The Wireless-Life Sciences Alliance (WLSA) is now accepting registrations for its fifth Annual WLSA Convergence Summit, a three-day conference sponsored by the premier non-profit trade organization dedicated solely to creating value and improving health through wireless communications technologies. The conference is scheduled for May 11-13 at Estancia Hotel & Spa, La Jolla, California.

This unique conference between the leadership of wireless companies, global product companies, consumers, payors, providers and service organizations, offers attendees the distinct opportunity to discuss the most significant emerging market trends, address and propose solutions to industry issues, create new partnerships and demonstrate new solutions - all in one exclusive venue.

Among the organizations presenting are senior management from WLSA members, including Ascension Health, AT&T, CareFusion, Johnson & Johnson, OptumHealth, QUALCOMM and St. Jude Medical, who will provide insights into their interest in the field and best practices for incorporating innovative, new wireless technologies into new products, applications and services, as well as how to bring these to providers and patients.  

"WLSA created the Convergence Summit to bring key elements of the wireless health community together to meet, share ideas and demonstrate new products and solutions," said Robert B. McCray, WLSA President & CEO. "Our goal is to provide a forum that directly addresses emerging wireless technology in healthcare and enables participants to gain a thorough understanding of how to succeed in this dynamic market."

The event begins with the Investor's Meeting and Triple Tree I Award Program for Wireless-Life Sciences Alliance® on Day 1, followed by the WLSA Convergence Summit on Day 2, and ends with Commercialization Day on Day 3.

The Summit's first day (May 11) features the Investors' Meeting, an invitational event for qualified investors, WLSA partners, and I Award finalists. A limited number of seats are open to the public.  Keynote speakers on Day 1 will include Terrance H. Gregg, President & CEO, DexCom, Inc., and Dr. Mohit Kaushal, Director of Connected Health, FCC Omnibus Broadband Initiative.  Additionally, winners of the prestigious I Award, which recognizes companies for Best Operational Effectiveness Solution, Best Clinical Solution, and Best Consumer Experience Solution, will be announced.  Award finalists include technologies such as remote monitoring technologies, home healthcare solutions, advanced imaging software, cloud computing and personal health improvement opportunities.  Twelve finalists were chosen through a competitive process from approximately 50 applicants.

The second day (May 12) is reserved for the Convergence Summit, an invitation-only program for C-level executives from WLSA members and featuring presentations by attendees and moderated conversations between executive leadership and thought leaders within the wireless, healthcare and convergence spaces. Among the themes and questions to be addressed are:

• How can we convince physicians to adopt wireless and connected health innovation in the delivery of their services?
• How can the U.S. healthcare innovation community learn from the "frugal innovation" of India and China?
• Where can we find significant adoption of wireless health innovation?
• How can we apply the lessons of online commerce, like Amazon.com, to wireless health?
• Is Moore's Law coming to healthcare? Can we leverage the cost curve to reduce the cost of delivering more healthcare to more consumers?
• Does clinical innovation and business monetization need to begin in the United States or will U.S. companies increasingly look to international markets?

The third day of the Summit, Commercialization Day, is open for general registration, and features workshops facilitated by IDEO and Insight Product Development aimed at identifying solutions to numerous industry challenges, including the clinical validation of new technologies and tech-enabled services; modification of healthcare business and payment models to support opportunities; and seamless integration of products into consumers' and patients' daily lives.

Showcased during the day will be:

• IDEO- and Insight-hosted interactive workshops focusing on issues associated with innovative approaches to product definition, business monetization and go-to-market strategies.  
• These workshops will utilize actual case studies from pressing social challenges, such as teen obesity and sleep disorders, for context. Participants will leave with a toolkit of techniques that can be applied to any complex problem, system or workflow.
• WLSA partners and others will share their products and services during an end-of-the-day demo and reception.

Throughout all three days of the Summit, global leaders in wireless healthcare and life sciences industries will staff demo booths that provide product demonstrations and informative presentations.

"The entire conference will leverage the experiences and processes from other industries to mitigate risk in our industry," McCray said. "The sessions are designed to lead attendees toward true innovation and to provide real value to their organizations.  It is our insight that the initial shape of an important new market is driven by a relatively small number of committed organizations and thought leaders.  Our meetings are designed to identify and bring the best wireless health leaders together in a quality setting to enhance their discovery of business partners."

For information or to register for WLSA's 5th Annual Summit, visit www.wirelesslifesciences.org.

It's an unforgettable scene in "The Blind Side," when the future NFL star Michael Oher tells his benefactor - played by Academy Award winning actress Sandra Bullock - that he's never had a bed of his own before.  One in 50 children is homeless in the United States every year, according to a report from The National Center on Family Homelessness, which estimates more than 1.5 million children are without a home.(1.) Moreover, the agency predicts that as foreclosures and layoffs continue, the number of children and families without homes in the United States is likely to increase.

In an effort to provide those in need with a good night's sleep, 1800Mattress.com, a family-owned national mattress company, is taking a leadership role by partnering with HomeAid, the leading national non-profit provider of housing for today's homeless, to provide more than 500 beds to shelters nationwide.

"At 1800Mattress.com, we believe that everyone is entitled to a good night's sleep and we are proud to support HomeAid as they conquer homelessness one build at a time," said Adam Blank, 1800Mattress.com's Chief Operating Officer.  "A sound night's sleep starts with a great mattress and we are dedicated to providing those in need with a place to sleep at night while they rebuild their lives during the day."

While 1800Mattress.com has already provided beds to HomeAid projects in Orange County, CA, and Houston, the partnership officially begins at HomeAid Atlanta's Phoenix Pass build in Atlanta, Georgia.  A dedication ceremony for the Phoenix Pass project, one of HomeAid's largest projects, is set for April 14 with support from former Atlanta Mayor, Shirley Franklin.  The report by the National Center on Family Homelessness, which analyzed data from 2005-06, found that Georgia was one of the states most affected by child homelessness.

"We are grateful for the support of 1800Mattress.com as 2010 is poised to be a busy year for our chapters nationwide," said Jeffrey Slavin, CEO of HomeAid. "The folks in our shelters list a bed as one of the comforts of home that they miss the most, so we are excited to help them rest easier via this partnership."

HomeAid was founded in 1989. The HomeAid mission is to build and maintain dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives. This is accomplished through the donation of construction services and materials from members of the homebuilding industry.  To date, the organization has provided transitional housing for more than 100,000 individuals including those temporarily out of work, abused children, victims of domestic violence, at-risk teens, people living with HIV/AIDS and victims of natural disasters.  HomeAid currently has projects in 15 states nationwide.

About Phoenix Pass:

Phoenix Pass is a nonprofit organization designed as a partnership between First Baptist Church of Conyers and Rockdale Emergency Relief.  The mission of Phoenix Pass is to serve the needs of families experiencing temporary homelessness by giving them an opportunity to reestablish self-sufficiency in a residential setting. The focus of the program is to empower homeless families with supportive services and the resources to recover and rebuild a productive, stable lifestyle for themselves and their family.  Phoenix Pass operates under the vision that those who have successfully completed the program will remain in the Conyers-Rockdale County area to live, work and contribute back to the community the education, life skills and job skills acquired during their tenure in the program.  It is expected that residents will transition from Phoenix Pass into the community as productive and self-sufficient citizens.  

The Phoenix Pass complex will eventually accommodate up to 90 people at any given time, providing housing for up to two years along with case management, a mentorship program, life skills classes and aftercare programs.  Phoenix Pass is located on the campus of Light House Village in Conyers, and is one of three nonprofit programs on the 27-acre campus. 

For some, the phrase "spring is in the air" is quite literal. When the winter snow melts and flowers bloom, pollen and other materials can wreak havoc on those suffering from seasonal allergies, usually causing a habit called "mouth breathing." The physical, medical and social problems associated with mouth breathing are not recognized by most health care professionals, according to a study published in the January/February 2010 issue of General Dentistry, the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).

Dentists typically request that their patients return every six months, which means that some people see their dentist more frequently than they see their physician. As a result, dentists may be the first to identify the symptoms of mouth breathing. And, because dentists understand the problems associated with mouth breathing, they can help prevent the adverse effects.

"Allergies can cause upper airway obstruction, or mouth breathing, in patients," said Yosh Jefferson, DMD, author of the study. "Almost every family has someone with mouth breathing problems."

Over time, children whose mouth breathing goes untreated may suffer from abnormal facial and dental development, such as long, narrow faces and mouths, gummy smiles, gingivitis and crooked teeth. The poor sleeping habits that result from mouth breathing can adversely affect growth and academic performance. As Dr. Jefferson notes in his article, "Many of these children are misdiagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) and hyperactivity." In addition, mouth breathing can cause poor oxygen concentration in the bloodstream, which can cause high blood pressure, heart problems, sleep apnea and other medical issues.

"Children who mouth breathe typically do not sleep well, causing them to be tired during the day and possibly unable to concentrate on academics," Dr. Jefferson said. "If the child becomes frustrated in school, he or she may exhibit behavioral problems."

Treatment for mouth breathing is available and can be beneficial for children if the condition is caught early. A dentist can check for mouth breathing symptoms and swollen tonsils. If tonsils and/or adenoids are swollen, they can be surgically removed by an ear-nose-throat (ENT) specialist. If the face and mouth are narrow, dentists can use expansion appliances to help widen the sinuses and open nasal airway passages.

"After surgery and/or orthodontic intervention, many patients show improvement in behavior, energy level, academic performance, peer acceptance and growth," says Leslie Grant, DDS, spokesperson for the AGD. "Seeking treatment for mouth breathing can significantly improve quality of life."

At this time, many health care professionals are not aware of the health problems associated with mouth breathing. If you or your child suffers from this condition, speak with a health care professional who is knowledgeable about mouth breathing.

To learn more about oral health, visit www.KnowYourTeeth.com.

The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) is a professional association of more than 35,000 general dentists dedicated to staying up to date in the profession through continuing education. Founded in 1952, the AGD has grown to become the second-largest dental association in the United States, and it is the only association that exclusively represents the needs and interest of general dentists. More than 772,000 persons are employed directly in the field of dentistry. A general dentist is the primary care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to patients' oral health needs. For more information about the AGD, please visit www.agd.org.

Graymark Healthcare, Inc. (Nasdaq: GRMH) today announced progress on Fiscal 2009 Initiatives and financial results for the year ending December 31, 2009.

In 2009 Graymark Healthcare implemented a core market changing strategy where it integrated the diagnostic and treatment components of care for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.  While the industry has historically managed these components separately, Graymark recognized the clinical requirement that they be integrated in order to optimize patients' compliance with care.  In 2009 the Company integrated the business components wherever feasible and has shown industry leading compliance rates as a result.

Additionally, fiscal year 2009 was highlighted by two significant acquisitions in late Q3 that nearly doubled the size of the Company's SMS segment.  These acquisitions reflected the Company's stated strategy of being a key aggregator of well run assets in the sleep diagnostic and treatment space.

With the addition of the acquired businesses the Company had sufficient scale in its SMS segment to develop central, standardized core services including billing and collection, IT, marketing, HR and Business Development.  These services will allow the Company to acquire quickly and integrate efficiently ensuring that acquisition synergies are maximally realized.  

As a result of such centralized, standardized core services, at the end of 2009 management was able to identify cost cutting measures of over $1 million on an annualized basis.  These cost saving are being fully implement in the first quarter of 2010, and additional efficiencies are also being examined.

"Although others might have been focused purely on the current period, we recognized the need in 2009 to focus on building an infrastructure that would allow us to optimize the opportunity we see to aggregate the sleep diagnostic and treatment space," said Stanton Nelson, Chairman and CEO of Graymark Healthcare.  "Industry consolidation can only be successful if the acquiring entity possesses best demonstrated operating practices and the leadership to quickly integrate those practices within acquired entities while maintaining a high level of quality clinical practice, customer service and staff morale.  We are happy with our progress in 2009 and are looking forward to driving consolidation in the marketplace with our quality and efficiency in 2010 and beyond.  We can now demonstrate leadership in quality of care combined with an optimized cost to serve."  Nelson continued.

For 2009, consolidated net revenues were $107.2 million, an increase of 11% over 2008 revenue of $96.6 million.  This included a net revenue increase of 16% for the Company's Sleep Management Solutions or SMS segment, comprised of our sleep diagnostic and sleep therapy business to $17.6 million in 2009 from $15.2 million in 2008 and an increase of 10% for the Company's ApothecaryRx segment, which owns and operates independent retail pharmacies, to $89.7 million for 2009, from 2008 revenue of $81.3 million.

After-tax net loss attributable to Graymark was approximately ($5.2 million) for 2009, or a loss of ($0.18) per diluted share, compared to net income of $0.7 million, or $0.03 per diluted share for 2008.  Included in the net loss for 2009 are expenses of $0.5 million related to the acquisitions we made during the third quarter and the change in accounting estimate in the second quarter of $2.6 million, as well as a onetime expense reduction related to a legal settlement net of related legal fees of $0.4 million.

The increase in net revenue for the SMS segment was due primarily to a $4.0 million contribution from the Somni and Eastern Q3 acquisitions and $2.3 million in incremental revenue from new sleep labs acquired or opened in 2008 and 2009.  These increases were offset by a decrease in same store revenues of $4.0 million, which is due to a combination of lower volumes and lower average revenue per sleep study compared to 2008.  Revenue in our existing sleep therapy business was flat in 2009 compared to 2008 as lower sleep study volumes translated to fewer CPAP set-ups in 2009.  The reduced set-up volume was offset by the successful growth of our PRSP or re-supply business which we instituted in 2009.  Gross margin for the Company's SMS segment was 56%, compared to 62% in 2008; the decrease driven primarily by the lower average net revenue per sleep study in 2009.  2009 net loss for SMS was ($4.0 million) compared to net income of $1.9 million for 2008.  The onetime adjustment related to the change in accounting estimate of $2.6 million was recorded in our SMS segment.

The increase in revenue for the ApothecaryRx segment was primarily due to the full year impact of pharmacies acquired in March and June of 2008, partially offset by a slight decline in same store revenues driven by the continued shift towards generic drugs, which have a lower revenue per script compared to brand, and a decline in front-end sales, which we attribute to the continued softness in the general economy driving lower discretionary purchases.  Gross margin for the ApothecaryRx segment was 24% in both 2009 and 2008.  2009 net income for ApothecaryRx increased 126% to $2.0 million compared to $0.9 million in 2008.  The $0.4 million onetime favorable legal settlement net of legal fees was in this segment.  During 2009, Graymark Healthcare owned and operated 18 retail pharmacies in five states.  

Graymark Healthcare, Inc. is a diversified medical holding company that owns and operates diagnostic sleep centers that treat a wide range of sleep disorders; independent pharmacies that serve the needs of local markets; and a medical equipment company that provides both disposable and durable medical equipment.  Graymark plans to continue its growth both internally and through strategic acquisitions within the medical industry.

Sereno, The Center for Snoring Solutions, Educates the Public During National Sleep Awareness Week(R)-

Introduced by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) to educate the public about the importance of sleep to both health and lifestyle, National Sleep Awareness Week® is March 7-13, 2010.  

One very common, but major detriment to adequate, high quality sleep is snoring.  NSF research suggests that:

• Approximately 90 million Americans suffer from snoring
• 23% of couples sleep apart because of snoring
• A substantial percentage of couples are too tired or fatigued for a normal sex life

Historically, snoring has been considered an inconvenience rather than a serious medical condition. That perception is rapidly changing. The effects of sleep loss caused by snoring include fatigue, lack of focus and productivity.  But more importantly, research now indicates a strong link between loss of sleep and medical conditions such as stroke, heart attack, diabetes and hypertension.  Snoring can also have a significant lifestyle impact on couples, and can be a cause of tension or resentment in a marriage or relationship.

SERENO, THE CENTER FOR SNORING SOLUTIONS, a new medical practice based in San Francisco, offers leading-edge, medically proven treatments for snoring in a confidential, professional environment.  

Dr. Matthew Mingrone, medical director of Sereno and a board-certified Otolaryngologist, is a specialist in the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea.  According to Dr. Mingrone, "Snoring treatments now available are safe, minimally invasive, simple, and potentially life-changing.   Sereno is ground-breaking in its unique, patient-centered, and highly effective approach to improving the lives of snorers.  We understand and treat this area of medicine specifically, and far more comprehensively than would be undertaken by a traditional medical practice.   Sereno is the premier practice in the United States dedicated entirely to the treatment of snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea."

A recent Sereno patient had the following to say about his treatment, "The level of excellence from pre-patient to post-patient care to results far exceeded my cautious optimism.  Last night was the first time since childhood that I didn't snore during a night's sleep.   I, along with my father, underwent the minimally invasive procedure to reduce/cure snoring. Our significant others, the true beneficiaries, have been thrilled with the results. Clearly, I'm a believer and so is my father. We recommend this procedure for all our fellow snorers."

Dr. Matthew Mingrone has extensive experience treating snoring and obstructive sleep apnea and has worked with hundreds of patients whose snoring has had an impact on their marriages, relationships, work, quality of life, and general health.  Using FDA-approved, minimally invasive procedures, which are virtually painless, Dr. Mingrone makes a positive difference in the lives of his patients.  "We recognize the other health issues associated with lack of sleep caused by snoring.  While each patient needs to be individually evaluated, we can make a substantial improvement to the condition in most people. Two things are certain: Snoring is nothing to be ashamed of.  And snoring is definitely not funny."

Visit www.serenocenter.com to learn more.

Transcept Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: TSPT) announced today an update on its plans to seek U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of Intermezzo® (zolpidem tartrate sublingual tablet) for use as-needed for the treatment of insomnia when a middle of the night awakening is followed by difficulty returning to sleep.  Transcept met with the FDA on January 20, 2010 to discuss the Complete Response Letter (CRL) dated October 28, 2009, and received the official FDA minutes of this meeting on February 19, 2010.  Subsequent to the meeting, Transcept submitted a revised proposal for the resubmission of the Intermezzo® New Drug Application (NDA) to the FDA for evaluation and comment.

October 28, 2009 Complete Response Letter

As previously announced, the FDA stated in the CRL that it believes Transcept has submitted substantial evidence of effectiveness for the use of Intermezzo® in the as-needed treatment of insomnia when a middle of the night awakening is followed by difficulty returning to sleep.  However, the FDA indicated that the intended use of Intermezzo® in the middle of the night represents a unique insomnia indication and dosing strategy for which safety has not been previously established, and that the Intermezzo® NDA could not be approved in its present form.

The FDA further recognized that the Intermezzo® data submitted by Transcept did not indicate next day residual effects significantly different from placebo.  However, the FDA requested additional data demonstrating that Intermezzo®, when taken as directed in the middle of the night, would not present an unacceptable risk of residual effects, with particular reference to next day driving ability.  

The FDA expressed two concerns regarding the possibility of patient dosing errors in the middle of the night that could lead to next day residual effects, with particular reference to next day driving ability.  Specifically, the FDA asked Transcept to address methods to avoid inadvertent dosing with less than four hours of bedtime remaining and inadvertent re-dosing in a single night.  

Redesigned Packaging and Patient Instructions

In the briefing document submitted prior to the January 20, 2010 meeting, Transcept proposed a new Intermezzo® bedside unit-dose package and patient instructions designed to reduce the possibility of patient dosing errors.  In the meeting minutes, the FDA indicated that the revised packaging appeared to reduce the potential for inadvertently taking more than one dose in a single night.  However, the FDA expressed a remaining concern that the revised packaging may not adequately address the risk of dosing with less than four hours of time remaining in bed, with particular regard to the possibility of impaired driving.

Transcept and the FDA also reviewed the types of data that could support the evaluation of the proposed packaging and instructions, including data from pre-approval assessments of patient understanding of dosing instructions and a potential patient use study of the new Intermezzo® packaging.  As requested by the FDA, Transcept has provided information on the challenges and limitations of pre-approval patient use studies, and has submitted a plan to assess and optimize patient understanding of the new packaging and patient instructions.

Intermezzo® Safety Profile Characterization

To further understand the safety of dosing Intermezzo® in the middle of the night, Transcept has proposed to the FDA to conduct a pre-approval highway driving study to assess the effect of Intermezzo® on driving ability beginning at approximately three hours and four hours post-dosing.  Transcept has also submitted additional supportive analyses of data from a previously conducted Intermezzo® pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study at time points up to four hours post-dosing.  Results from this study were published in a 2008 article titled "Daytime pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic evaluation of low-dose sublingual transmucosal zolpidem hemitartrate" in the journal Human Psychopharmacology, an abstract of which is publicly available at www.interscience.wiley.com.

FDA Review of Transcept Post-Meeting Proposals

In the meeting on January 20, 2010, the FDA agreed to review the revised proposal for the Intermezzo® NDA resubmission and consider its adequacy to support the potential approval of Intermezzo®.  The FDA has not set a date for the completion of its review of this proposal or the timing of its response to Transcept.  Transcept plans to provide an update on the Intermezzo® development program, as appropriate, after it receives the results of the FDA's review of the revised proposal.  

Glenn A. Oclassen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transcept, commented, "We are encouraged by the progress made in our recent interactions with the FDA, and appreciate the FDA's willingness to engage in a collaborative dialogue in order to help define the steps necessary for us to resubmit the Intermezzo® NDA."

Transcept Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of proprietary products that address important therapeutic needs in neuroscience. The most advanced Transcept product candidate is Intermezzo® (zolpidem tartrate sublingual tablet), for which a New Drug Application (NDA) was submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September 2008 seeking approval as a prescription sleep aid for use in the middle of the night at the time a patient awakens and has difficulty returning to sleep. In October 2009, Transcept received a Complete Response Letter from the FDA on the Intermezzo® NDA and is working to respond to issues raised in the letter. Transcept and Purdue Pharmaceutical Products, L.P. have entered into a collaboration agreement for the development and commercialization of Intermezzo® in the United States. For further information, please visit the company's website at: www.transcept.com.

 Sleep to Live®, a division of sleep industry leader Kingsdown, unveiled its latest technology and upgraded state-of-the-art diagnostics process at Las Vegas Market.

The Sleep to Live diagnostics system includes a patented diagnostic sleep-profiling process which collects data through hundreds of sensors that perform 18 statistical measurements and more than 1,000 calculations. The diagnostics system is a comprehensive instrument for personalized sleep measurement and management. Upgrades to the computer program, which guarantees that each Sleep to Live mattress is a custom experience, were introduced to ensure customers get a precise personalized profile.

In addition, Sleep to Live has added My Side Technology® for customers with sleep partners. This unique system provides My Side support zones to correspond to each person's body type. The diagnostic system measures each partner to provide postural support to both unique body types, eliminating sleep partner disturbance, which is caused by an individual's sleep companion's movement and motion.

Along with making the at-home experience better for its customers, Sleep to Live has enhanced the in-store experience by providing three specialized consumer experiences. Working with our retail partners, and some of the world's most talented display companies, Sleep to Live introduced their newest display for the diagnostics system, which is scalable depending on retailers' needs. The new Sleep to Live display enhances the consumer experience and brings mattress shopping to a new level.

"At Sleep to Live, we are changing the way people sleep," said Eric Hinshaw, chairman and CEO of Kingsdown, Inc. "With our latest updates and technological advances, our products now offer the highest standards in the industry and give retailers and customers a more individualized, customizable approach to analyzing sleep choices and selecting the best mattress."

Sleep to Live was developed by industry leader and innovator, Kingsdown, Inc., a company founded in 1904 in Mebane, NC, that serves leading retailers across the United States, and in over 20 countries.  The Sleep to Live system is a new generation in sleep technology to determine the best sleep surface for your body. Products are made to order using handcrafted techniques combined with state-of-the-art materials and equipment. Research and development, training and distribution facilities, as well as two manufacturing facilities are also located at its Mebane headquarters. International offices are located in Bangkok, Thailand and Tokyo, Japan. Additional manufacturing and distribution centers are located in Winchester, VA; Muskogee, OK; Lakeland, FL; Knoxville, TN; Toronto and Calgary, Ontario; Derby, UK; and Melbourne, Australia. For more information, visit www.sleeptolive.com.

SOURCE Sleep to Live

Sereno™, The Center for Snoring Solutions, opened its doors to patients this month at its flagship practice in San Francisco.  Sereno is the first medical center of its kind dedicated solely to resolving snoring issues by providing patients with a comprehensive, solutions-based approach.

Snoring is serious and affects the lives of 90 million Americans, according to The National Sleep Foundation.  In addition, 24% of couples sleep apart because of snoring issues.  

Sereno was developed in response to this overwhelming need for a medical practice dedicated to alleviating snoring.  While other medical professionals administer various snoring procedures as part of their larger practices, Sereno offers a comprehensive, minimally invasive solution designed to treat each patient's particular causes of snoring. Sereno's holistic approach includes a customized lifestyle, diet and nutritional program.  

Said Sereno medical director Dr. Matthew Mingrone, "When patients learn there is an accessible and viable solution to their snoring problems, they are amazed that they have suffered for so long without getting medical treatment."  Mingrone adds, "Empowering patients to lead happier, healthier lives is our end goal."  

Staffed by highly trained medical professionals utilizing FDA-approved techniques that can usually be performed in less than an hour, Sereno offers patients the potential for a better life.  

Sereno™ is a revolutionary new practice dedicated to improving patient's lives through comprehensive treatment of snoring.  Sereno is headquartered in San Francisco and aims to expand nationally based on consumer demand.  Call 415-525-8400 or visit www.serenocenter.com to learn more.

Tempur-Pedic International Inc. (NYSE: TPX), the leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor of premium mattresses and pillows worldwide, today unveiled two new products in its TEMPUR-Cloud™ Collection, the TEMPUR-Cloud™ Luxe bed and TEMPUR-Cloud™ Pillow. The company also premiered new TV advertising, filmed on location in St. Cloud, MN, which showcases TEMPUR-Cloud Collection mattresses and invites consumers to ask TEMPUR-Cloud owners what makes their bed so special.

Like the TEMPUR-Cloud™ Supreme that launched last fall as part of the TEMPUR-Cloud Collection, the TEMPUR-Cloud Luxe and TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow feature the all-new, revolutionary TEMPUR-ES™ material. TEMPUR-ES is a breakthrough in sleep technology that creates a soft, pillowy sleep surface while still providing Tempur-Pedic's customary pressure-relieving comfort and therapeutic support. The core of the TEMPUR-Cloud Luxe will feature a thicker layer of TEMPUR-ES atop TEMPUR-HD® for a luxuriant and restful sleep experience. The TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow, filled with thousands of TEMPUR-ES micro-cushions, provides unparalleled neck support and soft-as-a-cloud comfort, ideal for all sleepers.

"The TEMPUR-Cloud Collection was developed through extensive research and a deep understanding of what many consumers want most in a mattress - softness and support without the problems they experience with traditional pillow-tops," said Rick Anderson, president of Tempur-Pedic North America. "We have already seen strong sales for the TEMPUR-Cloud Supreme, and are confident consumers will be just as excited about the newest additions to the TEMPUR-Cloud Collection."

The TEMPUR-Cloud Supreme is currently available at Tempur-Pedic retailers and through tempurpedic.com. The TEMPUR-Cloud™ will become available later this month and will retail for $1,999 (Queen Flat Set). The TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow will be in stores and online early this summer and will retail for $129 (Standard Size). Available this fall, the TEMPUR-Cloud Luxe, the most luxurious mattress in the collection, will retail for $3,999 (Queen Flat Set) and, like all Tempur-Pedic mattresses, will come with a 20-year limited warranty. For more information on the TEMPUR-Cloud, TEMPUR-Cloud Supreme and other Tempur-Pedic products, visit tempurpedic.com. Additional TEMPUR-Cloud Luxe and TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow information will become available later this year.

Sleep and health are closely connected and a new mattress can help with better sleep according to Oklahoma State University sleep experts. McRoskey owner Robin McRoskey Azevedo says that most people begin their search for a new mattress long after it's due. Azevedo adds, "More research is linking good health to getting good rest. We hear of this almost daily from our customers."

OSU research links greater sleep quality and reduced back pain, stiffness and shoulder pain to sleeping on a new mattress as compared to mattresses five years or older. According to OSU lead researcher Bert Jacobson, EdD, timely replacement and mattress quality can have a positive impact on sleep and overall quality of life. Jacobson's latest study appeared in the Journal of Ergonomics and offers fresh analysis of work published by the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine in 2006.

McRoskey Mattress Company has handcrafted mattresses in San Francisco since 1899, and offers these tips to determine if you need to replace your mattress.

TIPS ON EVALUATING YOUR MATTRESS: IS IT TIME FOR A NEW ONE?

• Do you wake up with stiffness or aches?
• Have you had a better night's sleep somewhere other than your own bed?
• Is your mattress overused?
• Does it sag, have an exposed interior or lumps?
• Are you no longer comfortable on your mattress and box spring?

If you answered yes to any of these, it's time to replace your mattress. Before you begin your search for a new mattress, do your homework to know what constitutes a quality mattress.

When testing the mattress, lie down on it for at least 15 minutes.

Comfort is personal. Softness or firmness isn't necessarily better. Choose a mattress that allows your body to relax naturally. Size relates to comfort. Choose a size that fits you and is large enough for movement.

SOURCE McRoskey Mattress Company