NiceSilverBison1316

Hi rumeke. My sleep doctor at the VA said that more sleep apnea events occur when you are on your back and advised me to sleep on my side as much as possible. He even suggested tying a tennis ball around my back to make it uncomfortable when sleeping on my back. Obviously, it is tough to sleep on your side on a recliner, so I would suggest a chin strap like PJK wrote or taping your mouth.

Jim

Hi Wendy. I use a TAP 3 Elite dental appliance, but have never experienced any eye problems. Most complaints concern either jaw or teeth soreness. What kind do you have? I have never heard of any relationship between an oral appliance and edema. Advancing your lower jaw should have no effect on your eyes. Perhaps your eyes are swollen from lack of sleep.

Sorry, never tried it with alcohol.

Hi Eric. I take mine when going to bed, because it lowers my blood pressure and I can get dizzy if I take it during the day.

I have used it for years with no problem. Urologist never mentioned anything about short term use.

Eric, I have used Tamsulosin for enlarged prostate, while using a cpap. I have not experienced any problems with it.

That sounds very interesting Dr. Luisi. I look forward to hearing more about this in the future. I have a tough time overcoming dry mouth with my oral appliance because of mouth breathing when having sleep apnea episodes. The intraoral mouth shield would help immensely. Too bad they never put one in production for the TAP3 Elite. Don't know whether the VA would spring for another oral appliance.

Jim

I have coughed when wearing my tape and it also only takes a second to remove it. That's why you fold one or both ends. After removing it, I just replace it and continue to march.

I often mouth tape even when I don't use CPAP or oral device. I have had no problems whatsoever.

Tie a sling around your back with a tennis ball in it to remind you to turn on your side when accidentally sleeping on your back.