The patient above supplied these photos from his trip to Mount Everest. He needed a CPAP machine to treat his severe sleep apnoea. However, he couldn't take the CPAP up Mount Everest. Instead, he managed to use a Snoreology mouthguard to effectively treat his snoring and sleep apnoea whilst traveling.
Typically, he only wears his mouthguard at night, but he put it in just to send us this photo.
Compare to CPAP
If you could not tolerate CPAP, a mouthguard may work for you. Alternatively, if CPAP does work, a mouthguard may be useful when you travel, have no access to power, or just need a break.
Many people who use a CPAP at home may prefer to travel with an anti-snoring and sleep apnoea mouthguard as it is easy to use on an aeroplane and fits in your hand luggage – or even your pocket. It is quick to clean and pack up and light to store and carry. Using a mouthguard is safer than sleeping unassisted if you have known sleep apnoea.
Many people are unable to tolerate the mask, tubing and noise of CPAP. They often experience claustrophobia, dry nose, throat and eyes, headaches, and their sleep is interrupted more than it is improved.
Most people find that it only takes a few weeks to adjust to wearing a mouthguard. It takes seconds to insert and remove. Because it fits completely and discretely in your mouth, it has a high rate of acceptance.
“Although less efficacious than CPAP for improving Obstructive Sleep Apnea, oral appliances are generally preferred by patients. This has the potential to translate to better patient compliance and may provide an equivalent health outcome.”
- Efficacy versus Effectiveness in the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: CPAP and Oral Appliances Journal of Dental Sleep Medicine Volume: 02 Number: 04 10/10/2015
“Oral appliances are indicated for patients with mild and moderate obstructive sleep apnea (O.S.A.). Oral appliances may be also used in patients with severe O.S.A. who are unable to tolerate a CPAP machine.”
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Clinical Guideline for the Evaluation, Management, and Long-term Care of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults, 2009.