I am a retired dentist who happens to be a patient who has a condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea. I became aware of this condition over 15 years ago. For many years I treated myself with an appliance that I could make for myself. This appliance was in a fixed position and often did not work correctly. In 2006, right before I retired from my practice I sought medical treatment for this condition. After completing the diagnostic steps, the sleep medicine doctors prescribed a CPAP machine. Because I have studied this problem and am familiar with various treatment methods, I was not surprised, but I was disappointed in having to use the CPAP machine.
After receiving my machine, I began to use it. Surprisingly, I did adapt to it. In fact I think that using the machine actually altered my sleep patterns. Because of my age, I had to go onto Medicare. Medicare required a different kind of sleep study. In order to get follow up care, I did this other kind of sleep study. It showed that my condition was not as severe as the first sleep study had shown. As a result, Medicare would not cover any follow-up care.
I mentioned this problem to Dr. Coleman. He suggested that I get a Somnodent appliance. Since I was already aware of the benefits of this appliance, I went forward with treatment.
I have been using the Somnodent for over a month now. I can report that I am sleeping much more soundly and my wife doesn’t have to put up with the noise of the CPAP machine. It is a joy to go to sleep at night and not have a hose and mask to contend with. The Somnodent appliance is comfortable and holds my lower jaw in a position that prevents obstruction of my airway.
The appliance is easy to care for and I am enjoying using it. I would recommend this appliance to anyone who snores. Snoring is not a normal part of sleep. A person who snores is actually going to be sleep deprived because the quality of sleep is poor. The condition can be life threatening and at very least prevents a person’s body from doing the proper maintenance functions that is the reason that sleep is necessary.