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What is "dry needling" ?
I have an oral device not the CPAP. Before I got the oral device I felt like I did not sleep at all. I would lie in bed for hours trying to sleep. I realize now, that as soon as I would start to fall asleep my apnea would wake me up. I tried a CPAP at the sleep lab and had no luck. It is a long story but a failure. No one even suggested the oral device. Finally, months later, the sleep doc said I could try a sleep dentist. I have slept every night since I got my device. It is heaven! I still snore or so my SnoreLab app records and probably have some apneas but for me just being able to sleep is awesome. I should probably go back to the sleep lab for an evaluation soon just to check things out.
The MyTAP has a "repositioner" that is like a retainer (sort of) that you put in your mouth for around 15-30 minutes in the morning when you take out the MyTAP. This is supposed to bring your bottom teeth/jaw back into place. I does not work 100% but close to it. I had a night guard too and found using a oral device to be an easy transition. I have been using the device since early March, 2018.
I have the MyTAP and am very happy with it. It seems to be a more economical way to try out a oral device. Plus, it can be fitted to you right on the spot. I am not an expert, by any means, but I am very happy with this device.
I have to confess I was turning the "device adjuster" the wrong way. At my last appointment my sleep dentist straightened me out. Phew.. I should have listened more closely. I am still snoring but my SnoreLab App scores have improved and should continue to improve with each correct adjustment. I am sleeping well. I do not know about the AHI's. Can you see them on a graph or just hear them?
I don't know much about the sinus issues you write about. I assume you are using nasal sprays. They do help. If you are curious about your snoring download the SnoreLab App to your phone. It is very helpful and easy to use. I have not tried a CPAP but am loving my dental device. My teeth have moved a bit but all is well.
Thanks for your explanation of the scoring of AHI's. I had my first sleep study done in 2014. The results showed that I need not need treatment. A second test done recently showed all the AHI's. The sleep doctor (not a sleep doctor in '14) said she felt that the first test might have been more accurate because of the additional sleep time. She suggested I try the sleep dentist. He did the overnight pulse oximetry test. I am not sure how I scored but want to find out at my next appointment. If I get another sleep study I will let you know the results.
I will see my Sleep Dentist on Saturday. I am just so happy to be going to bed and sleeping. It is heavenly! Do apneas or hypopneas show on a graph? Should I be able to see them on the graph that the SnoreLab App has or hear them on the recordings? As an aside.. do you know if there is a relationship between apnea and Phrenic Nerve weakness?
I had a sleep study done about a year ago. The results said I had severe sleep apnea - 50.9 AHI an hour. I thought how could that be, I hadn’t slept but 49.5 minutes all night. Anyway, the sleep center tech did try a nasal mask on me early in the morning, but I could not breathe through my nose. Next, she tried the full mask and it filled up with saliva. It was a very frustrating night for all.
More time passed and I reached the point that I felt like I was wide awake all night long. I was desperate to sleep . I saw a Sleep Doctor this time and she suggested I see a Sleep Dentist since the CPAP had not been successful. I visited the Sleep Dentist and he talked to me about a dental device. I got the MyTap that very day. I have been extremely happy ever since! I love it. I sleep so well. I still wake up in the night, a few times, but I go right back to sleep. I thought I had stopped snoring! Unfortunately, I read online about the SnoreLab app. So, I set it up and discovered I am snoring with vengeance all night! So, it is good news, bad news. I am sleeping (yeah) but not quietly (boo). Is that Ok? I don’t know if I have as many AHI, I hope not. Can I settle for being happy just to sleep?
I also found that if I move my lower jaw to far forward, I revert back to that horrible wakefulness/insomnia I had prior to having the device. Has anyone had that problem? I need to suggestion. I see my sleep doctor in a week.
