January 2010 Archives

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

VIVUS, Inc. (Nasdaq: VVUS) plans to announce the results from a phase 2 study evaluating the safety and efficacy of Qnexa, for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), on January 7th prior to market open. The announcement will be followed by a webcast and conference call at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time.

Conference Call Information

Domestic callers: 1- 888-806-6202

International callers: 1- 913-312-6680

Webcast information: http://ir.vivus.com. A webcast replay will be available on the VIVUS web site for 30 days.

About the Sleep Apnea (OB-204) Study

The phase 2 study (OB-204) was a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group trial including obese men and women (BMI 30 to 40 kg/m2 inclusive), 30 to 65 years of age with OSA (apnea/hypopnea index greater than or equal to 15) at baseline, who had not been treated with, or who were not compliant with continuous airway pressure (CPAP) devices within three months of screening. Patients were randomized to placebo or full-dose Qnexa. Patients underwent a four-week dose titration followed by 24 weeks of additional treatment. All patients were also provided with a lifestyle modification program focusing on diet and exercise. Overnight polysomnography was performed at baseline, Week 8 and Week 28. The primary endpoint was the change in Apnea/Hypopnea Index (AHI) between baseline and Week 28; secondary endpoints included weight loss, oxygen saturation and changes in blood pressure.

About Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep-related breathing disorder that involves a decrease or complete halt in airflow despite an ongoing effort to breathe. Approximately 18 million Americans are living with OSA, though an estimated 90 percent of patients remain undiagnosed or untreated. Studies have identified a relationship between OSA and a number of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases including hypertension, diabetes, stroke, congestive heart failure and sudden cardiac death. Currently, there are no pharmacotherapy agents approved to treat sleep apnea. More information on sleep apnea can be found on the American Academy of Sleep Medicine website at: http://www.aasmnet.org/Resources/FactSheets/SleepApnea.pdf

Source: VIVUS