a mouth guard requires regular cleaning like a retainer, I want to not have to use one unless I really, really, really need to.

When I used the SnoreRX mouth piece, I looked at the various denture cleansers to see what the active ingredient was. All I could find was the words "baking soda." So in the morning, I would rinse the mouthpiece under running water in my bathroom and place it in a ceramic coffee mug with water and some baking soda. I imagine a dilute vinegar solution instead would work too.

 

[Redbugdave]

I snore and use ZQuiet sometimes. I admit that I do sleep better with it in. I think my snoring is cyclical and sometimes goes away at times.

 

[Philliefan33]

DH snores and has sleep apnea, but he doesn't believe me.

The best device that I have found to stop his snoring is my foot applied to his shin.

 

[Yarnstormer]

This is an interesting thread. Regardless of her score if your wife fell asleep at the wheel she needs cpap! Or narcolepsy testing.
I had a sleep study - my score was also low, about 5.1 - doc was on the fence about a machine. He of course did not recommend a dental solution - seemed to think they only work for some people.
I use a cpap mostly because it keeps me asleep and significantly reduces acid reflux which can aggravate asthma. I can skip it from time to time but eventually I will start mouth breathing and end up with a sore throat in the morning.
According to my kid I snore big time!

 

[tn3sport]

Grinding:
I've used several OTC mouthguards. Started with what looked like a sports mouthpiece then moved to a minimalist approach. All worked; however, all were a pain in the butt and they were gross sitting by the bed full of spit or dust. I now only use them for a few nights when I notice a grinding or snoring trend. (Typically when I'm working a large renegotiation at work...)

Losing weight: Get the Apple Watch 2. I'm not kidding here. It has fitness and movement trackers that motivate you to move. I'm still working in a desk job; not retired yet. My watch tells me to get my ass up if I've been sitting more than an hour. The Watch 2 is waterproof and has a heartrate monitor. I use the HR monitor on the treadmill at the gym. I walk/run and compare my daily heartrate at a given pace to see if I'm gaining fitness. It also holds like 350 songs. No more carrying my phone around while working out. I love this device. Its motivated me to change my life. I'm now going to Planet Fitness nearly every day of the week.

Fugal tip: When you buy the Watch 2, just buy the lowest cost watch they offer. The bands they offer at Apple can affect the price. Don't buy the watch for the band, buy the watch for the watch. Then when you get the cheapest one, upgrade the band using Amazon or some other mailorder company.

 

[fh2000]

This is the 3 month report of DW's sleep Apnea issue:

She decided to get the special dental month guard from her dentist. After a few painful nights, and a couple of visits for adjustment, she has soon gotten used to the device. I downloaded a SnoreClock app onto her cellphone. It can record the whole night of sleep.

She scheduled a recurring appointment with the Dr's nutritionist, and she was put on a strict 1300 calorie daily diet with 5 small meals each day. She is also told to walk 10,000 steps daily. The goal is to lose 15 pounds. So, I helped to prepare her meals, and got 2 fitbit devices for us, and walked with her daily for 10,000 steps. It takes 1.5 hrs each day.

I am happy to report that she has now lost exactly 15 pounds by doing the above. We are checking the app recording, and do not hear snore anymore. I think she has done a great improvement.

I think we will give her a treat for a big meal on Mother's day.

 

[haha]

Very good results guys. Congratulations!

Ha