U.S. Army Finds Adjustable Oral Appliances a Good Treatment Option for OSA
Patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may consider adjustable oral appliances (OAs), devices that fit within the mouth to prevent upper airway collapse, as an effective first-line treatment, according to two studies conducted by sleep medicine specialists from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) in Bethesda, Md. The retrospective, peer-reviewed studies, published in the December 2011 issue of CHEST and in the current issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine (JCSM), provide findings on OAs from the largest patient populations studied to date.The studies found that adjustable OAs are nearly as effective as continuous positive …
Sleep Apnea Treatment May Lower Heart Risks
Study: CPAP Can Lower Many Risk Factors for Heart Disease, StrokeBy Salynn BoylesWebMD Health NewsDec. 15, 2011 — In addition to improving sleep, an effective treatment for sleep apnea can also improve blood pressure and other risk factors for heart attack, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, new research shows. Continuous positive airway pressure therapy, or CPAP, helps patients with sleep apnea breathe better during sleep by pushing air into the nose through a mask to keep airways open. The treatment has been shown to improve daytime sleepiness and reduce blood pressure, but its impact on heart disease, stroke, and diabetes …
Sleep Apnea & Multi-Modal Transportation Conference in Baltimore
Dr. Blumenstock has attended the Sleep Apnea & Multi-Modal Transportation Conference in Baltimore on November 8-9, 2011. This event was sponsored by the American Sleep Society to promote and find solutions for transportation safety. …
Medicare Coverage is available for Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance Treatment
Top News New Oral Appliance Coverage Determination Released In late November, the Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MACs) released a new local coverage determination for oral appliances. The policy, effective for claims with dates of service on or after January 3, 2011, states that a custom fabricated mandibular advancement oral appliance (E0486) used to treat obstructive sleep apnea is covered if certain criteria are met. “The policy is a great step forward for both patients and providers. Choices in treatment are a must and treatment can now be personalized,” said Steve Moore, VP of sales and marketing for …
Study finds that combination therapy reduces pauses in breathing caused by obstructive sleep apnea
AADSM Public Relations Tuesday, May 31, 2011 EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: June 11, 2011, at 1:30 p.m. CDT DARIEN, Ill. – According to new research that will be presented Saturday, June 11, at the 20th Anniversary Meeting of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), in Minneapolis, Minn., the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was more improved by a combination treatment of a mandibular advancement splint (MAS) and positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy than by continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy alone. Results show that without lowering the pressure substantially, CPAP tolerance can be …
Sleep Apnea & Sleep Disordered Breathing
Dr. Norman Blumenstock presented another well received, 2 hour lecture on Sleep Apnea & Sleep Disordered Breathing Tuesday evening to General & Specialty Dentists at the Livingston Dental Study Club, in the New Brunswick / Somerset area. Become a fan of our FB page , or visit my website at www.SleepApneaDentistNJ.com to learn more about what Dental Sleep Medicine treatments can do for Sleep Apnea or Snoring. …
Helping a loved one with sleep apnea
When a relative or a loved one is diagnosed with sleep apnea, they can feel somewhat isolated. Often, friends and family want to provide support and help to their friends, families and loved ones, but sometimes they are unaware of how to do so. Here are a few things to do to support a loved one with sleep apnea: 1. Educate yourself about sleep apnea. Many friends and families of people with sleep apnea aren’t sure what the condition is or what can be done about it. Make sure to have a working knowledge of sleep apnea so that you …
Patient Care for Sleep Apnea Treatment
Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are medical problems. Therefore, we require an objective medical assessment as a prerequisite for everyone seeking oral appliance therapy. With your best interests in mind, Dr. Blumenstock and staff function in cooperation with a medical sleep team that includes sleep physicians and other specialists such as neurologists, pulmonologists and ear, nose and throat specialists. Following referral from a physician, our patients are thoroughly examined in the dental setting by Dr. Blumenstock. With him, you will discuss all options, advantages, limitations and consequences specific to your situation. Several weeks may be needed after fitting the appropriate …
Sleep Apnea Therapy
There are several different options to the treatment of sleep apnea. One common treatment is behavioral therapy. Behavioral changes are an important part of treatment, and in some cases behavioral therapy may be all that is needed. Use of alcohol, tobacco, and sleeping pills should be avoided because they make the airway more likely to collapse during sleep and prolong the apneic periods. Patients who are overweight can benefit from losing weight, and even 10 percent weight loss can reduce the number of apneic events for most patients. For those with mild sleep apnea, breathing pauses occur only when they …
Patient Reviews
