Sleep Apena question?

[Widetrack]

Hi All,

I have been using a CPAP machine for sleep apena for years. Now that I am retired and traveling more and do not have room to pack the machine, getting good sleep is a problem. Has ANYONE tried the mouth guards advertised on TV for snoring? They appear to be similar to football players mouth guards? If it helps at all that would be a plus. Thanks.

[awagnon]

It may or may not work. With sleep apnea, the tongue falls back and obstructs the airway. Also, the other tissue around the area are lax and add to the obstruction. If the mouth guard pulls your chin far enough forward, it might prevent the tongue from obstructing the airway. ( Like when you do a jaw thrust when doing CPR. ) My guess is it won't work.

I've seen quite a few take their CPAP machines with them to rallies. Some look for a 120V outlet and others use rechargable batteries. Some have solar rechargers. Somehow they make room for their stuff on their bikes if they need it bad enough. I don't use a CPAP, but the wife does. Medically, there are reasons you should use it. ( Decreases BP, decreases risk of stroke, etc. )

[Dr. Strangelove]

+1 on what Al says regarding medical issues of not using it

The "mouth guards" we use in the OR do exactly what Al describes, but they go so far back that an awake patient would likely gag. They "usually" have to be placed that far back in the throat.

But, the mouth guard might work and might be worthwhile to try if they're cheap. And it's apnea, not apena

John