non-CPAP device, for in-flight use

[Moe52]

I'm a CPAP user, moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Am thinking about getting one of the passive devices that hold the tongue, for long flights. Thoughts?

[Stom]

I'm a CPAP user, moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Am thinking about getting one of the passive devices that hold the tongue, for long flights. Thoughts?

Could work. But I'm wondering if just sleeping in elevated position of an airline seat would also reduce your OA? Unless you pay for the fancy business class seats that lay flat for long flights, you'll be on an incline. (I have to sleep with my head elevated or my sinuses interfere with airflow, so my experience may be quite different than yours.)

[ardenum]

I'm a CPAP user, moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Am thinking about getting one of the passive devices that hold the tongue, for long flights. Thoughts?

if the 2 versions that are available off-the-shelf don't work for you, youll need a custom made.

[sheepless]

I tried a tongue advancement holder thing before cpap. I think it quieted snoring some but for me the problem was nonstop drooling. I haven't tried it sitting up on an airplane; maybe drooling would be less of an issue. plus you're not likely to sleep very deeply on a plane so drooling might be relatively manageable during those dozing nodding 'arousals' that typify (my) 'sleep' while in a plane or car. I was unable to use the tongue holder with a nasal pillow mask due to drooling and lip leaks. still, it's worth trying. maybe wearing one of those neck supporting wraps backwards to hold up your lower jaw and chin will help too.

[Stom]

I'm a CPAP user, moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Am thinking about getting one of the passive devices that hold the tongue, for long flights. Thoughts?

Oh, yeah, I didn't notice this at first, but the ones I've seen aren't designed to hold your tongue. They are designed to hold your lower jaw forward, hence why they are called Mandibular Advancement Devices. They work somewhat for some people who have mild or moderate obstructive apnea, but they also can cause jaw pain and problems with your bite. Some of the custom ones are marketed to dentists as a way to expand their practice and charge ridiculous fees. Some people wind up paying around $4,000 for custom MADs, way more than a CPAP costs. So if you look into a custom MAD, get a quote that includes the full cost up front, including all adjustments and follow up visits.

[sheepless]

I used a MAD for much of the 1990s, made by a local orthodontist ahead of his time. he was roundly criticized by the medical establishment for intruding into their bailiwick. MAD was more tolerable than the tongue holder because it didn't cause drooling. during my pre-cpap time with the tongue holder I was using 'sleep as android' on my phone to monitor sleep and record snoring so I have some basis for thinking it quieted my snoring. when I was using the MAD I had no way to monitor effectiveness but subjectively I'd say my results were similar with both. the tongue holder is a lot less expensive.

[ardenum]

I'm a CPAP user, moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Am thinking about getting one of the passive devices that hold the tongue, for long flights. Thoughts?

Oh, yeah, I didn't notice this at first, but the ones I've seen aren't designed to hold your tongue. They are designed to hold your lower jaw forward, hence why they are called Mandibular Advancement Devices. They work somewhat for some people who have mild or moderate obstructive apnea, but they also can cause jaw pain and problems with your bite. Some of the custom ones are marketed to dentists as a way to expand their practice and charge ridiculous fees. Some people wind up paying around $4,000 for custom MADs, way more than a CPAP costs. So if you look into a custom MAD, get a quote that includes the full cost up front, including all adjustments and follow up visits.

OP is talking about Tongue retaining devices which are an alternative to a MAD in that the hold they tongue and not the lower jaw.