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Anyone tried Smart Nora to replace their CPAP?

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dorlow +0 points · almost 5 years ago Original Poster

So I currently use a CPAP. But I hate using it. A few years ago, my doc told me about Inspire. He sent me to a ENT doc. The ENT doc checked me out and told me he thinks I'm too young for inspire. He said my bottom tonsils are the reason I have sleep apnea. He suggested removing them. But then it was submitted to my insurance and they denied covering the surgery stating it hasnt been proven to fix my sleep apnea.

So since then I've been just using my CPAP. Still don't like it though. I just saw an ad on Facebook for a product called Smart Nora. I guess there's a sensor that goes under your pillow. When it senses your not breathing, it vibrates the pillow so you move opening up your airwaves.

Anyone use this to replace their CPAP? Or do any of you have any suggestions to not have to use a CPAP anymore?

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Sierra +0 points · almost 5 years ago Sleep Patron

I think the only real mainstream reasonable alternative to the CPAP is the MAD or Mandibular Advancement Device. They need to be fitted by a dentist. There are a couple of dentists that check in here now and then. They may be able to help you out some with them. I have no experience. In the mean time here is an article to look at. It may help you sleep!

MAD vs CPAP

What are your main issues with the CPAP? I may have some suggestions to help. I hated it when I first started, but now I even look forward to putting it on for the night...

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dorlow +0 points · almost 5 years ago Original Poster

I can't wear oral appliances. I also have TMJ. Also, I need to bite down on my teeth constantly. I've trained myself to do it over the years. If I leave my jaw relaxed for any long period of time, I can't bite down for a few hours after. For instance, after a dentist appointment, my jaw shifts enough I can't bite down. It takes me an hour of clenching my jaw forcing my teeth to line up again.

I tried an oral appliances years ago and one side was molded to my teeth. But the other side was smooth so my bottom teeth couldn't lock into it which caused my jaw to shift and caused the problem where I couldn't bite down. The dentist said they don't make an oral appliances that molds to your teeth for both top and bottom.

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4variety +0 points · almost 5 years ago

@dorlow

Hey Dorlow, I can certainly understand your frustration with using CPAP. I have "mild sleep apnea" (AHI of 8 from a level-three sleep study that included me sleeping on my back for a portion of the study), so I'm also motivated to seek out alternatives that dont include CPAP-dependency. I wrote a post called "Always Fatigued - Does anyone have advice? Please read." if you'de like a better idea of my situation. My first question would be, what is your AHI and how do you feel after a night of sleep without any MAD or CPAP? Have you tried any sleep-hygiene or behaviour modifications? If so, please share which ones you have! Looking forward to hearing back from you

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dorlow +0 points · over 4 years ago Original Poster

I don't even know what an AHI is. But I don't feel any different when I sleep with my CPAP compared to nights when I don't. I'm tired all the time. The CPAP never made me feel more awake during the day. But, I've seen my lungs first hand as to why I have sleep apnea. My doc stuck a camera up my nose and down my lungs. My lungs are barely open even when I'm awake. The passage is tiny.

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