Two Years Into My Sleep Apnea Treatment

It was two years ago this month that the doctor who diagnosed my sleep apnea gave me a very blunt warning.

"If you don't do something about this, it will kill you."

Words like that get your attention.

Practically every week since my February 2007 special report on my personal experience with sleep apnea, someone has struck up a conversation with me at a grocery store, restaurant or other location to ask how my treatment is going.

I'm happy to tell you it's still going well.

As I've mentioned in other articles in my blog, after several unsuccessful months wearing a C-PAP forced air machine when I slept, I decided to seek another, less uncomfortable option.

My children's orthodontist also treats sleep apnea. He recommended the device I wear currently called the TAP-3.

It has been the answer to my prayers.

The two-piece device resembles a dental retainer. It is custom made to fit snug over my teeth. The upper section has a small hook that fits into a track in the lower section. The device causes my lower jaw to jut forward enough to create more breathing room in my throat and increase the flow of oxygen. It also keeps my mouth from opening widely into what I call the "snoring position."

My wife says the TAP-3 has reduced my snoring greatly. I sleep with little interruption and feel great the next morning.

You should hear the difference when I take naps and don't wear the device.

Then again, maybe you don't want to hear it. The noise is awful. It's so loud, I wake myself up.

I can't believe my wife endured my noise for so many years.

Snoring sounds funny, but I've learned it's a serious symptom of sleep apnea. The snoring sound is created by your body trying desperately to take in sufficient oxygen. The force is so great, it vibrates tissue in your mouth. That vibration is the snoring sound.

My downfall has been my weight. After initially losing several pounds, I gained it back plus a few extra. I am determined to drop weight this year so I can protect my health and look better.

I actually exercise a lot. Unfortunately I love sweets and tea too much.

Some of you have told me my 2007 reports were a "lifesaver," and I thank you for that. I have spent many hours on the phone with local viewers, telling them about my personal experiences with the treatment of sleep apnea. I'm not a doctor; I just have a story to tell.

I believe my wife... and her insistence that I see a doctor... has been the lifesaver in my life.

If you or a loved one are not sleeping well, snore, feel exhausted even after you've slept a long time... please see your doctor.

You will improve your quality of life and very possibly live longer.