Hi Dr. Tony, Thanks for explaining how the different types of sleep apnea originate. I have a MAD, which, although I still snore like a freight train, has helped some with the actual apnea issue . I can tell when I wake at night by my breathing issues, that I'm still having a problem with the apnea, but not at the rate it was before. I'm at least not gasping much anymore, nor having suffocation dreams. The thing though, is that I am still having issues. I have sleep apnea whether my mouth is open or closed, or whether I'm breathing through my mouth or my nose, or whether my nose is stuffy or clear. Right now it's allergy season in the D.C. area, so I am really having an issue with my apnea and nasal breathing 24/7. I've tried using different things in conjunction with my MAD. Neck pillows, neck braces, chin straps, bed wedges - you name it. Do you have any suggestions for people like myself, who have apnea problems whether they breathe from their nose or their mouth? Would any combination of these devices work better for these issues? Appreciate any advice you can give.
I have been using a SomnoDent appliance for the last couple of months. I really thought it was working, until the last week, when I've noticed more sleep interruptions. Then, around 5' o'clock this morning I was sleeping on my stomach and had, for the first time since I started wearing the device, a bad apnea episode, complete with suffocation dream. If the device is opening up the airway by moving the jaw forward, why would this happen? Of course I understand my chin is going down into my chest in this sleep position, but shouldn't the concept of the way the oral device works prevent this from happening? I go back to my dentist in a few days, but I was interested in your opinion. Also, I have been adjusting the device forward, and then I have to adjust it back because of the discomfort of the jaw alignment and the fact that my mouth wouldn't close at all, causing sleep issues.
Speaking from personal experience, when you have sleep apnea, you can have issues no matter what position you are sleeping in, and no matter if your mouth is open or closed. My worst apneas are when I am sleeping on my stomach, because my chin goes down into my chest and cuts off my airway big time! That's when I'll get suffocation dreams. If I sleep on my back, then my mouth is open and is still cutting off my airway, because my tongue is going back into my throat. It's like a no win situation. I do have a custom made dental appliance, which has helped some, but not completely. I am about to try a soft cervical collar to see if that will help to keep my airway open by aligning my neck. I'll use it with my dental appliance. Some people have had good luck with them, so it is worth a try. I also just read an article from a university medical center, that said do not sleep with a soft pillow, since that will really make your chin fall into your chest during sleep, and cut off your air supply, especially if you are sleeping on your stomach. From CPAP machines to oral devices to other gadgets and sleep positions, it's all a matter of trial and error.
