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Permalink Reply by Ginny Edmundson on September 2, 2011 at 5:03pm

I have just switched to the Swift LT also.  Having some problem with mouth opening and was switched to BIPAP to see if would help.  I just read you post from 2009 (!) and wonder if the Snoreguard from Dentist helps keep the tongue positioned so that the mouth does not open?  I hated the full face & hybrids (none of which actually fit me due to small face)and feel "free" with the Swift except for the occasional mouth opening which wakes me up each time.  If I thought the appliance would help in conjunction with the nasal pillows I would make an appointment right away with the local dentist who does this (he is also on CPAP)  Thanks!

Ginny

j n k said:

I use a dental appliance (Snoreguard from a dentist). And I use autobilevel. And I use the Swift LT. But there is no connection between the appliance and the mask in my case. I like that the appliance keeps my jaw forward and my mouth closed. In my opinion, I prefer straps to hold my nasal pillows in place. I don't like the idea of my teeth being the anchor for the mask and having that pressure on them all night, every night, for holding nasal pillows in place. But that's just me.

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Permalink Reply by Ross Ryan on September 6, 2011 at 9:26am

I am a dentist and I use both.  The oral appliance allows for an optimal position of the tongue in the oral airway.  You should be able to see a reduction in the pressure that is need to maintain the airway while using the CPAP.  My experience has been that you need a oral appliance that holds both the upper and lower teeth and has a low profile in the mouth.  The Snoreguard is much to bulky in the anterior to work as well as you want.  My best results have be with the EMA appliance.  You do have to replace the bands from time to time but the comfort and therefore the compliance is wonderful.

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Permalink Reply by Ginny Edmundson on September 6, 2011 at 2:52pm

This is the answer I have been looking for.  A local dentist does this (on vacation this week & I will be gone then for 2)  I will contact him in 3 weeks when I return.  One other question...  can a "regular" dentist" do this or is it a specialty? Thank you, thank you for your answer!!!!!

Ross Ryan said:

I am a dentist and I use both.  The oral appliance allows for an optimal position of the tongue in the oral airway.  You should be able to see a reduction in the pressure that is need to maintain the airway while using the CPAP.  My experience has been that you need a oral appliance that holds both the upper and lower teeth and has a low profile in the mouth.  The Snoreguard is much to bulky in the anterior to work as well as you want.  My best results have be with the EMA appliance.  You do have to replace the bands from time to time but the comfort and therefore the compliance is wonderful.

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Permalink Reply by Ginny Edmundson on November 10, 2011 at 3:18pm

I will be fitted next Tuesday with impressions made for the EMA.  My dentist says he has had patients that have done very well.  Sure beats the price of the SomnoDent ($2,685) and this will be $558.  So if it does not help at least it is not so great a loss.  And if it helps...yippee!  Maybe no more taping of mouth  which I really hate.

Ross Ryan said:

I am a dentist and I use both.  The oral appliance allows for an optimal position of the tongue in the oral airway.  You should be able to see a reduction in the pressure that is need to maintain the airway while using the CPAP.  My experience has been that you need a oral appliance that holds both the upper and lower teeth and has a low profile in the mouth.  The Snoreguard is much to bulky in the anterior to work as well as you want.  My best results have be with the EMA appliance.  You do have to replace the bands from time to time but the comfort and therefore the compliance is wonderful.

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Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on November 10, 2011 at 7:43pm

I have done the combo. They were not attached.

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Permalink Reply by Ginny Edmundson on November 10, 2011 at 9:11pm

I hope it works!

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Permalink Reply by Mary Z on November 11, 2011 at 8:14am

Good luck, Ginny.  I hope it works, too.  You can't beat the price.

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