I have been on cpap for four months and can't keep the mask on.  I have tried many diff masks, changed pressure, ect.  I keep the mask on from 11pm-2am...wake up at 5am with mask on floor.  I assume this is why I have not seen any improvements with the machine (I only sleep 3 hours a night with it).   Anyways I am looking at diff ways to get back to normal.
My AHI IS 30/RDI 42/6'1  225LBS SLIM BUILD LARGE TONSILS/LARGE ADENOIDS/DEVIATED SEPTUM.

ANYBODY OUT THERE WITH MOD-SEVERE APNEA THAT DIDN'T FEEL BETTER WITH CPAP THAT WENT THE DENTAL APPLIANCE ROUTE AND GOT BETTER.  I HAVE HEARD OF TAP 3/SOMNO/FULL BREATH APPLIANCE.

ANY INFO WOULD BE GREAT!

SCOTT

Scott,

Sounds like you would be wise to consult with an ENT doctor if you haven't done so. Your airway would greatly improve after removing your large tonsils and large adenoids, not to mention fixing your deviated septum. Start with the obvious first.

Jay

Jay:

Thanks for the reply  and I read another post of yours that was helpful....about when the best REM sleep is.  I have my mask on the floor during that time....11pm-2am  mask on   2-6 mask off  6-7 mask on.....GROUND HOG SINCE SEPT 07..I just feel I should be feeling a bit better, but I honestly don't.  This is why I am going down the dental route.  One ENT says take them out and the other says lose weight (I am slender). My throat opening is the size of a dime ...6'1 230LBS.
Thanks again

Scott

Scott,

Obviously you have to use the CPAP or oral appliance any time you sleep the whole time you sleep over a period of time before you will feel any effect. Must be worn during naps as well. Surgery should never be taken lightly but if you have over sized tonsils and adenoids removing them would greatly increase your airway making it much easier for a CPAP or oral appliance to work. The air pressure on the CPAP most likely could be turned down because less tissue would be blocking your airway. The oral appliance wouldn't need to move your jaw as far forward to clear your airway once again due to less tissue in the way. Makes sense doesn't it? Lossing weight is the #1 thing you can do to help your airway if you have a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) but you said you have a slim build, doesn't add up.

Jay

Jay:

Thank you for the reply and having me look at my BMI.  I am an ex athlete and still lift heavy weights when I have enough energy to get to the gym.  Well seeking out a new sleep doc last week we talked about you're statement and he agreed with you're advice about losing weight.  He told me to stop lifting weights and lay of the protein shakes/Carbs and if I want to excercise do cardio.  He said that I need to lose 30 pounds.  This was the problem in getting the diagnoses in the first place...all the docs  I saw said I was not FAT (there words not mine).  So with the new sleep doc (DDS, but all his team works on is sleep disorders) lose weight and a new dental appliance the TAP three.  I will keep you posted and thanks so much for you're advise.  This whole thing has been a long road---I just want to get back to the dad I was!

Give us an update, Scott! I agree with everything Jay has told you, and I would seriously suggest seeing an ENT that is not shy about removing tonsillar tissue and fixing the septum. Losing weight is important, but keep in mind that if your neck size does not change much, the weight loss will have little effect (considering your slim build). Also keep in mind that it is much more difficult to lose the weight when OSA is in play. I wouldn't wait to lose the 30 pounds to clear the airway, or it may never happen!


_________________
Kent Smith DDS

The Good Doctor:

I hope this finds you well.  I am in the medical field and happened to be working at Stanford University and bumbed into one of the sleep doctors.  Long and short of it is the team of doctors (three of them) took the time and looked over my study and my anatomy and concluded I needed to have UPPP,tonsils out,adenoids out, and fix deviated septum.  I do in fact have the Tap three and have been off and on with it for the last 3 weeks...I go back and fourth with cpap and dental appliance.   Surgery is scheduled Feb 11 2008....If you want me to explain my experience with the Tap three Email me and we can talk live......THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO TRADE EMAILS WITH ME A MONTH AGO!!!!!!!!!

Scott
Portland Oregon