OMD? Or no-snoring mouthpiece suggestion?

[Eulav2]

Hi all, new user. I have low to mild to moderate apnea diagnosed by a sleep study, but can't afford a CPAP at this time. Insurance will not cover an mandibular device either. I see there are a few options sold to stop snoring, I guess to avoid being classified as medical devices. It's hard to tell what is spammy and what acutally works. Some are even custom where you get something to bite into, and they create the mouthpiece custom for you in the 200$ range.

Has anyone had any experience with any, and have you checked to see if it has controlled your apnea?

Or, if you did the custom through the dentist system, would you have any idea how much it was without insurance coverage? I'm assuming in the couple grand area, which is far too expensive unfortunately.

Thanks in advance!

[49er]

Hi all, new user. I have low to mild to moderate apnea diagnosed by a sleep study, but can't afford a CPAP at this time. Insurance will not cover an mandibular device either. I see there are a few options sold to stop snoring, I guess to avoid being classified as medical devices. It's hard to tell what is spammy and what acutally works. Some are even custom where you get something to bite into, and they create the mouthpiece custom for you in the 200$ range.

Has anyone had any experience with any, and have you checked to see if it has controlled your apnea?

Or, if you did the custom through the dentist system, would you have any idea how much it was without insurance coverage? I'm assuming in the couple grand area, which is far too expensive unfortunately.

Thanks in advance!

Hi Eulav,

Welcome to the forum.

There is a My Tap Dental Device that you could get from a sleep medicine dentist for around $700 to $800 if I remember correctly. But in my opinion, if you were going to go that route, you might as well spend the money to find a pap machine at a price you can afford. If the issues is you can't spend money on a pap machine at the usual prices, here are a few options.

Start with supplier number 2 since they sell used machines and have a good reputation. Tell them what you can afford and make sure you get a data capable machine because it is going to be important to monitor how well your therapy is going. See this link for what is considered to meet this criteria.

http://www.sleepfiles.com/SH2/

There may be other machines that are data capable but don't work with sleepyhead. Unfortunately, I don't recall them off hand.

Another option is to search for Craig's listings throughout the US as many times, you can catch some great deals although other items are way overpriced. If you see a listing that you are interested in, I would post it on the forum so that more experienced members can make sure you are not getting ripped off and that you would be buying a decent machine.

If you can't afford a machine period, google american sleep apnea association and then click on the cpap assistance program link that will lead you to the necessary paperwork. The way it works is your doctor has to fill out paperwork on your behalf and then once everything is approved, the machine is sent to his/her office for you to pickup at. You also have to fill out an application and there is a program fee of $100.00

Best of luck.

49er

[Eulav2]

49er, thank you so much for the quick response and all the useful information!!!!

I will definitely contact the american apnea assoc. That is great to know.

I hadn't considered buying used and wasn't even aware that was something possible. I figured there were "hygiene issues" of some sort with sharing machines. Is it all self contained to where if you exchange tubes and masks, there is no risk there? I'll definitely look into that option if I can get passed the "yuck factor". :-)

I'm also concerned as I've read stories about polyps and sinus issues caused by the CPAP, and that many people have given up due to various comfort issues, so thought the oral devices may cause less problems and concerns with users. Do you think that is just mostly advertising to get people to buy oral devices though? Hard to know who is being honest when someone is pushing a product.

Thanks again so much for all the useful info!

[sonicboom]

There are some members here who have had some success with some dental appliances. I'll leave it to them to post their observations but you may find them if you do a forum search for dental appliances. I researched the issue for myself and decided that I would go the cpap route for two reasons. First, I didn't want jaw problems down the road in the form of TMJ/TMD which is a possibility as most of the dental devices work by moving the lower jaw forward. Second, Most of the new cpap machines are data capable meaning they record lots of your sleep data during the night and with software downloadable from this forum you can view it to see in detail how you are doing and monitor and adjust your own therapy. There is no was to do this with a dental appliance. The only way to tell if it's working is how you feel. Good luck with your decision. You will find much help and advice here.

[DariaVader]

Another option is to search for Craig's listings throughout the US as many times, you can catch some great deals although other items are way overpriced. If you see a listing that you are interested in, I would post it on the forum so that more experienced members can make sure you are not getting ripped off and that you would be buying a decent machine.

Please note that if you "see a listing you are interested in" on Craigs List or anywhere else that you should not post a link to that item, that will cause you to get a warning none of us want that

you are free to describe it and mention the cost.

[49er]

Another option is to search for Craig's listings throughout the US as many times, you can catch some great deals although other items are way overpriced. If you see a listing that you are interested in, I would post it on the forum so that more experienced members can make sure you are not getting ripped off and that you would be buying a decent machine.

Please note that if you "see a listing you are interested in" on Craigs List or anywhere else that you should not post a link to that item, that will cause you to get a warning none of us want that

you are free to describe it and mention the cost.

Thanks DV for this reminder as I completely forgot to mention that caution in my response. I feared making a mistake like this so now I have gotten it out of my system.

[49er]

49er, thank you so much for the quick response and all the useful information!!!!

I will definitely contact the american apnea assoc. That is great to know.

I hadn't considered buying used and wasn't even aware that was something possible. I figured there were "hygiene issues" of some sort with sharing machines. Is it all self contained to where if you exchange tubes and masks, there is no risk there? I'll definitely look into that option if I can get passed the "yuck factor". :-)

I'm also concerned as I've read stories about polyps and sinus issues caused by the CPAP, and that many people have given up due to various comfort issues, so thought the oral devices may cause less problems and concerns with users. Do you think that is just mostly advertising to get people to buy oral devices though? Hard to know who is being honest when someone is pushing a product.

Thanks again so much for all the useful info!

You're very welcome.

Obviously, you have to make your own decision but many people have purchased used machines on Craig's List without any problem. Personally I would worry more about getting a good price and making sure they are accurately describing the number of blower hours (ask for pictures) which will tell you how many hours the machine has been run. See this thread for more information, particularly the first few posts:

http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-...-ResMed-S9

I would defer to Sonicboom's post on dental devices.

Best of luck to you.

49er

[trish6hundred]

Hi Eulav2,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Here is a link for you to check out in case you decide to get a CPAP machine: http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...ne_Choices
Much success to you on your treatment decision.