I was very disappointed when I went and got fitted for my oral appliance because my dentist didn't really know what one was to help apnea.  I went and picked it up today.  It only goes over my top teeth and has a post that sticks down that I guess I am supposed to rest against the back of my bottom teeth.  It is uncomfortable as all get out and I told my dentist that I am sure I will be ripping this out of my mouth in the middle of the night just like I do my CPAP.  I wanted to cry when I saw it.  I have tried 4 different styles of masks and several different chin straps and my sleep disorder doctor was sure I would be able to tolerate the appliance since I tend to toss and turn all night.  I have mild to moderate apnea, slightly overweight, had the UPPP, and I am discouraged.  

Does this sound like a proper device?  It sure doesn't look like the ones on the internet.  Thanks for your help.

I had an oral appliance made about a month ago. It consisted of upper and lower molded plastic pieces that hooked together with a metal hook and could be adjusted by turning a small piece that stuck out of your mouth about a 1/2 inch. As you tightened the adjuster it moved your lower jaw out to control the snoring and apnea. I could not keep it in my mouth. If you opened your mouth while sleeping, it would dislodge either the top or bottom and they would either come unooked (useless) or come out and get lost. I found them on the floor and lost in the bed. Cost: $1200.

I finally gave up and scheduled a sleep study. The results indicated I have rather severe apnea with 30 to 50 an hour and oxygen levels in the 80's. I received my ResMed S8 Vantage and Swift Pillows mask three days ago and my apneas are down to 3 per hour.

I would not waste time or money on the oral appliance unless your apnea is mild to moderate. Use a CPAP instead and you will have much better results. The dental appliance will help snoring and apneas, but nowhere near what the CPAP will do.

Best of luck.

Dreamland, thanks so much for the reply.  Sounds like your apnea may be under control.  That is A LOT of money, though, to have flushed down the drain.  I am so sorry for that.

I have had three sleep studys and my apnea is mild to moderate.  I have been through four mask styles, added a humidifier, then added a HEATED humidifier, tried two different chin straps, and I couldn't keep anything on all night.  It was far better than this oral appliance, though.  I have worn it seven nights and I have not made it to the morning with it in place.  Plus, I have a sore jaw, the bottom of my mouth is sore from the "thing" that is protruding down, and I a terrific headache every morning (maybe a coincidence, but I never had one before).  BCBS would not cover the appliance saying it was a dental issue (?????), so I am only out $163.00 so far because my dental insurance picked up some.  It sounds like yours was more like what I had in pictured in my head, but it doesn't sound like it is going to be the miracle I am looking for.   I can't believe that screw thing sticking out.

I have my ortodontic retainers that are hard plastic.  I may try and wear the bottom one tonight and see if that helps cushion the post coming down.  

Thanks for the reply.  I really appreciate it and it will definitely help me decide on a few things if that is what my doctor wants me to get.  I will see if there is something else.