Posted by sleepin'good on August 05, 2012 at 20:13:16:I have been a faithful fan of this Forum for 10 years and finally want to post my experience if it may help others.
1) I have worn a dental appliance for 8 years after suffering with a CPAP machine for 2 years. I am fortunate that i have not suffered from TMJ or dental pain or movement. Yearly overnight oximetry studies are acceptable to my sleep doctor.
2) I have also slept in a hospital bed (for the first 5 years as the raised head helped me to keep from rolling on back)..but have not used it for 5 years-graduated to a real bed.
3) I take 15 mgs each night of mirtazipine (Remron)to help me get to sleep and I also researched that it helps with apneas although it is not marketed as such.
4) I used a special pillow to help with sleep apnea but found it uncomfortable so stopped using it.
5) I take iodine supplements as I have low thyroid and once again some of the research indicates that it helps with sleeping.
The last 10 years since being diagnosed with sleep apnea (mild to moderate) has been a personal quest to get a safe and good nights sleep. Try everything that you can (unless it may hurt you)..
I now go to bed at 11 pm and sleep until 1:30 to 2 when I take a bathroom run. I then go back to sleep until 7 and rest in bed for a half hour. Other than occasional waking to move my pillows and turn over-I no longer wake up sleeping on my back. Thankfully I just retired so I can enjoy my sleep!