Thanks for sharing! I must check that out!
So true! I was diagnosed 30 years ago around the age of 28 and I am still struggling with all the pieces to find something that works. I am forever switching up a mask, changing a pillow, trying mouth taping, chin straps, dental devices, and so forth. I know I feel better when I get more hours but yet despite my best efforts, the mask that go to sleep with is elsewhere in the morning.
There are at least 5 or 6 sleep apnea pillows on the market. I know at least one claims it is great for side sleepers. If you search "Pillows for Sleep Apnea" you will find many of them and some have even compiled a best of list. It is all about finding the correct treatment options and comfort products for you. There is not a one size fits all. Keep seeking.
Rydog, young and thin are those who usually don't get diagnosed. I am glad that you are looking at your treatment options. My mother was diagnosed early and refused treatment until later in life when her health had significantly deteriorated. I applaud you for your willingness. There are at least 6 or more different dental devices out there. I encourage you to do your research and look at the features and benefits and reviews on each device. There is no one size fits all treatment. The device that may be best for you may not be the choice of someone else. Dental devices have come a long way in recent years with more options on the market than ever before.
I am intrigued by this conversation. I am a side sleeper. I am wondering if pressure in that area could cause a shift in the upper airway. Hopefully a research team will look at the possibilities which could lead to new treatment options.
This is only a bandaid for a bed partner but doesn't treat the real issue. Hopefully Bose is including a disclaimer!
I have always been a mouth breather and have been trying to teach myself to be a nose breather. A friend who is all about proper breathing which I never learned myself or taught my own children, told me to just practice throughout the day placing the tip of my tongue on the roof of my mouth. It did not take many weeks to train myself by first consciously placing the tip of my tongue in the roof of my mouth to move to automatically finding my tongue resting on the roof of my mouth. I prefer the nasal pillow mask. However, being a mouth breather has always been an issue. I have tried various chin straps and mouth tape. I would always wake up with my mouth so dry as you describe. I have noticed over the last few weeks that I am not having the try mouth and I think it is because I have taught myself to be a nose breather and keep my mouth shut. No harm in trying it.
I do think that you have to find the right pillow that will accommodate how you sleep and your mask and hose. I found that the hose which comes out of the top of my headgear works much better for me than the one that comes out of the front of my mask. I encourage you to keep trying masks until you find something that works best for you. I am decades into this and still trying different masks. Hang in there. When you feel better, you will be glad that you kept on working with it. There is no one size fits all solution.
KEY PHRASE: "With continued practice I learned to keep my tongue at the top of my mouth and learned to breath solely out of my nose." I have always been a mouth breather but I am amazed how easy it has been to train myself to place my tongue at the top of my mouth. I am even more amazed at how much difference that has made in switching from life long mouth breather to a nasal breather. And it happened pretty quickly!
Great information! Thanks for sharing!
