Expert Describes How Laser Treatment Can Eliminate Snoring

20th Edition of ‘CPAP Chat’ Features Laser Dentist

The 20th edition of ‘CPAP Chat,’ the world’s only virtual support group for people with sleep apnea, drew participants from six states who learned about a technique that uses lasers to eliminate snoring.

‘CPAP Chat,’ (www.cpapchat.org), a phone-in version of a town hall forum, is free and anonymous. Anyone can join the conversation during sessions on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. (ET). Host Eric Cohen, president of National Sleep Therapy, leads discussions about latest sleep research, how to sleep better, and tips about CPAP devices and therapy. Guest experts are a monthly draw. (CPAP is an acronym for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.)

November’s featured guest, Dr. Linda Kronick of Laser Dentistry LLC in Bozrah, CT, described how she uses low-energy lasers to tighten throat collagen which widens airways and eliminates snoring, often a sign of sleep apnea. Asked by a participant about the treatment, Dr. Kronick said, “There’s no anesthesia, cutting or bleeding – no sore throat or downtime.” She said three sessions are required, each 30 days apart, and she noted that collagen returns and the treatment must be repeated after a year. She noted that 40 of 42 patients she treated have been totally successful.

Session participants also discussed SoClean, a CPAP sanitizing system that takes about 10 minutes to kill 99% of germs and bacteria in a person’s CPAP mask, hose and reservoir with no disassembly, no water, and no chemicals. One user said it makes her equipment “squeaky clean.” Another said his dentist recommended it because he uses it himself.

Extensive research shows that sleep apnea doesn’t just prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. Lack of sleep affects many body systems that puts a person at increased risk for disease. Chronic fatigue can also lead to anxiety and dementia, as well as workplace and highway accidents. Anyone who is always tired despite getting a good nights’ sleep, should tell their doctor who may prescribe a sleep test. Most sleep apnea sufferers aren’t aware that this could explain their chronic fatigue. Some 20 million Americans have sleep apnea, though most have yet to be diagnosed.

The next edition of CPAP Chat is set for Wednesday, December 2 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

Attention Editor: For an interview with host Eric Cohen: call 617-281-5330 or email ecohen@nstherapy.com