Cpap required or recommended with ahi of 5 + 19 "other events" per hour? getting treatment for tmj & allergies.

Not exclusively : According to 2006 american academy of sleep medicine practice parameters, oral appliances are indicated for use in patients with mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea who prefer them over CPAP and should be completed by a dentist with advanced training in dental sleep medicine.

ASAP !: There is a very good chance that your frequent "hypoxic events" may be causing tmj. Get yourself treated asap! ! CPAP is the 'gold standard' of care (though not the most attractive) if you cannot tolerate cpap, there may be other options (google "tap3 elite').

Check your joints: Many people with sleep problems also have an associated TMJ problem. If you have noise in your joints, or if you have an inability to open (3 fingers vertical) you need to see if your joint is functioning normally, or do you have a TMJ problem as well. If you jaw is dislocated it holds your lower jaw back and impedes air to your lungs.

TMJ-Sleep expert: TMJ disorders are often related to sleep disorders. Often oral appliance therapy can address both disorders. See a TMJ-orofacial expert. Any dentist can be a TMJ expert with the proper training and experience. Most commonly, oral surgeons, prosthodontists, and orofacial pain specialists. Ask your MD, your dentist and your dental society for referrals.

Treating OSA: I just want to add how important proper treatment is for sleep apnea. Besides interfering with deep restorative sleep, apnea puts increased stress on the vascular system. This can cause/worsen hypertension and increase the risk of vascular events like stroke and heart attack. Please work with your health care provider to treat your apnea. Some people find BiPAP easier to tolerate than CPAP.

See Prosthodontist: Find a Prosthodontist or general Dentist who treats sleep disorders. You might consider a dental treatment instead of your CPAP as many have trouble with it. The focus is to position your jaw in a forward location to allow the airway to remain open. Many types of positioners to achieve this. Look up TAP appliance for some info. Good Luck.

CPAP Alternative MAD: CPAP is considered to be the treatment of choice for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Oral appliance therapy such as the mandibular advancement device (MAD) is a viable alternative particularly in patients with milder OSA (AHI of 5 + 19).