· Log in

Provent may prove a worthy alternative to CPAP

Written by: David Castillo on February 16th, 2011

Provent may prove a worthy alternative to CPAP | read this item

A new product may prove to be a worthy alternative to continuous positive airway pressure in treating sleep apnea, and it works by stimulating nasal congestion to ensure a good night’s sleep. The product, commercially known as Provent, has two small valves and is worn in the nostrils during sleep. It works by only letting the wearer inhale through the nose. The product does not allow air to flow out.

St. Luke’s Hospital Sleep Center director Dr. James Walsh explains that Provent “provides a resistance when you try to exhale and so it creates a pressure to keep the airway open when you start to inhale for the next breath.” Provent is worn and held in the nostrils using adhesive collars, and is believed to be less cumbersome than a CPAP unit wherein users wear an oxygen mask during sleep to ensure adequate oxygen supply for breathing.

Meanwhile, there are people who are uncomfortable on using even the gold standard CPAP treatment, saying that it feels horrible. Apnea patient Stephen Wheeler even likens the sensation to drowning, saying that he found it unpleasant.

Source: www.ksdk.com