Tuesday April 30, 2013
Explore the latest in new sleep articles available from April. Learn how simple breathing exercises may help you to ease anxiety and improve your insomnia. Discover some of the serious consequences associated with sleep problems in pregnancy, including preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. What is ZzzQuil? Learn about this over-the-counter sleeping medication and how long it should be used to treat acute insomnia. Read about the Neupro patch, a medication that is delivered through the skin to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS) and Parkinson's disease. Finally, add to your understanding of nasal sprays that can be used to relieve allergies, nasal congestion, and snoring. You may be familiar with the over-the-counter option called Afrin, but learn why this should only be used briefly. Discover other prescription nasal sprays including Astelin, Nasonex, and Rhinocort. There is a lot to learn about in sleep, so get started on these topics!
Read More:
Follow me on Twitter or Facebook to receive notice of all the latest updates to this site.
Saturday March 30, 2013
Explore the latest sleep articles published in March. You can learn ways to decrease your anxiety and relieve insomnia. Consider how to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS) with iron supplements. Finally discover why you feel so sleepy after lunch (hint: it's not the food). Review a detailed article describing how you can sleep better at night. Expand your understanding of anatomy by learning about adenoids, turbinates, and the nasal septum. Finally, read about the use of Flonase nasal spray to treat your allergies. There is always something new to learn about in the world of sleep!
Read More:
Follow me on Twitter or Facebook to receive notice of all the latest updates to this site.
Monday March 25, 2013
As an update to a prior blog on the availability of the Provent medical device, I had a chance to speak with Matt Williams who serves as the director of national sales for Ventus Medical, Inc. based in San Jose, California.
As previously reported, the company has initiated a bankruptcy process. Fortunately, they remain in operation while awaiting acquisition of their assets by another company. It is anticipated that the assets will be bought out and that business will continue with the Provent product, according to Mr. Williams.
For patients who currently use or who have an interest in using the Provent medical device, it remains available during this transition. There is sufficient inventory to meet the needs of suppliers for up to 1 year. The prescriber network has been notified that access to the product continues uninterrupted.
It is anticipated that this business transition will occur over the next 2-3 weeks as corporate trustees review the offers. The good news is that for those who use Provent to treat sleep apnea, the product remains on the market and will be available for the foreseeable future. Further updates will be provided as warranted during this period.
Follow me on Twitter or Facebook to receive notice of all the latest updates to this site.
Friday March 22, 2013
For those who have sought treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with the Provent medical device, it seems that this therapy option will no longer be available as the company in San Jose, California has reportedly gone out of business, according to those familiar with its operations.
Provent consists of a small one-way valve that is secured at the nostril with an adhesive band. It allows a person to breathe in, but the valve closes with exhalation and retains some of the air. Gradually, pressure builds up within the airway. It was theorized that this would keep the airway from collapsing and prevent obstructive sleep apnea. Unfortunately, when the mouth comes open, this pressure gradient can be lost. Treatment effectiveness varied and, in general, Provent is not as successful as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), though the latter may be less tolerated.
Provent received widespread attention after a blog in The New York Times last year. It was an attractive option for overnight camping and travel in which electricity or a bulky device were less desirable. It also appealed to those who could not tolerate CPAP. Now that the product is unlikely to be available, a remaining alternative option may include the use of an oral appliance that is worn like a retainer at night and moves the lower jaw forward.
Ventus Medical, Inc., the parent company that produces Provent, was contacted directly for comment and to verify the discontinuation of Provent and the telephone line was repeatedly busy with no answer at a second customer service number. More information on this developing story will be provided as it is known.
Follow me on Twitter or Facebook to receive notice of all the latest updates to this site.
