Hey, Hey.
 Am new to the site and have been reading some of the post looking / searching for answers to the availability of OSA oral appliances. Whats out there and whats available to us.

Just returned from my 6 month dental check up and had asked my dentist about oral devices for OSA. As I have read in other postings, my dentist, as are the vast majority it sounds like, was / is clueless to OSA and what is available to me as a person / patient afflicted with OSA. Don't get me wrong, he's a good person / Dentist, just not up to date and or that knowledgable about OSA.

I have been using my CPAK for the last two years and am very happy and comfortable with it, my problem is when I take extended motorcycle trips and kayaking trips.

I am searching for an oral device to be used when traveling. I have and will be looking at those that have been mentioned in postings on this site. I guess my only question for now is to those in the Minnesota / MPLS / St. Paul area;
Who is currently making / fitting devices in this area?

Looking forward to your replys.

Enjoy the nice weather...Today is the last day of winter!

Hi BillMan,

Sorry I hadn't seen your post.  Have you looked any further into the dental device?  I understand it all depends on your jaw and throat structure.  Maybe there's a dentist who specializes in this and has a history of providing them.  An ENT or sleep study center might know of one in your area.  But be cautious, get opinions from someone who won't profit from giving you a dental device.  But if it's affordable and you don't mind using it, and it's only for your traveling situations, it might be a good idea.  Have you also asked at the forum www.talkaboutsleep.com ?   They are based in MN, I understand, and perhaps there might be some more local info they may have.  You never know.  I'm not sure if there's a local AWAKE support group in your area, but you can check our listing in our FAQ Frequently Asked Questions section.  If there is an AWAKE group there, it might be worth a call to find out some info.  Here's a link to our AWAKE group listing and there appears to be several in MN:
Click here for link to the AWAKE group listing

Again, sorry for any delay.


Linda


_________________
Click here for link to FAQ and topics
Click here for link to section on machines and masks

BillMan,

  I just found your posting.
I started out with the "Snore-Guard" Intra-Oral Device.
It was fashioned like an athletic tooth guard with a wedge-like device on the underside of it. It fits on the upper teeth, and the wedge fits behind the lower incisors. As you sleep, and the jaw relaxes, it causes the lower jaw to thrust forward to open the upper airway.

   There are actually two forms of Snore-Guards. One is pre-formed (S-M-L), the other is custom made to your mouth. This was the one I went with.

   Mine worked great at first, then my sleep apnea worsened, and I had to go for the sleep study to get the CPAP.
I've now been on CPAP for over 12 years, now, and it is great!


_________________
painless

Sleep Apnea is a Killer! Get it Tested!
Get it Treated! Use the Treatment!

Laid out the bucks and the time 10 visits to do impressions, fitting and adjustment. I stopped snoring but a follow up sleep study showed that my oxygen levels dropped into the 70's and pulmonary doc told me to charge it off to experience. At this point he told me to either get on CPAP or find a new doctor. He said that he would no longer be responsible for my health. Needless to say I went on BIPAP and have adjusted to it.