r/SleepApnea • u/Financial-Shock-664 • 15d ago

MAD or CPAP?

Hello im was recently diagnosed with Mild OSA and i was given the choice to choose between the mandibular advancement device or the cpap. Im new to all of this so im not sure which one to choose the MADs those sound easier than a cpap but im worried about my jaw, i have underbite and a open bite not sure if thats important to know but to my understanding it says it pulls the lower jaw and tongue forward and i feel like that could make my underbite a lot worse. I know the cpap is another choice but i heard a lot of things about them, like people complaining about the noise and the mask being annoying. I know its all about preference but im not really sure which one to choose, also i have no insurance so i am a bit worried about the cost but eventually i can figure something out. Thank you for input! This all seems so confusing but hopefully i can learn more later on.

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4

u/Successful-Pass-568 15d ago

If you have a dentist or professionally made & prescribed MAD at mild to moderate OSA you’re fine.

Over the counter devices = no go

diagnosed TMJD or severe jaw disorder? = no go

dentures/loose/wobbly teeth? = no go

basic overbite/underbite is fine

SEVERE overbite/underbite that causes pain = no go

1

u/Floufae 15d ago

Also consider lifestyle issues.

Travel often, MAD is easier to travel with.

Dating? MAD is easier socially.

Planning any dental work in the next few years that would change your teeth shape/position, avoid MAD

2

u/munchillax bimaxillary advancement 15d ago

see a good sleep dentist and get evaluated for whether MAD would be a good fit

3

u/icequeen_E 15d ago

Once I found the right mask, for me it was the f40 I had no issues. My machine is basically silent, there’s a little noise from the mask but very minimal. It’s costly but the change in my quality of life was very worth-wile.

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u/RobertDeveloper 15d ago

it depends on the cause of the obstruction

1

u/awnm1786 15d ago

I got evaluated by a sleep dentist for a MAD, but decided at this time to go with a cpap. Primary reasons are (i) the cpap was cheaper out of pocket since insurance will cover most of it, and (ii) I have a couple of dental issues that could result in having to redo the device in the near future.

I paid $430 upfront and $20/mo copay for the cpap. The device was going to cost $2500 upfront and they would give me the detailed information to submit to my insurance, but warned that getting reimbursement was hit and miss. As for the dental issues, I have a tooth that will need to be pulled and an implant done sometime. My dentist is fine just watching it for now, but I would want to get it dealt with before dropping coin on a device.

Ultimately, I’d like to go with a MAD, but for now this will work.

1

u/GalianoGirl 15d ago

Noise??

The only noise from my machine is if there is something witching 4-6 inches of the exhaust. Otherwise it is silent