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I don't use a CPAP machine but I do use a mouth guard type deal that pulls my jaw slightly forward and ensures the airways are open, which seemingly works for my (mild) Apnea.

Once you know what it feels like to not be bogged down by Sleep Apnea, it is indeed eye opening and you will legitimately get annoyed when you miss a night of sleep without it (e.g, you forget your appliance on a trip or something). It quite literally affects everything you do.

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I'm mild as well. Only an AHI of 9.8 but wow, this is a world of difference after only one night.

How do you get this evaluated? Is it an expensive/time-consuming process? Do you have to spend several nights sleeping in some strange lab?

I went to a GP. They referred me to a sleep clinic. I had a consultation then a referral to the test. The test was basically a data logging pulse ox meter that was mailed to me. I wore that overnight and sent it back.

They then recommended a CPAP.

In my case, it was just sleeping for one night with some diodes or whatever attached to me. Was able to detect when it flared up, very easy diagnosis.

My dentist of all people was the one who ordered it, but you may be able to go through other docs (I assume you can).

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