My experience recovering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

The Optimal Daytime Usage Pattern For Adult Oral Expansion Appliances

I’ve been wearing my Vivos mRNA appliance for just over two weeks now, and so far things are going well. I can speak with the device in, but it’s difficult and I sound ridiculous so I use basic sign language to order at the supermarket deli when I’m wearing it. I don’t wear it during online lectures or tutorials where I might need to speak.

I have turned all 5 expansion screws twice and each time the device feels quite tight in my mouth straight afterwards, but it’s not painful. At least, not that part. (more…)

By Graham Stoney, ago
A very expensive piece of acrylic with slightly less metal

The Pharyngeal Extension Is Gone And I Can Now Use My mRNA Appliance

I tried for almost a week to suppress my gag reflex enough to cope with the pharyngeal extension originally on my mRNA Appliance. Although I made a lot of progress, I still wasn’t able to get the upper part installed. I was also concerned that even if I could get it in, and somehow fall asleep with it, I’d wake up in the middle of the night choking with the wire down my throat.

Yikes.

I didn’t want to wait any longer before I could start expanding so with my provider’s approval, I snipped it off with a pair of wire cutters yesterday so I could start using the appliance last night. It was surprisingly hard to cut the wire; it’s pretty strong.

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By Graham Stoney, ago

Does the Vivos DNA Appliance Really Work via Epigenetics?

I was initially sceptical of Dr Singh’s claims that the Vivos DNA appliance uses mechano-transduction to trigger epigenetic processes which grow/remodel bone in the maxilla and mandible, leading to expanded jaws. After reviewing some science on bone remodelling, I believe it does involve epigenetics, but only to the degree that any biological growth process is directed by gene expression. (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

Maxillary Expansion For Obstructive Sleep Apnea Resource Bookmarks

This is a list of online resources I found helpful when researching palate expansion options for potentially curing my obstructive sleep apnea. The number of links reflects the amount of research I did on each option; those I explored in more detail have their own pages and are compared in this article.

To understand how and why this treatment approach works, read what really causes obstructive sleep apnea. Most options here are non-surgical or require only minimal surgical assistance; for surgical options see Surgical Options For Obstructive Sleep Apnea Resource Bookmarks.

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By Graham Stoney, ago

Anterior Growth Guidance Appliance (AGGA) Resource Bookmarks

This is a list of resources I found helpful when evaluating whether the Anterior Growth Guidance Appliance (AGGA) was the best palate expansion option for expanding my airway and potentially curing my obstructive sleep apnea.

I rated AGGA high risk in my comparison of maxillary expansion options to treat my obstructive sleep apnea, and since then I’ve heard of many failed cases and a couple of lawsuits, so beware. (more…)

By Graham Stoney, ago