Posted on 04/11/2024 9:38:34 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
People with hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea were no less likely to see their blood pressure drop over six months if they used a mandibular advancement device (MAD), which is inserted onto the teeth similar to a bite guard, compared to a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, according to research.
Obstructive sleep apnea can cause or worsen hypertension. Medical guidelines recommend the use of a CPAP machine to help keep airways open by delivering pressurized air through the mouth and nose.
MADs help keep the airway open by repositioning the lower jaw.
321 people with uncontrolled hypertension and high cardiovascular risk underwent a sleep study to determine whether they had obstructive sleep apnea. 220 were found to have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea and were randomly assigned to receive a MAD or CPAP device.
Participants were instructed to use their assigned device for six months while sleeping to the degree that they could tolerate it. Both devices had built-in trackers that recorded use.
At six months, people assigned to the MAD group experienced a drop in 24-hour ambulatory mean blood pressure that was 1.64 mmHg larger, on average, than those assigned to CPAP, meeting the threshold for non-inferiority and the trial's primary endpoint.
Compared with the CPAP group, the MAD group also showed a larger between-group reduction in all ambulatory blood pressure measures, especially nighttime blood pressure when the devices were being used, and an increased proportion of patients achieving a systolic blood pressure below 120 mmHg by the end of the study.
The adherence data revealed that over half (56.5%) of those who were assigned to use the MAD used the device for six or more hours per night on average over the study period, while under one-quarter (23.2%) of those assigned to CPAP did so.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
It’s too bad there aren’t any more EPAP. That was a good option.
CPAPs are medieval instruments of torture. If anyone knows of a good MAD, please post it here.
Made in USA, multiple colors including glow in the dark
Wear one myself every night and it makes an incredible difference in my sleep.
No more dry mouth or restlessness, sudden bolt-awake dlrrp disruptions or crankiness in the day time
I have severe sleep apnea. The initial sleep study found that I stopped breathing, on average, every two minutes, during obstruction episodes. My blood/oxygen would fall as low as 84% in that time.
It took me more than two years to find the right CPAP device and medication combinations to let me sleep comfortably. I don’t think six months is a long enough study period.
Reduction in sleep apnea events to near zero did not reduce my blood pressure at all.
“mandibular advancement device”
these things will soon completely destroy your temporomandibular joints ...
I had a MAD device 25 or 30 years ago.
I never got to find out if it helped with sleep apnea, since it produced severe and very painful TMJ in my jaw. I only got to use it for a week, but no refunds.
I’ll try it.
CPAP is at the point not very tolerable after I don’t know how many years of using.
I’d love nothing more than decommissioning that system.
I love me CPAP and BP is fine.
My initial sleep study showed I stopped breathing 83 times per hour. I'd stop breathing once every 45'ish seconds.
The only reason I did a sleep study was I ended up in the hospital with a mild heart attack first. Cardiologist came in the room, asked me to open my mouth and he looked down my throat. Asked if I ever had a sleep study right there and then.
Then he turned to my (now) ex-wife and asked her if I stopped breathing or sounded like I was choking while sleeping. Her answer: Yes. I did it "all the time".
Got the sleep study, got the cpap, started sleeping better immediately. Came to my senses after being able to think clearly again and we divorced.
She was literally waiting for me to die. As uncaring of a woman I've not since met in my life.
.
I get obstructive apnea if I sleep on my back. (I also have neurological apnea.) For the obstructive apnea, I’ve always wondered whether a simple chin strap would work, but I wouldn’t want to devise one of my own and end up cutting off circulation to my brain because then my kid would have to put with CNN.
Why no more EPAP?
I've used one for over 10 years, and it hasn't affected my "temporomandibular joints" at all, and it works great. A side benefit is that it also eliminated my teeth grinding, which was wearing down my teeth and giving me headaches every day.
MAD was very uncomfortable for me
CPAP never an issue unless I’m without it
They are also used as breathing assist device for the non asleep with COPD
Never got all the complaining here over them
I honestly love my cpap
As much as I love my eight year old Rottweiler
Rommel
Which is a lot
Women
Cigars
Rommel CPAP tie
Been on one since 2003
Was waking 50-60 times an hour
Enlarged uvula etc
Since then I've it used it more regularly, but I really ramped up usage December of last year, and I've finally gotten used to wearing a mask. It definitely helps me sleep better.
I'm trying to upgrade my old equipment but the VA is chronically slow, but in the meantime I still have my older machine, which runs fine. I have to purchase my own supplies on a regular basis but hopefully that will change once the VA comes through with a new machine for me.
I’ve had sleep apnea for years and none of my doctors would listen to me. I have a new doc and he’s wonderful. He listens. I have to go in for a sleep study since the home device detected moderate obstructive sleep apnea. I have the health issues that goes along with it including the uvula. I’m waiting for my appointment.
I sure hope having a cpap helps me, because I feel terrible all the time.
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