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!
