New Therapy for Sleep Apnea
 For the past 25 years, the primary treatment for people with obstructive sleep apnea has been the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, an air pump device that continuously blows air into a hose connected to a sleeper’s face or nasal mask.
Although effective, some people find the mask and equipment cumbersome and have difficulty falling asleep; because of that, many use it less often than they should or stop the treatment altogether.
A new therapy, Provent, now provides an easy-to-use alternative that reduces the need for all that gear. With Provent, users wear a small microvalve device that attaches over the nostrils. The valve opens and closes, redirecting air through small
holes without the need for an air pump. It is a single-use, disposable device designed for comfort, convenience and portability.
Although FDA approved for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, it is available only in limited areas in the United States at this time. Treatment with the device requires an evaluation and prescription from an approved sleep medicine specialist.
Glenn Adams,MD,medical director of Sarasota Memorial’s Sleep Disorders Centers, is one of three providers in Florida approved to evaluate patients for Provent. Information: 917-8772.
Snoring linked to Sleep Apnea, Heart Disease
One in 20 people who snore develop sleep apnea – also linked to heart disease. Learn more by watching April’s featured video on Sarasota Memorial’s YouTube channel at: youtube.com/user/smhcs
Date Published: Mar 29, 2010
Media Contact: Kim Savage
Phone: (941) 917-6271
Pager: (941) 252-8101 |
