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Post Info TOPIC: SLEEP APNEA 2
Big Gorilla


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SLEEP APNEA 2
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As a follow on to the original thread started by Aussie_Paul, I'll give you my past and recent experience with a view to helping others with this problem.

I've always been a heavy snorer and about 10 years ago when I returned to Australia, I spoke to a GP who referred me to a Sleep Specialist. After a sleep test in Hospital, I was given a CPAP machine. I just couldn't handle it. There was no way to adjust the pressure, which I believe you can on newer models today, so I returned it.

A few months ago, I had a breathing problem while sleeping so back to another sleep Doctor. Another sleep test and a CPAP machine recommended to which I refused. My oldest son has a machine, and reading about the newer models on this Forum, I may consider giving it another try as a last resort..

 I started doing some research and found that CSIRO were developing a mouth piece and trials were underway in Brisbane. Unfortunately these appliances will cost between $1,500.00 and $3,000.00 with no Medicare assistance, although you can get a CPAP machine free !! This is the Appliance.

img_6025.jpg

 

 As I was planning a trip to my home here in Cebu City, Philippines, I looked up Dental Clinics online in this City. I found two whom I thought could be suitable, and e-mailed both with a photo of the appliance and asked if they could make me one. Both replied, the first quoting in our money $62.50 and the second $125.00. I made an appointment with the first Dentist who told me on arrival that their Lab. could not make it. Off to Dentist # 2. Better luck here, yes can make. They took impressions of my upper and lower teeth with some pink gunk that I had to wash out with a nice RED later. When I went back to collect the appliance, it worked out at $300.00, which I had previously agreed to. This is a photo of it:

DSCN0001.JPGDSCN0003.JPG

Now Ive only been using it for 3 nights, there are a few things Im unhappy about but I think I just have to get used to it in my mouth while sleeping and it might do the trick. Mrs. G says I no longer snore (How could you with that thing inside my kisser) and I find Im waking thru the night and the appliance is not attached to my top and bottom teeth. This is the part I have to master, and once I do that, it just might do the trick.

This is the link to the previous thread and the link to CSIRO.

http://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t58431313/sleep-apnoea-diagnosis/

http://csironewsblog.com/2014/05/07/putting-snoring-to-bed-for-good/

 

More to follow: 

 



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Retired Airline Pilot and Electrician..

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sarg


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I hope it works for you BG, I tried those mouthpieces but without success.
I have been using a Cpap machine for 15 months now and it is great !!! I don't have a full mask but use a soft nostril attachment
I don't even take a poppy nap without it. Good Luck.

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jules47


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Is the bit that sticks out a funnel type thing? I suppose so you can breathe - all very interesting - I snore a fair bit (apparently, so I am told - never heard myself) - anyway if I take an anti hysatine before going to bed, my snoring is 95% better.

I have ordered one of the mouthguards that go on your bottom teeth, apparently pushing your jaw forward, thus opening your airway - was cheap anyway, so will see what happens with it.


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aussie_paul


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Glad to hear BG. I am now into the swing of things with my CPAP machine. The nasal pillow type mask and the Philips Respironics, REstar Pro C-Flex+ CPAP machine with humidifier. I wear it very comfortably and it has not interfered with Eril's comfort, so win win. I was interupted by having to have my shoulder op and then ended up in hospital for a few more days. So, now I have had 4 nights in a row using it. This coming week I have to see the supplier to get a printout of all my data to check with sleep doctor where we go next with settings.

Because of my Pension status I was able to get a machine from the local Health Service. They own the machine and maintain it. I paid for my mask, approx. $250.00

Aussie Paul. smile



-- Edited by aussie_paul on Friday 24th of October 2014 09:04:20 PM



-- Edited by aussie_paul on Friday 24th of October 2014 09:12:30 PM



-- Edited by aussie_paul on Friday 24th of October 2014 10:42:28 PM

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Big Gorilla


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Glad to note it is working for you Sarq and Paul.

Jules, your question: Yes it protrudes between the lips and you breath through it. To be finally diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, you would have to do a sleep test in Hospital, where they stick wires all over you and monitor your sleep pattern. If you wake up tired and feel tired during the day and have a habit of nodding off when say, watching TV, you might be a candidate. Apart from snoring, you will stop breathing for a few seconds numerous times during the  night. Your partner should be able to tell you if you do this. Doctors told me the mouthpiece appliances  you buy online are not so good for a number of reasons. They are a standard size, not made to fit your mouth; they break easily, and generally don't work. Others will dispute this and say they work fine. The idea, as you say, is to push your lower jaw forward and open up the breathing passage.

Another option is to lose weight and I'm working on this. I've lost 4 kg and want to lose another 9 kg. I'll fade away to a baby elephant !!! biggrinbiggrin Mrs. G says I'm not snoring as much since I've started losing weight, so I'm concentrating on weight loss and the mouthpiece. I'm not saying this is the answer, but I'm gonna try it.. 



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Retired Airline Pilot and Electrician..

I'm not old, I've just been young a long time....Ken

Since light travels faster than sound, some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

 
Glenelg


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give up the RED then you should loose some weight , my doc told me to but i don't listen, gotta enjoy things in life haven't we.
good luck with your mouth piece.

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Dave S

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aussie_paul


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I have been able to lose 7 kg during the last 10 months. Very difficult when you cant use up the energy!!! I am feeling/enjoying the benefits and my Diabetes loves me. Just gotta keep at it...

Aussie Paul. smile



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Big Gorilla


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Glenelg wrote:

give up the RED then you should loose some weight , my doc told me to but i don't listen, gotta enjoy things in life haven't we.
good luck with your mouth piece.

 Excuse me Dave, give up the RED..... That's not a very nice thing to say. !!!! biggrinbiggrinbiggrin My Doctor told me a glass of RED a day is good for the heart. He didn't seem too impressed when I told him it was a bottle a day I drank, not a glass !! biggrinbiggrin



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Retired Airline Pilot and Electrician..

I'm not old, I've just been young a long time....Ken

Since light travels faster than sound, some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

 
jules47


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Thanks for the advice BG - I do need to lose weight, and that will help with the snoring, maybe, but I was a smoker, and sometimes you have residual effects from that, like a slightly dropped esophogus (?) I have been told. I will give the mouthpiece a go, and see what I think, start on the losing weight bit.

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jules
"Love is good for the human being!!"
(Ben, aged 10)
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