Recently in Treatments Category

Ventus Medical, a privately-held medical device company focused on products to treat sleep-disordered breathing, today announced that its proprietary Provent® Sleep Apnea Therapy, an innovative, non-invasive treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, is now available in Hong Kong.  The HomeCare Medical Ltd., with over 17 years of sleep medicine experience, will be the exclusive distributor of Provent Sleep Apnea Therapy in Hong Kong.

"Hong Kong is a compact and relatively affluent population, with almost 10 percent of the general population suffering from obstructive sleep apnea," said Peter Wyles, president and chief executive officer of Ventus Medical. "As we expand into international markets like Hong Kong, we will continue to target patients with obstructive sleep apnea through local partners who are well-regarded within their respective countries."

People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) stop breathing - in some cases hundreds of times each night - usually for periods of ten seconds or longer. Often people with sleep apnea don't know they have the condition, but do know that they snore and occasionally wake up gasping for air. It is often their sleep partner who is aware of these symptoms and will urge them to go to the doctor. Because OSA is known to be associated with high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, stroke, diabetes and impotence, it is important for patients to seek a diagnosis and establish an effective treatment regime.

Approximately nine percent of people living in Hong Kong are affected by obstructive sleep apnea. Unfortunately, OSA often goes undiagnosed and therefore untreated.  Of the patients that do receive treatment, most are prescribed a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.  While extremely effective at treating OSA if worn as directed, more than half of all patients stop treatment with CPAP due to its cumbersome nature.  Provent Therapy was developed to help patients who do not use CPAP therapy regularly.

Provent Therapy is a prescription device indicated for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It is an easy to use, disposable treatment that works across mild, moderate, and severe OSA. Provent has been clinically proven in numerous studies to reduce sleep apnea and works through its proprietary MicroValve technology that uses nasal expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) to keep a patient's airway open during sleep. When going to sleep, a patient places the small Provent device over each nostril. The devices adhere to the skin through a hypoallergenic adhesive. When the patient breathes in through the nose, the valve opens allowing nearly unobstructed airflow. When exhaling, the valve closes, limiting airflow, increasing expiratory pressure to keep the airway open and prevent breathing disruptions. For more information, please visit www.proventtherapy.com.

Ventus Medical is a privately-held medical device company dedicated to providing non-invasive medical solutions for people with sleep-disordered breathing. Based on its innovative MicroValve technology and patented designs, Ventus has developed a unique line of clinically-proven medical devices to address the continuum of sleep disorders from severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to mild snoring. Ventus Medical devices work by creating expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) to effectively treat the underlying conditions. The company markets prescription-only Provent Therapy, a discreet, easy-to-use nasal device, for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the United States and Hong Kong, and is developing an over-the-counter device for snoring. SOURCE Ventus Medical

Gaylord Sleep Medicine will hold a Sleep Health Fair on Thursday, June 24 at 5:30 PM at Zandri's Stillwood Inn on 1074 South Colony Road, Route 5 in Wallingford, Connecticut. The Gaylord Sleep Health Fair will benefit people interested in learning about Sleep Disorders and Treatment options and is co-sponsored by Philips Respironics and Gaylord Sleep Medicine.

Speakers will include Meir Kryger, MD, Director of Research and Education for Gaylord Sleep Medicine, Keith Dixon, MD, Medical Director for Gaylord Sleep Medicine and Kevin Rush, RRT, RPSGT and Sleep Consultant for Philips Respironics.

Respironics, PROVENT® Sleep Apnea Therapy, J & L Medical Services and All-Med Health Care, Inc. will also be available with the newest sleep apnea and respiratory equipment as well as alternatives to CPAP that are exclusive to Gaylord Sleep Medicine. Dr. Stephen Palluotto, DMD will also show the dental alternatives to CPAP.

"This is an opportunity to learn about sleep apnea and other disorders that may be robbing you or a loved one of sleep that is vital to overall good health," Medical Director Keith Dixon said. "Sleep disorders have been linked to diabetes, stroke and high blood pressure."

Refreshments and snacks will be served. Please RSVP by June 22, 2010 via email to cpolaske@gaylord.org or by calling 203-605-2855.

Gaylord Sleep Medicine, the largest single provider of comprehensive sleep medicine services in Connecticut, treats patients with a range of sleep disorders including sleep apnea, hypersomnia and insomnia. Gaylord Sleep Medicine, also known for its acclaimed research program, is managed by Sleep HealthCenters with sites in Bridgeport, Hartford, Glastonbury, Guilford, North Haven and Trumbull.

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.

In preparation for its Winter of 2009 opening, True REST Float Center has launched its new website, http://Truerest.com. The center is the first in the United States to offer REST pod technology.

The website walks potential clients through every step of the float experience. In addition to a video overview, site features include:

• An online reservation system
• Members' area
• Special discounts
• Live help
• Complimentary products and services
  

Flotation REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulus Therapy) involves floating on top of a pool of saltwater - 10 inches of purified water and 800 pounds of specifically formulated Epsom salt imported from Germany. Because of the high salt content of the water, which is heated to skin surface temperature, a person is able to float effortlessly. According to the website's video, the "special solution of salinated water makes floating on water feel like floating on air."

Owner Nick Janicki said Flotation REST - originally developed in the '70s - is an idea whose time has come. Recent studies have linked lack of sleep to problems ranging from obesity, memory loss, and a weakened immune system. True REST owner Nick Janicki said the REST pod is designed to take flotation into the 21st century. "Lack of sleep is approaching epidemic proportions," said Janicki. "We believe 60 minutes in our technology will surpass the benefits gained from the most restful sleep."

Flotation REST also has been associated with the following benefits:

• Eliminates jet lag
• Alleviates stress
• Energizes, rejuvenates and revitalizes
• Quickens rehabilitation and recovery
• Relieves pain
• Boosts immunity
• Improves circulation
• Reduces blood pressure, pulse, heart rate and oxygen consumption
• Sharpens mental clarity and alertness
  

The 60-minute float sessions include a wide variety of musical choices and guided audio. Audio guidance can help clients experience enhanced mental, physical, and emotional states. Specific sound frequencies can help clients tap into more of the brain's innate abilities, enter deep meditative states reliably and easily, reduce stress, enhance creativity and become more productive.

    Membership packages are available as follows:

    Basic: $59 (one float per month)
    Plus: $99 (two floats per month)
    Premium: $180 (four floats per month)

Many additional services and benefits are provided to members free of charge, including an oxygen bar, quiet room and loyalty points.

"With medical factors pointing to the importance of rest, Flotation REST sessions are not a luxury but a necessity for a healthy lifestyle," said Janicki. "I invite anyone interested to visit http://Truerest.com for more information - and, in November, to visit our facility and experience it for themselves."

SOURCE True REST Float Center

Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) today introduced the next generation Philips Respironics Sleep Therapy System at Medtrade 2009, the leading conference and expo for the home medical equipment industry. The arrival of the new product line brings significant advancements in therapy for millions of sleep apnea sufferers, along with solutions to healthcare providers to help meet today's healthcare challenges. Those who experience this potentially life-threatening condition stop breathing repeatedly during sleep due to an obstruction in the upper airway or when the brain fails to send signals for respiration.

Philips Respironics commercialized continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in 1985 and, soon after, exclusively developed bi-level airway pressure technology for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The first line effective treatment works by delivering a gentle flow of pressurized air through a mask to keep the airway open. The new Philips Respironics Sleep Therapy System combines 25 years of experience with state-of-the-art technology and new-to-market features that optimize comfort, care, and efficacy of therapy in patients. The system also provides new levels of control, compliance and efficiency to help healthcare professionals improve patient outcomes, grow their businesses and better manage their operating costs.

"Our new system is proof positive of our vision of working together with our provider customers to transform the home healthcare market to meet today's challenges and tomorrow's promise of improved care," says Donald Spence, CEO of Philips Home Healthcare Solutions. "In designing the new system, we took a smarter approach to the entire sleep management process and married our clinically proven technologies together in one rigorously engineered device to better support patient care. It is our most sophisticated offering to date, and it comes at a time when patient compliance matters most."

The new system provides a range of therapy options for mild to severe sleep apnea patients and helps providers recognize changing patient conditions that may require different treatment. With new advanced event detection software and expanded reporting capabilities, Philips Respironics Sleep Therapy System has the ability to recognize and report when a patient may be experiencing symptoms beyond OSA. A sophisticated three-layer algorithm distinguishes between obstructed and clear airway apneas and periodic breathing, such as Cheyne-Stokes Respiration. Medical professionals now have easy access to sleep assessment parameters typically found on diagnostic equipment.

These respiratory events can be verified by looking at detailed patient flow waveform data. There are multiple options for data transfer, including standard SD cards and new wireless and wired modem connections. The devices now include on-board memory storage for six months of compliance data (7 and 30 day averages) and five days of patient flow waveforms.

Philips Respironics Encore data management systems have been enhanced. The Web-based platform of EncoreAnywhere makes it quick and simple to obtain timely, accurate patient information and instantly change prescriptions or communicate from a secure-access Web site. Updates to the device are automatic, and summary and daily detail reports of therapy data -- including patient flow and event reports -- are arranged by time frame. The "Best 30" reports the best 30 consecutive days of greater than four-hour sessions. This information enables the provider to intervene more quickly and more effectively and instantly capture patient compliance data needed for reimbursement.

Adding to its contemporary design, lighted LEDs and a new LCD dial and push-button interface make the device simple to use and operate. About the size of a clock radio (7" L x 5.5" W x 4" H; 18 cm L x 14 cm W x 10 cm H), components are built in to maximize patient comfort and device performance. The device is engineered with new Dry Box technology and a cleverly designed water chamber to keep water only where needed, while delivering consistent humidification. A technology breakthrough, System One Humidity Control, adjusts automatically for changes in room temperature and room humidity. Like cruise control in automobiles, patients select the desired humidity level in the mask, and advanced sensors gather the data required by the device to maintain these levels to enhance comfort and prevent rainout in changing environmental conditions.

Another major comfort enhancement, System One Resistance Control, adjusts pressure delivery to optimize comfort with every Philips Respironics mask. Beyond leak reporting, the device is set up to compensate for resistance characteristics caused by the various mask options available and operate as an integrated system.

Philips Respironics Flex Family of pressure relief technologies continues to evolve to meet patient and professional needs. The new device features an on-board Flex Demo mode to allow patients to experience the comfort of proven Flex technology firsthand. With Flex, an advanced Digital Auto-Trak algorithm detects the onset of inspiration and expiration to deliver the right amount of pressure relief and emulate natural breathing. Clinical studies show patients on Flex use their therapy on average more than four hours per night when using traditional CPAP.¹ The newest enhancement, C-Flex+, is designed for advanced units when in fixed CPAP mode. It provides relief at the beginning of exhalation and softens the pressure transition from inhalation to exhalation. Philips Respironics backs the performance with the Flex Promise Program.

The new Philips Respironics' CPAP and BiPAP devices include basic, compliance, and auto-adjusting models. Accessories include power supply, carrying case, power cord, filter kit, and integrated humidifier. The devices come with a 2-year, replace-with-new warranty, and are backed by Philips Respironics' renowned service and support programs.

Source: Royal Philips Electronics

Enjoy a peaceful night's sleep and significantly decrease the rhythmic, strident sound of your partner's incessant snoring with the Brookstone® Anti-Snore Memory Foam Pillow. The specialty retailer and product development company recently launched its anti-snore pillow with a clinically tested design helpful in reducing snoring and providing comfort without altering your natural sleep style or position.

The Brookstone® Anti-Snore Pillow uses an innovative design to help reduce snoring. At first glance, the pillow looks -- and feels like a pressure-relieving memory foam neck pillow. Inside, the support system gently yet firmly cradles your head and neck, conforming to the natural contours of your body, while helping to keep your chin out and maintain a more open airway for better sleep. No matter what position -- back or side -- you and your partner can finally gain a peaceful night's sleep.

"One of the causes of snoring is the misalignment of the head, the neck and the shoulders, which may lead to a restricted airway during lung expansion for taking a deep breath," says Board Certified physician 'Dr. Jorge' Rodriguez. "The soft, supportive memory foam conforms to the exact profile of your body, resulting in better airway pressures and access to air," Dr. Jorge concludes. An expert in internal and preventative medicine who operates out of his Newport Beach, CA private practice, 'Dr. Jorge' avidly utilizes and recommends the Brookstone® Anti-Snore Memory Foam Pillow.

Brookstone's Anti-Snore Pillow is made with natural green tea, charcoal and castor oil, and features a removable cover for cleaning and removable foam inserts for customizable neck support. "I don't think we realize the detriments of not gaining good sleep, as it is crucial for our daily performance and interactions," says Dr. Jorge.

Individuals looking for a clinically tested solution to help reduce snoring can find this anti-snore pillow exclusively at all Brookstone® stores throughout the country, and online at www.brookstone.com.

The Brookstone® Anti-Snore Memory Foam Pillow retails for $99.95.

Brookstone, Inc. is an innovative product development company and multi-channel retailer of unique gifts. Brookstone operates 315 retailers nationwide and in Puerto Rico, an e-commerce site at Brookstone.com, and publishes catalogs year-round. Typically located in high-traffic regional shopping malls and airports, Brookstone stores feature unique and innovative consumer products. For more information, visit www.brookstone.com.

For media inquiries, sample requests or interviews with Dr. Jorge Rodriguez, please contact: Tara Solomon or Kristina Lynch (tara@taraink.com/kristina@taraink.com) of TARA, Ink. at 305.864.3434, ext. 102/153.

For additional sleep-related product suggestions and reviews, please follow 'Dr. Jorge' Rodriguez on Twitter.com: @drjorgeMD.

SOURCE Brookstone

The Sleep Center at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas recently received accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. The center at Baylor Dallas is one of only two dozen accredited centers in North Texas.

"Accreditation provides formal recognition of our commitment to quality scientific research and care for patients suffering from sleep disorders," said David L. Luterman, M.D., sleep medicine physician and pulmonologist on the medical staff at Baylor Dallas and director of the Sleep Center at Baylor Dallas. "We are proud to be an accredited resource for the community."

The Sleep Center at Baylor Dallas offers comprehensive care for more than 80 sleep disorders and other conditions, including sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, insomnia, daytime sleepiness, and narcolepsy.

"Sleep disorders can profoundly affect a person's physical and emotional health," said Dr. Luterman. "Our sleep center designs a personalized diagnostic and treatment program to meet each patient's needs."

To receive a five-year accreditation, a sleep center must meet or exceed all standards for professional health care as designated by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. The accreditation process involves detailed inspection of a center's facility and staff, including an evaluation of testing procedures, patient contacts and physician training. Additionally, the facility's goals must be clearly stated and include plans for positively affecting the quality of medical care in the community it serves.

SOURCE Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas

CHICAGO, Feb. 12 / -- Resurrection Health Care (RHC) and Merit Sleep Centers have launched a joint venture to open a network of sleep testing facilities that will be the first of its kind in Chicagoland.

As part of the agreement, Resurrection and Merit will relocate existing RHC hospital-based sleep centers to other campus-based sites and build nine new Chicagoland facilities bringing the total sleep center network size to 25 locations before the end of this year. The partnership will also involve Resurrection becoming a part owner of several existing Merit Sleep Centers. The first site of the joint venture -- the RES-Health Sleep Care Center-Lincoln Park -- recently opened its doors in the Stone Medical Center Professional Building at 2800 N. Sheridan Road.

"We have been looking for an opportunity to expand our clinical presence in sleep medicine and this partnership with Merit provides the perfect fit," noted Starr Novak, Senior Vice President, RHC Ambulatory Care Services. We are confident that this will enhance patients' ability to access prompt, expert care for the diagnosis and treatment of all forms of sleep disorders."

According to the National Institutes of Health, 70 million Americans are affected by chronic sleep disorders and intermittent sleep problems. "Sleep disorders and resulting sleep deprivation interfere with work, driving and social activities, and are responsible for billions of dollars in lost productivity and increased safety risks," said Vadim Leyenson, M.D., board certified sleep specialist and medical director of the RES-Health Sleep Care Center-Lincoln Park. To make an appointment for the RES-Health Sleep Care Center-Lincoln Park, call 888-637-4848.

SOURCE Resurrection Health Care

The first visit to a doctor for any patient means a series of questions to be answered so that the doctor is accustomed to the patient and the ailment to be cured. Similarly when a person having sleep apnea visits his doctor he is asked a number of questions or is required to fill a form giving all the information about himself and his problem.
This is a normal procedure followed by most of the doctors all over the world, so that they can get a complete insight into the disease. Besides the patient with sleep apnea might have to undergo a series of test and scans before any conclusion is made.

A sleep study conducted by the doctors includeclick here

Just read a very interesting account of an insomniac's journey to better sleep through a complete treatment program.

Mindy Clawson writes about being a periodic insomniac for many years and reaching a point of being unable to sleep without medication.  She was already doing what was advised in every article about insomnia; going to sleep at the same time every night, cutting out caffeine and alcohol, no TV in the bedroom etc. And yet she often woke in the middle of the night, unable to go back to sleep.

Clawson then describes her treatment at the Vermont Regional Sleep Center, which involved a combination of therapy, exercises, breathing exercises and self hypnosis. Most importantly, she was asked to maintain a sleep log, recording what time she felt tired, if she took alcohol, or a sleeping pill and what time she got out of bed.

She was told that if she woke during the night, and was awake for over 20 minutes, she was to get out of the bed, and do something else until she became tired.

One of the things that I found very interesting in Clawson's story, and could relate to it with my own experiences completely, was her diagnosis of waking up and not being able to go back to sleep.  Her doctor explained to her that everyone has "awakenings" each night, but most people simply drop back off to sleep, sometimes not even knowing they've woken up. For people who operate at high speed during waking hours, once the body comes out of deep sleep, the brain revvs up to full-operational mode.

Clawson reports that it took about 7 sessions with the sleep specialist, spread out over two months, for her to start to get seven hours and 45 minutes of sleep time consistently.

Read