How to Stop Snoring?

hilldweller
Tue, 13 Jul 2010 22:24:19 +0000

After two tries with CPAP, several types of masks, two sleep studies, some weight loss, and getting more and more reliant on prescription meds to sleep, my sleep doc sent me to a dentist who specializes in apnea dentistry. There are only two or three board certified specialists in this kind of dentist in my state (MA). My insurance only covered half the cost ($2,300) of a highly custom-fitted mouth appliance—but it was totally worth every penny. My husband says so, too. The device fits in a small container for travel, can be cleaned with a toothbrush (although it is recommended to use a special soak solution available by mail–easy and reasonable). It pops in and out. No tubes or loud CPAP machines to clean. My snoring, according to my hubby, has improved 80-90% and I’m nearly completely off sleep meds.

The dentist took molds of upper and lower teeth and a clear plastic two piece device with hinges was made. It takes several appointments for fit and adjustments. This is NOT the same product as the devices advertized by some dentists for much less. It is definitely NOT the same device as the boil-in-hot-water contraptions that are like sports mouthgaurds. My apnea dentist measures regularly to make sure my teeth are not moving, shifting, etc.

I highly recommend looking whether these devices can work for you–they don’t work for everyone, and my dentist says I am a star patient. But I think the stats are quite good that patients will get good results. Just be sure you find a sleep apnea certified specialist.