We use cookies and other tools to enhance your experience on our website and to analyze our web traffic.
For more information about these cookies and the data collected, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

AmicableCoralLocust5605

AmicableCoralLocust5605
Joined Apr 2017
AmicableCoralLocust5605
Joined Apr 2017

Hi all.

I had an overall apnea index of 11 (measurement of all sleep interruptions). I was told by the sleep clinic in Baton Rouge that they like to treat anyone with an index "greater than 5."

I bought an APAP and after two months of data collection via the machine, my index had dropped only to a 10. Not enough to please them (or me) and I was having to take a stimulant - NuVigil - to stay awake at work.

They sent me to Dr. Vance (dentist in my area who specializes in fitting people for apnea mouthpieces). I believe he fit me with the latest TAP device at the time. It's been less than a year now. With the TAP, I noticed immediately that I was dreaming deeply at night. Something I had not done in a very long time but I hadn't noticed really. Since I think we only dream when we are in deep sleep, I took the dreaming as a good sign that I was now getting into REM/deep sleep.

Over a short period of time, I began to need my stimulant less often. Can't remember the last time I've taken it.

Did a follow up sleep study at home, with the mouthpiece, and my index dropped from a 11 or 10 to a ONE. I am thrilled with the results. I never sleep without my TAP device. Not even when I'm taking a short nap on a rainy weekend day. 😊

I do have a small bit of jaw soreness in the morning. I address that by rubbing my jaw in the shower or chewing a piece of gum.

Some days I notice some jaw displacement since my bite is slightly off. Dr. Vance gave me a mold of my original bite though and if I wear it in the morning - about as long as it takes me to brew a cup of tea (or less time) - the mold quickly resets my bite and I'm good to go.

If you don't improve with a CPAP or APAP, I would highly advise seeing a dentist who is board certified to fit you for an apnea related mouthpiece. It has been life changing for me!