Article contributed by Mark a sleep apnea
patient of Dr. Snyder
What if you could get a simple, but precision custom appliance that would make you feel more alert and rested – every day, improve your overall health and make your family happier? What would it be worth to you?
One of the most important things that Beth has ever done for me is to introduce me to SomnoMed® – a custom-fitted oral appliance that allows me to sleep without snoring and breathe in a more natural, relaxed way.
After a special x-ray, tests and a questionnaire to determine the extent of snoring problems and the possibility of a serious sleep disorder called sleep apnea (where the airway in the throat becomes so restricted that those suffering from sleep apnea actually stop breathing for short periods), I learned that SomnoMed could work for me.
Beth made a mold of my mouth and sent it off to the SomnoMed lab. A short time later, I returned to Beth’s office where one of her assistants showed me the simple two-piece acrylic SomnoMed appliance – one part that fits snugly over my upper teeth and the other part that grips the lower teeth. Beth’s assistant confirmed that the custom fit was comfortable, and then made tiny adjustments to the upper part of the appliance that gently pushed my lower jaw a bit forward. She then showed me how to make further adjustments myself if they became necessary. That was it. The whole process was completely painless and the appliance was a perfect fit for my mouth.
I began using the SomnoMed that evening. It felt a little strange at first, but I fell asleep with no problem – then the magic happened. For the first time in years, I slept without snoring. I breathed more easily and comfortably. I slept better. When I got up the next morning, I noticed that I was more alert and less groggy. I felt better than I had in years after a night’s sleep. I felt less grumpy and like I had more energy. The SomnoMed had kept my lower jaw from dropping down while I slept and kept my airway open all night. No snoring, no discomfort, just instant relief from a problem that had plagued me (and my family) for years.
My wife and kids were thrilled at the quiet. I used to snore so loudly that it disturbed their sleep (I was so loud I even woke myself up sometimes). But the SomnoMed put an end to my snoring – instantly – and now everyone is getting a better night’s sleep. I have friends who have to use a CPAP machine – with a fan, hoses and a mask covering their mouth because of snoring and sleep apnea. They have to stay on their backs and sometimes wake up and adjust the mask and straps at night. I got the same relief with NO machines, hose or fans. I can sleep in any position I like. And when I travel, the SomnoMed takes only a tiny bit of room in my Dopp kit – and believe me, I never leave home for an overnight without it.
My jaw was a bit tender for the first couple of weeks that it took to get used to the position that the SomnoMed gently urged my mouth into to maintain an open airway. But after that initial period, I am able to use the SomnoMed without even thinking about it. It’s been months now, and I
consider it an essential part of getting a good night’s rest – just as important as having a pillow
and mattress.
The SomnoMed is so simple, but works so well, that each time I consider it, I have a, “Why didn’t I think of that?” moment. It has changed my life – and my family’s – for the better. I am grateful to Beth for introducing me to it. It’s just one more reason that I am convinced that Beth is one
of the finest doctors and healers that I have ever met.
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