Blog List – Classic
AHI only part of the story
A study published in Nature and Science of Sleep contends that “continued indiscriminate use of the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) should be discouraged.” Instead, researchers suggest that numerous alternative measures be incorporated to provide the total sleep picture. Determining exactly what is being counted during the AHI is thoroughly examined, with researchers concluding that “it is inconceivable that all apneas and all hypopneas are the same kind of exposure, as far as effects are conc...Read More
Lessons Learned about Airway and Respiratory Illness at the World Trade Center
There are few events in our collective consciousness that have united us as a country like the events of 9/11. Everyone knows where they were on the day, what they were doing and how they felt. Lessons learned by early responders on that day have taught us a great deal about dealing with disaster and managing the aftermath. The following abstract is interesting in the context of our knowledge of the health effects on the men and women who stayed onsite to clean up the rubble. At the time it was ...Read More
Bad Cholesterol linked to increased pediatric asthma and airway obstruction
Blood lipid profiles are associated with childhood asthma, airway obstruction, bronchial responsiveness, and aeroallergen sensitization, researchers from Denmark report. Dr. Hans Bisgaard from the University of Copenhagen told Reuters Health by email that he was surprised by the “significant association between serum lipids and asthma and allergy. This association is similar to the association found between serum lipids and other chronic inflammatory disorders.” Previous studies examining the re...Read More
Could the CPAP machine really be the dirtiest place in the home?
CPAP machine may not be the first item that comes to mind when you consider the dirtiest surfaces in your household. But scientists say that some of the filthiest places in our home are where we would least expect. Take a minute to think – What is the dirtiest surface in your home? Is it the door knobs? The remote? How about the toilet seat? All of these are likely offenders. But they might not be as dirty as you think. The toilet seat, with only about 50 bacteria per square inch, is the one of ...Read More
ResMed Narval CC Case Study: Size Matters!
One of the most intriguing features of the ResMed Narval CC is its small footprint. I find most patient’s transitioning from an acrylic appliance frequently comment on both the small size and the increase in comfort, as compared to their previous appliance. But what about new patients to Oral Appliance Therapy, where do they stand on this issue? Recently, I made a Herbst appliance for a patient that had many crowns that he was thinking of replacing in the future, but was not ready to act on. He ...Read More
Treatment Acceptance Based on Patient Qualification- The Predictor Device®
Over the last 20 years there has been an ever increasing use of oral appliances for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and sleep disordered breathing (SDB). In Scandinavian countries the preferred interventional therapy for the mild to moderate sleep apnea patient has been an oral appliance due to improved patient compliance. Only when the patient has severe sleep apnea or when there are other clinical factors to consider is CPAP recommended. In the United States the American Academy...Read More
Sleep Diagnostics Industry Overview
Sleep awareness has blossomed over the last decade, and it’s hard to find anyone who believes the market is anywhere near its peak. Consumers and members of the medical community increasingly agree that better sleep is a must for improved overall health. With all that positivity, Jeremy Andra still wonders why the business climate surrounding sleep remains unsettled. “We know things are changing, and have to change even more with heath care the way it is right now,” says Andra, sleep products ma...Read More
Not all that wheezes is asthma (or COPD)!
How is it possible, with supporting literature, along MD groups like American Medical Association (AMA) and even government sponsored spirometry initiatives National Quality Forum (NQF) 0091 COPD Spirometry Evalution (1) stating that spirometry has to be done to “prove” Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)/Air Flow Obstruction (AFO), and simple tools like the COPD-population screener, that Primary Care Physician (PCP) offices are STILL neglecting to do a simple test that IS BILLIABLE! Wh...Read More