Can Lasers Eliminate Snoring?

Dr. Linda Kronick

Laser Dentistry Pioneer to Discuss on CPAP Chat November 4 at 7PM

Now loud snorers – and their significant others – have a new option in the search for a peaceful night’s sleep: NightLase.

Connecticut’s Dr. Linda Kronick, one of the first dentists in New England to use the NightLase system to reduce snoring, will be the featured guest on the November 4th edition of ‘CPAP Chat.’ The hour-long session is free and anonymous.

Now in its second year, CPAP Chat (www.cpapchat.org) is the world’s only virtual support group for people with sleep apnea. On the first Wednesday of each month, the session attracts sleep apnea sufferers and health care professionals from about 10 states for the town hall forum style conference call. Participants share their stories while expert guests offer tips, discuss new products, and answer questions about sleep apnea. The host is Eric Cohen, president of National Sleep Therapy, CPAP Chat sponsor. (www.nstherapy.com)

While his company’s focus is on providing CPAP devices, respiratory therapy, and patient education and compliance tips, Cohen says the role of CPAP Chat is 100% education and information. “Our mission for CPAP Chat is to provide a forum for people to learn about their healthcare options and have the chance to discuss them with their peers and experts whenever possible,” he says. “NightLase is just such an example and suggests a possible option to treat snoring and sleep apnea that people may want to investigate further and discuss with their treating physician.”

Dr. Kronick of Laser Dentistry, LLC, in Bozrah, CT, says the NighLase treatment provides a gentle, laser-induced tightening effect caused by the contraction of collagen in the oral mucosa tissue. “It’s painless but isn’t for everyone. A patient with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea needs three treatments every two weeks, and the cycle must be repeated every 18 months. The cost is about $1,000 and isn’t covered by insurance.”

“Sleep apnea doesn’t just prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep,” says Dr. Kronick. “Lack of sleep affects many body systems including cardiovascular; GI tract -- putting a lot of other systems at increased risk for disease.” Chronic fatigue can also lead to anxiety and dementia, as well as workplace and highway accidents. It’s estimated that 20 million American suffer from some form of sleep disordered breathing.

The 20th edition of CPAP Chat is set for Wednesday, November 4 from 7 – 8 pm (ET). To join the conversation, just prior to the session (always the first Wednesday of each month at 7 pm - ET), call 1-800-204-6655, enter access code 342-2187#. Questions may be submitted in advance either via Facebook or email info@cpapchat.org . For more info, visit www.cpapchat.org . 

 - By Stanley Hurwitz / stanhurwitz@gmail.com

For Many, Finding Out You Have Sleep Apnea Can Be A Rude Awakening

With CPAP Therapy, Thorough Training Leads to Patient Compliance

One of the country’s leading sleep therapy companies has proven that a multi-tiered training approach results in a dramatic increase in patient CPAP compliance -- accompanied by better sleep and an improved quality of life.

A few years ago, Eric Cohen, an engineer, inventor and president of National Sleep Therapy (www.nstherapy.com) noted that there’s a dramatic improvement in patient compliance when they understand CPAP therapy, and are properly trained, monitored, and encouraged through self-reliance and awareness. “We encourage patients to take responsibility for their own care. Properly trained and engaged patients are about 84% compliant, versus the general average of about 50% who are non-adherent, getting less than 4 hours of CPAP use per night. Many who don’t receive proper guidance give up too soon.” Studies indicate and adult needs 6+ hours of sleep for reduced daytime sleepiness plus significantly improved memory and daily functioning.

CPAP is the most popular therapy prescribed by doctors for patients whose sleep test indicates obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It’s estimated that 18 million Americans have sleep apnea, though most have yet to be diagnosed. Long-term sleep deprivation can lead to serious health issues and accidents.

New NST patients are added to a computerized CPAP tracking system. They get a training course – including in-person set-up, a video and access to NST’s website with more tips. Using an iPad, Respiratory Therapists train every patient in a methodical manner. “Patients can log in and view their own sleep data. There’s a 22% higher compliance for patients who track their own data,” says Cohen.

Non-compliance can result in cancellation of CPAP insurance coverage. For example, under Medicare, after 3 months, if a patient doesn’t prove nightly usage, Medicare will not cover the cost. Then, if the patient wants Medicare to cover CPAP again, they must start with a new face-to-face evaluation. Cohen says, “Doctors don’t have 60-90 minutes to train a patient. Our set-up process maximizes engagement and retention. The result is patients who internalize the importance of CPAP and know how to use and maintain their machine. Using the iPad app, our RTs guide patients through each training stage until they’re comfortable with each section.”

Cohen hosts the popular monthly ‘CPAP Chat’ virtual support group – the only one of its kind – that attracts CPAP users and health care professionals from 10 or more states each night. Held on the first Wednesday of each month from 7 – 8 pm (ET), sessions are free, open to all and anonymous. To join in: Just prior to the next session on Wednesday, November 4 at 7 pm (ET), call 1-800-204-6655, enter access code 342-2187#.) To submit questions in advance or for more info, visit www.cpapchat.org . 

View this chart: Sleep duration recommendations from the National Sleep Foundation: https://sleepfoundation.org/sites/default/files/STREPchanges_1.png 

By Stanley Hurwitz / stanhurwitz@gmail.com

Expert Advises Busy People: Simple Nutrition and Fitness Changes Will Help You Feel Better, Sleep More Soundly

Did you know that carbohydrate-laden snack you enjoy so much each night before going to bed turns into energy that can wind you up right before you should be winding down?

That was one lesson provided by fitness and nutrition guru Tim Mills during the October edition of ‘CPAP Chat’ – the world’s only virtual support group for people with sleep apnea and health professionals..

Individuals from 10 states with sleep issues joined in the unique town meeting-style forum to explore tips and tricks to help them get the deep sleep one’s body and mind need to rejuvenate and prepare for the next day. The session was hosted by Eric Cohen, president of National Sleep Therapy (www.nstherapy.com) based in Concord, NH, and Norwood, Mass.

For Mills this was a return visit follow-up to the Fitness Challenge he extended in July. Mills’ philosophy (http://timsfit.com/) includes simple, common-sense fitness and nutrition ideas whereby busy people can lose weight, feel better -- and sleep more soundly. Mills advises people to start with a range of simple changes which can have a dramatic impact and motivate them to do more. “Start small,” he advises. For exercise, he says walk faster, take the stairs, park a distance from your destination. On nutrition, Mills advises to: Cut out all sodas (“Diet soda can be less healthy than regular”); Eliminate fast foods (“Make your own healthy version”); Drink half your weight in pounds, in ounces of water each day (“If you weigh 200 lbs., drink 100 ounces of water.”)

CPAP (pronounced see-pap) helps people to sleep using air pressure to keep airways open which allows uninterrupted sleep. CPAP is prescribed by a physician following a sleep test. Some 20 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. Early signs may be chronic fatigue and loud snoring.

The 20th edition of CPAP Chat is set for Wednesday, November 4 from 7 – 8 pm (ET). To join the conversation, just prior to the session (always the first Wednesday of each month at 7 pm - ET), call 1-800-204-6655, enter access code 342-2187#. Questions may be submitted in advance either via Facebook or email info@cpapchat.org . For more info, visit www.cpapchat.org . CPAP Chat is free and anonymous.

-Stanley Hurwitz / stanhurwitz@gmail.com