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The Silent Majority of People with Sleep Apnea

If you're reading this, you can pat yourself on the back. You're part of the elite, the "Top Gun" of those with Sleep Apnea. How? Largely just by virtue of knowing that you have Sleep Apnea -- ninety percent of those with Sleep Apnea remain undiagnosed. Moreover, not only are you in the top 90th percentile of the "Sleep Apnea Class," but because you're educating yourself about the disorder and trying to improve your life by actively seeking treatment, you, the members of this forum, are more likely in the top 99th percentile. If those figures don't drive home how special you are, then consider yourself in comparison to others who, like you, have Sleep Apnea.

Here's a common story taken from my own personal experience. My friend Kathy's father is in his early 60s, is overweight, falls asleep in front of the TV, snores so loudly the house shakes, has developed diabetes and suffers from high blood pressure. Kathy thinks her dad should get a sleep test done for Sleep Apnea, as do I. But he refuses to do a sleep study. The reason? His primary care physician told him that he just needs to focus on losing weight, and has never suggested it to him. "If I needed a sleep study done, wouldn't my doctor have told me to get one," is his reasoning. Sadly, as we all know, the answer is no. Most primary care physicians don't screen regularly for sleep disorders, if they're even educated about their symptoms. So Kathy's father will remain on the wrong end of the Sleep Apnea statistic. . . another number to add to the 90% of Americans who have Sleep Apnea, but who have not yet been diagnosed. No skin off the back of his primary care physician, but for Kathy and those who love this man who will likely die a little bit if not a lot earlier than he otherwise would, it's a shame.

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Comment by Fab on March 11, 2009 at 2:31am
Marlene,

How bad is your Sleep Apnea (AHI level, any significant somnolence during the day...) If you are a moderate or light sleep apnea patient I don't understand why they did not recommend a custom made Mandibular Device - these are recommendations from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine since 2007. They are in particular very effective for snoring and apneic events on women patients - Swedish studies by Marklund.

The problem is that ,in the US there are only a few good ones that have been validated seriously and a lot of "bone in my basement " stuff so better go for a recognized one like TAP , Kleerway or Somnomed. If you're in Canada you can also ask for the Narval or the Silencer.
Comment by Mike on March 10, 2009 at 11:59am
are you a good candidate for CPAP (your doctor should speak to this)? Most of us are, but there are some, like the cartoonist Rick London, who wrote an article, who aren't. also, i wonder whether when you were using CPAP, you were using it properly. perhaps the pressure settings weren't high enough. can you get us a data report off your machine (if it has a smart card), post it here, and then we can help you trouble shoot? I think that's the best next step.
Comment by Marlene on March 10, 2009 at 6:58am
Have had two sleep studies, tried several different masks for a CPAP and have even had surgery, including having my uvula removed--- and guess what??? I STILL SNORE. This is very aggravating, especially to my husband, who can not be sleep in the same room with since I snore so loudly. Anyone know of the next step to take???

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