MMA

Why I Chose DNA over Homeoblock, MSE, DOME, MMA and AGGA

I did about 18 months research into palate expansion and surgical options for treating my severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). I was guided by the idea that the best treatment is likely to be the one that most directly addresses the root cause: Underdeveloped jaws exacerbated by the extraction/retraction orthodontic treatment I had when I was 13, leaving me with an airway which is too small to breathe through during sleep.

Along the way I tried many alternative treatments for OSA with limited success, and the two dominant mainstream treatments: a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) and Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) machine. Aside from the lack of success I had with the MAD, I find both of these unsatisfactory because they only deal with symptoms without addressing the underlying cause, allowing the untreated condition to progressively get worse over time. (more…)

By Graham Stoney, ago
surgeons in an operating theatre performing surgery

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Surgery Resource Bookmarks

This is a list of resources I reviewed when I was researching surgical options for curing my obstructive sleep apnea. I focused on those that addressed my particular problem of a retrognathic maxilla and underdeveloped jaws, causing a lack of sufficient tongue space and creating an airway obstruction behind my lower jaw during sleep.

If you prefer an alternative that avoids surgery, see Maxillary Expansion For Obstructive Sleep Apnea Resource Bookmarks instead.

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By Graham Stoney, ago
Skeleletal graphic of lower face with jaws surgically advanced

Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA) Surgery Resource Bookmarks

This is a list of resources I reviewed when deciding whether Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA) surgery was the best option for curing my obstructive sleep apnea. MMA surgery has very high cure rates for obstructive sleep apnea when combined with maxillary expansion such as SMARPE or DOME, but it’s very invasive and the risk of permanent nerve damage increases with age.

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By Graham Stoney, ago
Graph showing my average AHI ranges between about 3 and 21.

Results From My First Seven Months on CPAP

I’ve just passed seven months using CPAP, so here’s an update. It took a while for my nose to stop hurting when I first started using it, and fortunately Chris Kelly from AER Healthcare recommended I try paw paw ointment, which turned out to be a lifesaver. As a result, my compliance over the period has been over 98%. Here’s my AHI overview during that time as reported by OSCAR:

Graph showing my average AHI ranges between about 3 and 21.

My AHI results using CPAP for 7 months

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By Graham Stoney, ago
upper and lower jaw acrylic palate expanders with springs on front

Is The Vivos DNA/mRNA Appliance Too Good To Be True?

I’ve spent the last few weeks actively researching surgical, orthodontic and dental treatments for obstructive sleep apnea and visiting a lot of specialists to fully explore my options. I have underdeveloped jaws and nasal obstruction causing severe sleep apnea, possibly the result of extraction/retraction orthodontic work done when I was 13.

I visited orthodontist Derek Mahony recently who referred me to an ENT surgeon to investigate Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA) surgery and Distraction Osteogenesis Maxillary Expansion (DOME). The success rate is high but it looks nasty. Derek said I would need 12 months of braces before the surgery, and I would need to be on CPAP in the meantime; so no matter what I do I realised I need CPAP to stay alive while I’m getting a permanent treatment sorted out. I’ve been on it for about a month and I’m hoping my general health will improve while I explore my options to expand my jaws and sleep naturally again.

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By Graham Stoney, ago