MAC

Hi, I would also be interested in learning about clinical studies and results related to the effectiveness of septoplasty on sleep apnea. I agree with George about seeing a sleep medicine specialist and reviewing options. I also have a severe DNS but am on CPAP. My sleep medicine MD suggested that I see an ENT prior to my sleep study to check if any blockages. The ENT told me I have a severe deviated nasal septum and he couldn't even complete the exam. He recommended surgery, which I have not pursued. A subsequent overnight sleep study showed severe sleep apnea. I started CPAP therapy immediately, without dealing with the DNS. I have been using a Phillips Respironics Dreamstation APAP machine for eight months now. I have been very compliant with using the machine nightly and can recognize that it has contributed to feeling better. For me, the mask has been the most important element affecting successful therapy. I started out with the Nuance Pro mask and pillow cushions. Upside with this mask was that it was minimally obtrusive and I did not feel claustrophic with it on my face. downside was that the pillows would get out of place as I moved and interrupt my sleep. I have since switched to the Wisp mask with nosepiece that covers entire nose. The first few nights I was very conscious of the mask on my face, somewhat claustrophic. I stuck with it and the upside is that it doesn't get out of position as I move. I even slept through an entire night once without fully waking. The mask does leave red marks on my cheeks and nose and I have been trying different ways of using soft tape and foam to address this. There are nights when the DNS affects my sleep, my breathing and the reported sleep results on the machine. But I have had good results with CPAP, feeling better, sleeping better. I don't know that septoplasty would be worthwhile at this point. It would be nice to be able to breathe better through the nose and cut back on the mouthbreathing, which is another issue you may encounter on CPAP. I deal with it by wearing a cervical collar instead of a chin strap and using tape on my mouth (a small piece rolled onto itself, sticky on all surfaces placed between the lips). There is a lot of tweeking and trial and error involved in finding what works for you to be successful and relatively comfortable dealing with sleep apnea. I wish you well as you proceed.

Hi, Instead of a chin strap, I use a soft cervical collar that I bought through amazon. It helps a lot to cut down on mouthbreathing, keeping my neck extended, stopping my chin from falling to my chest and cutting down on mouth dryness in the morning. Simple solution that works for me.

Hi, I have sleep apnea and I have been using a soft cervical collar instead of a chin strap when I sleep. It keeps my neck extended; my chin doesn't drop to my chest; and my mouth is not dry in the morning. It seems to cut down on muthbreathing. Maybe it could help with snoring also. I got a collar on amazon.

Hello. I am new to sleep apnea treatment (two months) and to this forum. Have the Philips Respironics Dreamstation and the Nuance pro gel pillows mask. Had to push myself through the compliance period, but made it. Hanging in there with regular use of the machine, but very much still in the adjusting stage.
Have read many of the blog entries and wanted to share what I am doing re mouthbreathing. Instead of a chin strap, I use a cervical collar (the Futuro soft cervical collar, which I got from amazon for about $12). The collar keeps my neck extended. My mouth doesn’t open as readily, my chin doesn’t collapse towards my chest, and I don’t wake up with a very dry mouth. I plan to look at other brands of neck braces as well or may design one specific to me. The cervical collar seems to be helpful and wanted to share with other mouthbreathers.