Hi, everyone.  I have OSA, and have really been struggling with it lately.  I currently use a CPAP, but it is not effective.  While sleeping, my tongue is "glued" to the roof of my mouth, and I wake up with a JOLT several times per night due to lack of air.  Following the jolt, I can feel my heart beating fast and adrenaline pumping through my system.

I do not currently have health insurance, unfortunately, but am looking for other alternatives.  Since the main problem with my apnea lies with my tongue, I am considering buying this device called "AveoTSD", which is a tongue stabalizing device.  It seems to be created in New Zealand and is FDA approved for snoring.  It looks like it would help my problem greatly.  

Has anyone used this product?  It seems to only be available online (it's probably not approved for use in USA yet), and costs about $100.  It looks like an affordable way to help my problem.  Can anyone here vouch for this, or tell me any concerns you would have over this device?  Please follow the link below for more info.  Thanks in advance for your help!

<<commercial link removed>>

-Brian

devzin98 wrote:

Hi, everyone.  I have OSA, and have really been struggling with it lately.  I currently use a CPAP, but it is not effective.  While sleeping, my tongue is "glued" to the roof of my mouth, and I wake up with a JOLT several times per night due to lack of air.  Following the jolt, I can feel my heart beating fast and adrenaline pumping through my system.

I do not currently have health insurance, unfortunately, but am looking for other alternatives.  Since the main problem with my apnea lies with my tongue, I am considering buying this device called "AveoTSD", which is a tongue stabalizing device.  It seems to be created in New Zealand and is FDA approved for snoring.  It looks like it would help my problem greatly.  

Has anyone used this product?  It seems to only be available online (it's probably not approved for use in USA yet), and costs about $100.  It looks like an affordable way to help my problem.  Can anyone here vouch for this, or tell me any concerns you would have over this device?  Please follow the link below for more info.  Thanks in advance for your help!

<<commercial link removed>>

-Brian

Brian,

What type of apnoea do you have ? mild/moderate/severe ?

What is your AHI ? Do you have obstructive, central or mixed apnoea ?

Information needed before giving an opinion on a Tongue Restraining Device...........only suitable for certain types of apnoea, and should be fitted by a dentist qualified to fit such devices.

post back.

Daniel.


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The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)

Daniel,

Thanks for the quick response.  I have obstructive sleep apnea.  I went for two sleep studies and was told it was of mild severity, but have a suspicion is has become worse since.  I honestly do not know what my AHI is.  I can say that even while wearing a CPAP last night, though, I woke up at least ten times due to obstruction of my airway (tongue blocking it).

-Brian

It sounds more like you need to adjust the pressure on your CPAP,  how long ago did you have your sleep study?  


As for the AveoTSD its only approved here in the states for snoring.  NOT SLEEP APNEA.

devzin98 wrote:

Daniel,

Thanks for the quick response.  I have obstructive sleep apnea.  I went for two sleep studies and was told it was of mild severity, but have a suspicion is has become worse since.  I honestly do not know what my AHI is.  I can say that even while wearing a CPAP last night, though, I woke up at least ten times due to obstruction of my airway (tongue blocking it).

-Brian

Brian,

When did you have your last study ?

TRDs are reckoned to be suitable for mild apnoea. They should only be fitted by a qualified dentist....in tandem with your sleep doctor and sleep study report. Certain surgery has also proved to have an acceptable success rate for mild apnoea.

If its a while since your last study, and things have disimproved you may need a pressure increase.....I suggest that you check with your sleep doctor.

Keep posting.

Daniel.


_________________
The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)

Hi Brian.  I know a few people who have tried the aveoTSD, and it seems to work well.  One in particular, has gone through surgery - it didn't work.  The aveo took a little getting use to, but he's happy.  Good luck.  Hally

Hally wrote:

Hi Brian.  I know a few people who have tried the aveoTSD, and it seems to work well.  One in particular, has gone through surgery - it didn't work.  The aveo took a little getting use to, but he's happy.  Good luck.  Hally

Was there a followup sleep study to prove that it is treating them?  Without a study backing up treatment efficacy, you are putting yourself at risk.  Just like the surgery, this does not work for most people.  If you decide to go this route, get fitted for it, and then have a sleep study to ensure that you are actually getting treated.  If you don't you are potentially putting yourself at risk.

I am a pharmacist from New Zealand, where the aveoTSD originated. We have sold over 3000 of the aveoTSD devices in NZ with only 2 being returned because they did not work. In both cases the patients had physical problems which prevented the device from working - one had a very small tongue and the other a retracted jaw. The secret is in learning the simple technique to use the device. We provide a free advice service and a 90 day moneyback guarantee at << commercial link removed >> . aveoTSD is not registered in the USA for treating sleep apnea, but can be imported for private use for snoring and preventing the onset of sleep apnea.

I have been using CPAP Therapy for  the past 8 yrs, and recently purchased the aveoTSD, it works so well for me that  I have not used my CPAP machine for weeks. You can check out my story at (commercial link removed)

Gerry

Please review the posting guidelines regarding commercial links

Posted Here

AlanB wrote:

I am a pharmacist from New Zealand, where the aveoTSD originated. We have sold over 3000 of the aveoTSD devices in NZ with only 2 being returned because they did not work. In both cases the patients had physical problems which prevented the device from working - one had a very small tongue and the other a retracted jaw. The secret is in learning the simple technique to use the device. We provide a free advice service and a 90 day moneyback guarantee at << commercial link removed >> . aveoTSD is not registered in the USA for treating sleep apnea, but can be imported for private use for snoring and preventing the onset of sleep apnea.

Alan,  unless you have direct evidence i.e. studies that back up the claim that the AveoTSD prevents the onset of sleep apnea, we would appreciate that you don't make such claims.  Additionally, have there been any sleep studies performed to prove that they "work"?  

Call me sceptical, but someone that has sold 3000 of these aveoTSD's, seems to have a vested interest in selling a snoring device to sleep apnea patients.

Alan,
  Your posts definately leans more toward advertising, that information.  Warranties orlack of returns does not establish proof of effective treatment. I certainly hope you caution all purchasers to verify results by PSG.  Testimonials, in leiu of scientific research is a common sales tactic for infomercials, it is NOT good medicine.  Certainly, there are people with mild apnea or snoring that can be effectively treated with APPROVED dental devices, and we are pleased for them to post their experiences on the dental section of the forums.

In reply to Okie and Mike. I appreciate your desire to prevent "snake oil" remedies to gain credence in the forum. As a pharmacist of 30 years experience, I have seen my fair share of these. However, not all successful "remedies" necessarily have the approval of the recognized authorities.  

In my experience as a pharmacist, a diagnosis of sleep apnea has often been an excuse to sell very expensive remedies that may or may not help the condition, when other, more cost effective, solutions maybe more suitable to treat what is many cases is very heavy snoring caused by the tongue blocking the airways. The costs associated with testing for sleep apnea and subsequent treatment can often be a barrier to seeking treatment for snoring. Whether to condone the use of a product that many find to be extremely effective but not necessarily "recognized" by the appropriate authorities, is a fine line that I and other health professionals, tread almost every day. Over the years, I have learned that often the best results are achieved by 1. Ensuring that no harm could reasonably be expected to occur in using a device, or trying a remedy, then 2. Listening carefully to feedback from users, analyzing any research results and adjusting advice I give to customers. (This also applies to medicines that are fully recognized by the appropriate authorities, but often have very undesirable and not widely publicized side-effects, but that is another story).

I apologize for including a commercial link in my previous correspondence. I did not claim to, and have not sold 3000 of these devices myself. That is the total number sold throughout New Zealand from September 2005 until May 2006 , according to figures supplied to me by the wholesale distributor in June 2006.  Since the distributor commenced media advertising  last month, another 1000 were sold in New Zealand (of which I sold  7 through my pharmacy).

I urge anyone trying the AveoTSD anti-snoring device to only purchase from a website or retailer that:

1. Will give you 100% support in using the device correctly. It is not necessary to have the device "fitted" by a health professional. It is necessary to respond to the initial small problems and discomfort of using the device in the appropriate manner. Most of the possible problems are covered in the literature that accompanies the device. In my experience, some users are not identifying the problem correctly, and may try the wrong solution. eg if the device falls off during sleep, they assume that they have not applied enough suction, when in fact they may have applied too much suction to the tongue, which causes discomfort and involuntary expulsion during sleep.

 2. Will give you a 100% moneyback guarantee in the event that the device does not work satisfactorily after a reasonable trial period. This takes the risk from you and allows you to form your own conclusions as to the merits of the device.

I sell at least 6 different stop snoring remedies in my pharmacy. The aveoTSD has been the most successful. The inventor of the device (a registered orthodontist) has spent 8+ years on development of the device, and I understand from the New Zealand distributor he has limited resources to undertake extensive trials or distribute the product worldwide. I have no connection with the inventor, and have not spoken or corresponded with him. My advice on this product is based solely feedback from my pharmacy customers, and other users in New Zealand.

I trust that the moderators of this forum will allow comments, whether positive or negative, on the tongue stabilizing device.

May the merits of the device stand or fall on the experience of the users.

Regards

Alan Blyth ANZCP, MPS (New Zealand)

Once again, you try to imply that your profession as a pharmacist, gives you some type of medical expertise in the field of sleep medicine and snoring.  My brother is a pharmacist, with over 30 years hospital based experience.  How many thousands of times, when asked medical questions, have I heard him respnd, I am not a diagnostician, you need to discuss your symptoms with your medical doctor. I doubt seriously that you received any training in sleep disorders in pharmacy school 30 years ago!!  So what is it about working behind a counter, filling perscriptions, that would qualify you to determine if a "customer" symptoms of snoring were due to tongue blockage are a myriad of other locations that can obstruct!!  The very fact that you continue to refer to being a pharmacist, both here and in the deleted commercial links, shows that you are attempting to use your "quasi-medicas" aura to influence people that you are capable of diagnosing and treating their symptoms.  That is a typical approach with any infomercial.  My reading of yout posts remains the same...
A. You sure hope to be seen as a medical professional          
B. no research or scientific basis can be presented regarding the efficacy of this product
C. You sure hope they trust you and buy it from you, cause after all, you will give their money back,
D. You imply that doctors and equipment suppliers are just trying to rip them off, when this is all they need.is to buy your cure...gee, what a friend!!

So, how are you going to feel, when someone who chooses the route you advocate, dies in their sleep, suffers a stroke, or just continues to enjoy a low quality of life?  How do you, as a pharmacist, determine, that their symptoms are mild, vs moderate or severe, what about central apneas, or complex sleep disordered breathing?  What about an overnight oxymetry, how low does your "customers" oxygen level fall?  Are they getting adequate REM sleep?  Do they also suffer from Restless Leg, or one of the other 80 sleep disorders??  I guess they will never know, cause a guy in a white coat told them this was all they needed, and they never sought appropriate medical diagnosis and treatment.
 
  If you have any concern for your customers who come to you to discuss sleep apnea, you should refuse to sell them any of the snoring products, unless they can show you a sleep study, verifying they have ONLY simple snoring!! To do otherwise, will only further delay their attempts to seek qualified medical care.  You should use your influence to encourage them to seek appropriate diagnosis and treatment for a potentially life threatening disorder.  If financial limitations stand in the way, then help them find charitable resources for the study and equipment...something I personally spend a lot of time doing, and dang...I'm not even a pharmacist!!

Have you considered the mal practice exposure of holding your pharmacy license out as a qualification in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders?

  Glad you are familiar with the phrase "Do No Harm"  hope you will soon be putting it into practice, it's easy to say, hard to live.

  You are in a unique position to first educate yourself, then others about sleep disorders in the appropriate, though less lucrative, way. and assist them in getting appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

this is what my family thinks... It works for my snoring. My wife/partner says the snore has been replaced with a slight slurpping..hahah but she says this is getting less and less. I feel better. I do not need a sleep study at 1000$ to tell me this. Im smiling for many reasons ..haha .so is my family.
 I heard about the av from a friend. I was sceptical. but it worked for me(took 3 nights to wear it through the night)

at only $150...

Look at the prices of the other options

James


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james