Patient Guide
The first 6 weeks with your new sleep companion
Congratulations on starting your journey to better sleep! π€
This is a guide for what to expect in the first 6 weeks with your new personal sleep device.
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Why 6 weeks/ 42 nights?
The first few weeks of starting a new treatment is the most important for various reasons!
- Youβll probably have some questions as you try a new device for the first time, we want to help you address these
β - Habit formation is key in this period and we want to help you along with that
β - Your dentist will want to keep an eye on your progress and jump in to help if you need anything
β - Most patients see great results within 6 weeks and then no longer need us
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Top tip 1 β Record your progress
It can be difficult to assess how loud and how often you're snoring whilst you're asleep. There isn't always another person around to let you know and often they can be asleep too! Using SnoreLabs takes the guesswork out of how you've been snoring overnight. Seeing how your progress changes over time can then also be a great source of motivation for you as you see your snoring improve over time! π
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On night zero β before beginning to use your device β record your snoring overnight using the SnoreLabs app and play some moments back the next morning so that you have a starting point for your snoring levels pre-treatment. The noises may really surprise you! π₯± The app generates a SnoreScore that can be a nice βobjectiveβ metric to monitor over that first 6 weeksΒ π
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As a 32Co sleep patient, you are entitled to a personalised 32Co Sleep Coach, which will check-in on your progress and provide advice and support. Your responses will also be available to your dentist so that they can monitor and make adjustments to your treatment regime if necessary. π«
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Download SnoreLabs here π²
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Access your 32Co Sleep Coach here
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Top tip 2 β Take care of your body
In these first 6 weeks, it is important to take care of your body as it takes time to adjust to its new night-time companion. Here is our recommended night-time and morning routine to ensure your body is receiving care and attention:
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Night-time routine π
If you are struggling to get used to the device in the first week, try putting the device on half an hour before bed-time. This helps your body get used to the feeling of the device sitting in the mouth.
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Having something new in your mouth overnight can sometimes cause excess salivation while you get used to it. If you are experiencing this, place a little towel or flannel on your pillow. If you experience dry lips, apply some balm/ vaseline to your lips and have a glass of water available bedside. All of these side effects will subside within a week or two at most! β³
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For many people, using a sleep device is about improving sleep quality. Here are some other things you can do to improve your sleep:
- Avoid screens and stimulating activities before bedtime. If you really want to set the mood, dim the lights and have a nice cup of tea to signal to your body that it is time to wind down. π΅
β - Longer term, it is worth crafting a comfortable sleep environment β a supportive mattress, blackout curtains (or an eye mask), and playing white noise or ambient music can help to minimise disruptions and optimise restorative sleep. π΄
β - In general, avoid alcohol as it impacts on your sleep quality and also worsens snoring and sleep apnea!
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Morning routine π
Rise and shine! It is normal for your bite to feel a bit different or odd when you first wake up, because your jaw has been held in a particular position overnight. This feeling should fade away in a few hours and eating breakfast can really help accelerate this. Over time, the feeling will become less noticeable as your body adapts to the device.Β
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When you brush your teeth, use the frothy consistency of saliva and toothpaste mixed together to clean your device and then rinse. This is gentler on your device than using toothpaste straight from the tube!
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Now go and enjoy the day, nice and refreshed! π
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What happens if I experience other side effects?
Some level of discomfort is normal as your body takes time to adapt. However, pain is not normal and it is important that your dentist is made aware of it. Your 32Co sleep coach will ask you to report on your experience of the device so this is a good opportunity to log all of your side effects. π§ββοΈ
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Final tip β results take time so be patient and remember to stick with it!
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