Question:
Alternatives to CPAP/Dental Device/Miami ?
Answer:
In Miami, we have a Sleep Disorders patient support group that meets at
Baptist Hospital. Last month, we learned that Baptist now has Dr. Michael
Sampson on staff. He is a dentist who has just been made a member of the
Sleep Disorders Dental Society and is on staff at the hospital.
Apparently, they are studying whether people with mild to moderate apnea
can be treated with oral devices rather than CPAP (I'd be all for
that!!). As he explained it, they are making soft, nighttime appliances
that move the jaw forward and open your airway.
Dr. Sampson's office is in Kendall and his number is 305-270-1343
I use one of these devices and I have mild apnea. The device works for me.
It's made of semi-soft (not soft enough) plastic, and made from a cast of
your teeth and upper palate. It thrusts your jaw forward as you sleep,
keeping your airway "patent" as they call it. I was sleep tested and used
it half the night and didn't for the other half. During the half I wore it
I had no episodes of apnea, but did during the other half. Plus, I feel
better in the morning (subjective test).
It has the down side that it's very uncomfortable to wear at first
(mega-drool), and if you can't breath through your nose, forget about it.
(I gave up milk products to improve my nasal breathing. How I long for ice
cream! Breathe-Right strips help also.) There's a small hold in front for
you to breath through your mouth if you have to, but it isn't sufficient
in the design of my device, IMO. I can't compare the discomfort level with
CPAP or other machines, as I have never tried them.
I've been wearing my device almost every night for about a year, and a
long term side effect is a slight discomfort to my jaw during the day, and
my bite is changing slightly. I guess it's slowly moving my jaw forward.
My dentist made it for me, and his name is Arlen Keith Leight and he's in
Washington, DC. I'm sure he'd love to make one for you, so give him a call
if you are in the DC area.
