Author: Michael Kelley

Released in May 2020 as the world pondered an air-borne virus, the book Breath turned into an improbable NY Times bestseller. Advocating nose-breathing above all, Breath looked at the growing phenomenon of mouth taping to encourage (more like forcing) nose breathing during sleep. Many more books have come along each trying to take nasal breathing to the next level. Forbes Magazine recently covered the phenomenon in a May 16 article, suggesting a modicum of caution. “Advocates of mouth taping suggest that it promotes nasal breathing, which can improve snoring, dry mouth and sleep quality,” said Audrey Yoon, with Stanford Health Care Sleep Medicine Center in the article. “But not everyone is sold on the concept, and some medical experts advise against making mouth taping for sleep part of your nightly bedtime routine,” writes Forbes’ Brooke Williams. “Before you try out the method for yourself, here’s what to know about the potential benefits and drawbacks of mouth taping for sleep. Since the risks of mouth taping haven’t yet been studied and sleep experts haven’t created guidelines for doing it safely, it’s important to speak with your doctor before giving it a go.” Potential benefits of mouth taping may include nasal breathing, which is believed to be more beneficial than breathing through the mouth. Nasal breathing is more efficient in terms of oxygen absorption. “The nasal passage filters, humidifies and warms the air, which can improve the oxygenation of blood. In a follow up article, a number of medical experts with the ASBA will release their recommendations about the many of the products currently available, as most consumers are confused by the myriad of choices.   Source: Chris Vu, ASBA

Phoenix, AZ; The American Sleep and Breathing Academy “ASBA” is pleased to introduce Mark Brnovich former Attorney General for the State of Arizona, who has recently joined the Academy’s Advisory Board. Before joining Boies Schiller Flexner Mark Brnovich served as Arizona’s 26th Attorney General from 2015 to 2023. He was first inaugurated in 2015, and again in 2019 after winning re-election. Mark has spent most of his professional life serving as a prosecutor at the local, state, and federal levels. Brnovich has been a Judge Pro Tem of Maricopa County Superior Court, a Command Staff Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army National Guard, the Director for Constitutional Government at the Goldwater Institute, and the Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming, a law enforcement agency that investigates illegal gambling activity, as well as working with tribal regulators to ensure the integrity of tribal gaming. Brnovich is known for restoring public confidence in the office of “Arizona’s Top Cop” and for assembling some of the nation’s most talented public servants for his administration. Mark argued at the United States Supreme Court in defense of the “one-person, one-vote” principle and has been  recognized by the National Federation of Independent Business as a “Champion of Small Business.” and was elected by his bi-partisan colleagues to serve as the Chairman of the Conference of Western Attorneys General. Brnovich also has an impressive background in various areas of law, which the Academy hopes will be beneficial in furthering it’s role in the area of Dental Sleep Medicine corporate and intellectual property law. Brnovich recently attended the Sleep & Wellness Conference hosted by the ASBA, where he met fellow board members and was introduced as a new advisory member.   Source: Chris Vu, ASBA

With SLEEP 2024 set to begin in June in Houston, TX, many health websites are advancing the hype. The 38th annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies (APSS) will run from June 1-5, 2024. Expect to see a trove of new research presented at the meeting. One area gaining huge interest is that of Artificial Intelligence. In a recent article, the AASM’s Artificial Intelligence in Sleep Medicine Committee outlines the significant potential of artificial intelligence to make groundbreaking contributions to sleep medicine. The article titled “Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of using AI-enabled technology in sleep medicine: a commentary” was published in a recent edition of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. Health Care Nears 20% of GDP Health care expenses now account for nearly 20% of the U.S. GDP, with significant increases in administrative costs, stagnant labor productivity, and growing dissatisfaction among patients and physicians over the past quarter-century. In response, policymakers have introduced reforms that have paradoxically heightened the administrative load for patients and physicians without substantially improving cost efficiency or quality. Artificial intelligence (AI), often a subject of intense debate, could be likened to a “new “dawn for health care delivery. It holds the potential to empower patients and physicians by reducing administrative burdens and boosting labor productivity. In the article, the authors examined advancements in AI within sleep medicine and spotlighted its potential in revolutionizing care in three critical areas: clinical applications, lifestyle management, and population health. Clinical applications: In the medical field, AI-driven technologies provide extensive data analysis, sophisticated pattern recognition, and automated diagnostic processes, particularly for addressing persistent issues such as sleep-related breathing disorders. Initially modest, the deployment of AI in clinical settings has the potential to enhance efficiency and patient access significantly. Lifestyle management: Utilizing AI in lifestyle management through consumer sleep technology presents significant advantages. Devices such as fitness wristbands, smartphone apps, and smart rings help improve sleep health by monitoring, evaluating, and enhancing sleep patterns. The integration of wearable sleep technology and data-informed lifestyle suggestions enables patients to actively participate in their own health management. Population health: AI technology introduces a novel approach to public health in the context of sleep management. It holds the promising ability to integrate environmental, behavioral, and physiological data, facilitating informed interventions at the population level and addressing current gaps in healthcare. The article also raises concerns about incorporating AI into sleep medicine, highlighting issues such as data privacy, security, accuracy, and the risk of perpetuating existing biases. These challenges necessitate the development of robust validation and standardization protocols to ensure AI technologies are implemented responsibly and ethically in healthcare. It is essential to validate AI tools against diverse datasets to confirm their dependability and accuracy across different patient groups. Sources: Medical Express JCSM on Pubmed

Phoenix, AZ: Gergens Orthodontic Lab is a specialized dental lab known for its expertise in sleep and orthodontic appliances and treatments. The lab is particularly noted for its innovative work in dental sleep medicine, focusing on devices that aid in the treatment of sleep apnea and other sleep-related disorders. Lab Expansion and Profitability David Gergen, CEO of Gergens Orthodontic Lab is proud to announce milling of splints and sleep appliances as an addition to its core services, Gergens Orthodontic Lab is committed to expanding its capabilities and capacity. This includes the recent addition of a new production wing, aimed at enhancing its manufacturing processes and accommodating the growing demand for its specialized products. A Thriving Family Owned Business Gergen’s has been a family owned business for over 45 years. And for quite a number of those years the Lab was the largest manufacturer of sleep appliances in the U.S. (All appliances are made in the USA). Integrity and Community Gergens Orthodontic lab’s reputation is built on high-quality craftsmanship, innovative techniques, and a deep understanding of both orthodontic and sleep medicine dynamics. David and his team are active with a number of charities in the Phoenix metro area and beyond. He is especially proud to support the Phoenix Police Charity, as demonstrated by the Phoenix Chief of Police presenting an honorary police officer award to former NFL legend Larry Fitzgerald, of the Arizona Cardinals.     It’s all about making the patients lives better! Led by David Gergen, CEO, the lab has established itself as a leader in both traditional and cutting-edge sleep therapy solutions. It collaborates closely with dentists, orthodontists, and sleep specialists to provide customized solutions that meet the specific needs of patients. Past History In September 2012, the U.S. government concluded a six-year study conducted by PDAC, assessing the efficacy of various orthodontic appliances funded by the government. At the time, 80 different appliances were evaluated, but only the Herbst appliance was retained. Concurrently, the government reviewed 94 orthodontic laboratories and decided to continue working with only two: Gergens Orthodontic Lab and another facility in California. Gergens Orthodontic Lab distinguished itself with a breakage rate of under 2%, the lowest in the industry, while the California lab recorded a breakage rate of 7.8%, the second lowest. These two labs were the only ones authorized to handle Medicare-related services after September 2012. Medical Insurance Gergen’s orthodontic lab was responsible in part for medical insurance paying for the oral appliance with the United States government’s help. Official Lab of the NFLPA In 2010 David Gergen signed a deal with Andre Collins at the National Football  players association “NFLPA” and became their official dental sleep apnea partner. He works directly with Dr Archie Roberts with the living heart foundation, another NFLPA company. Vivos Gergens Orthodontics is an official Lab for Vivos Therapeutics. They manufacture DNA appliances for hundreds of Vivo’s Dental providers. STA Appliances Gergens Orthodontics is the official lab for Dr. Felix Liao’s AMD Doctor group and manufacturers the Start Thriving Appliances.   About David Gergen David Gergen is a pioneer in the field of dental sleep medicine. He was involved from the very beginning with insurance reimbursement and later Medicare reimbursement for dental appliances. In 1984 David Gergen designed the “Orthopedic Corrector” AKA the D.N.A appliance. In 1986 Gergen gave us the Original Snoring Guard and shorty after 1991 followed it up with the Removal Acrylic Herbst. Now after 40 years at the bench and personally working on over 30,00 appliances, David’s ability as a technician is unsurpassed. David is always happy to field calls from anyone in the industry looking for advice or hands on expertise about dental sleep medicine. About Gergens Orthodontic Lab Situated in North Phoenix, Arizona, Gergen’s Orthodontic Lab is among the largest and most respected full-service orthodontic laboratories in the United States. They specialize in fabricating orthodontic appliances such as TMJ Splints, Flippers, Retainers, as well as all types of functional appliances such as Herbsts, Bionators, and Twin Blocks. Most successful businesses and their customers concur that long-term dedication typically leads to a highly skilled and fully competent team capable of delivering work of consistently exceptional quality. Gergen’s staff does just that as they provide complete service in every phase of the design and fabrication of appliances for the orthodontist and general dentist. Their customers from across the United States share a common characteristic: they genuinely care about their patients and want them to have the finest dental appliances available. Gergen’s Orthodontic Lab is renowned for its outstanding service. The lab offers daily delivery routes across Arizona, with 20 drivers dedicated to regular deliveries in the Phoenix area. For out-of-state orders, the lab ensures prompt deliveries using U.S. Postal Service and UPS. Gergen’s Orthodontic Lab is recognized as one of the most innovative labs in the country, constantly seeking new ideas and products to simplify life for both patients and doctors. Our products are consistently excellent, and we are highly regarded for our role in developing groundbreaking appliances and techniques.  

Philips Settles Lawsuit with Another Payout Philips settles Lawsuit with another payout. With a $1.1 billion settlement reached, the DreamStation nightmare may finally be over for Philips Respironics. As reported by the New York Times and elsewhere, the settlement concerns legal claims that people who used the company’s CPAP and other devices were harmed by noxious gasses, and flecks of foam that lodged in their airways, sometimes for years. “Thousands of people contended in lawsuits that they had been injured by popular Philips DreamStation machines,” wrote NY Times reporter Christina Jewett in an April 29 article. “The settlement affects CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure, machines that people with sleep apnea or other respiratory difficulties use at night to improve their breathing, as well as other types of machines used at home and in hospitals. Philips did not admit any fault in the settlement, including whether the devices caused the injuries, according to a financial report issued Monday.” The $1.1 billion settlement is in addition to last year’s personal injury tally of half a billion reached in the summer of 2023. Philips also agreed to a consent decree in early 2024 that forced the company to stop U.S. sales of new devices until specific conditions were met. “Monday’s agreement largely settles years of litigation over a problem that was deeply upsetting to patients and doctors, who had to weigh the risk of letting patients’ interrupted breathing go untreated against the use of a machine that might cause harm,” continued Jewett. “Patients flooded lawmakers and the Food and Drug Administration with complaints about a chaotic recall and replacement effort that left many waiting for months or more than a year for an updated device.” Investors reportedly responded positively to the news with the stock surging by almost 33%. According to the NY Times, part of the settlement will be covered by insurance. Chris Vu, ASBA Staff Source: NYTimes

BY INTERVIEWS AND WRITINGS, AND WITH PERMISSION FROM DAVE GERGEN, DEREK KENNARD AND ROY GREEN The concept of jaw position as a fundamental piece of sports performance is not new. Dr. Harold Gelb introduced this concept in his early work in the 1970s. The culmination of his work in improved performance was the 2000 Baltimore Ravens who triumphed over the New York Giants to win Super Bowl XXXV. Every player on the team wore a custom oral appliance that positioned the jaw in Dr. Gelb’s Jaw position called the Gelb 4/7 position. Since that time, professional sportsmen all over the world have been adopting a daytime mouth guard to protect them from injury and improve their performance. In recent years, awareness of the potentially life-threatening effects of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has begun to rise, but there’s still widespread confusion about who can be affected by the disorder. Most of those who are aware of the dangers of OSA believe that it affects only overweight and unhealthy people. In fact, even some of the best athletes in the world suffer the consequences of OSA, especially players in the National Football League. According to a 2009 study by Mayo Clinic, 46% of players in the NFL and 60% of linemen suffer from sleep apnea. The problem is endemic and has even affected draft results. For example, sleep apnea took a toll on the 2007 #1 NFL draft pick JaMarcus Russell, who played for the Oakland Raiders. HISTORY OF PRO PLAYER HEALTH ALLIANCE David Gergen rolled out of bed on December 4, 1982, and had his career “aha” moment. Gergen knew he was going to be an orthodontic technician, and he knew he was going to help people all over the country. Since then, he has built one of America’s most successful dental labs in Phoenix, Arizona, revolutionized the sleep industry through oral appliances and special programs, and was once voted top dental laboratory technician in the country. Derek Kennard had been seeing a doctor about his sleep trouble twice a year for eight years but had been unable to reach a resolution. He’d reached the uncomfortable conclusion that sleep apnea was something he’d just have to live with. Unfortunately, there was a much more difficult lesson about sleep apnea in store for him. When his younger brother, Donald, passed away from cardiac arrest brought about, in part, by sleep apnea, Kennard felt a new urgency to find a solution to his problem and was receptive when David Gergen approached him at the clinic. Mark Walczak, a former tight end for the Phoenix Chargers, also faced health trouble associated with sleep apnea and achieved good results with a dental device. “WE REACHED OUT TO OTHER PLAYERS WE’D PLAYED WITH, AND AGAINST, THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE, AND THE PLAYERS UNION, AND WE STARTED TESTING PLAYERS.” The players’ friends could see how much Kennard’s and Walczak’s lives improved. Another former teammate, Roy Green, who also had problems with his health, was intrigued enough to ask and pursue a solution—and Kennard, Walczak, Green, and Gergen realized their sleep stories and solutions were something worth sharing. They formed the Pro Player Health Alliance with the goal of helping other NFL players. After noticing NFL players seeking treatment for their obstructive sleep apnea, Gergen decided there was an urgent need to spread awareness of the disorder throughout the United States. His response was to form Pro Player Health Alliance (PPHA), which brings current and former professional football players to different communities throughout the U.S. to promote awareness of sleep apnea. “Pro Player Health Alliance was created to treat the sleep health needs of retired NFL players,” explains Gergen, “while at the same time raising awareness of sleep apnea as a silent killer.” PPHA events have reached thousands of people and have the potential to reach many more, potentially the entire NFL fan base. The beauty of PPHA’s efforts is that they benefit everyone involved: the public meets their sports heroes while becoming informed on the life-threatening risks of sleep apnea; players receive treatment for this debilitating condition, which means better athletic performance and more exciting games; dental practitioners, especially those who help host PPHA events, are able to attract attention and patients to their sleep practices; and dental sleep appliance labs like Gergen’s are able to conduct more research and develop improved oral appliance solutions. “We reached out to other players we’d played with, and against, the National Football League, and the players union, and we started testing players,” Green said. The Pro Player Health Alliance has tested over 200 former and current NFL players and has seen great results. Roy Green said, “We heard stories that were so unbelievable. Lives were changing. We decided to reach out to our communities, to everyone we know. We know this is saving lives. This is helping so many people. It’s just become a passion of ours, so that’s what we do now. We’re feeling so much better, and we know so many people are unaware that it is sleep apnea that they’re suffering from. Just a simple test and a simple appliance can change lives.” Along with Kennard, Walczak, and Green, Eric Dickerson, Mike Haynes, and Larry Fitzgerald Jr., other NFL greats like Warren Moon, Marcus Allen, Dave Krieg, Nesby Glasgow, OJ Anderson, Bart Oats, Carl Eller, Preston Pearson, J.T. Smith, Lincoln Kennedy, Ed “Too Tall” Jones, Isiah Robertson, Chuck Foreman, and Nick Lowery, have all also received oral appliance sleep apnea treatment and subsequently teamed up with PPHA. Together, these players have visited schools, held meet-the-players events for fans, and even hosted golf-tournaments to spread a simple message: get diagnosed for sleep apnea, get treated, and get a good night’s sleep. As Derek Kennard explains, “You can’t put a price on a good night’s sleep.” Eric Dickerson, another Heisman Trophy winner and NFL Hall of Famer, also suffered from terrible morning headaches and needed extensive dentistry due to sleep apnea. However, Dickerson is sleeping better than ever after receiving treatment for his OSA by Dr. Harry Sugg, in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Sugg placed Dickerson in a Gergen’s Orthodontic Lab Herbst appliance for night-time use and a Gelb Splint to prevent overclosing for daytime use. Tony Dorsett, a former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL Hall of Famer, claimed he was “snoring like a freight train” before being diagnosed with sleep apnea. Then he received his dental sleep device, a Herbst appliance custom fit by Gergen’s Orthodontic Lab. Now that he breathes well while he sleeps, he proudly boasts, “Superman ain’t got nothing on me.” Members of the Pro Player Health Alliance travel around the country promoting sleep wellness and they are surprised by how few people know about sleep apnea, the negative effects it can have, and how easy it can be to treat. They have seen some of their former heroes limping around, not feeling well. When questioned, these guys invariably say something about their poor quality of sleep. With a proper diagnosis and treatment, these guys who thought they were on the back nine, without much to look forward to, are active again and enthusiastic about life. The bottom line is that sleep apnea is a problem we can tackle! What’s next? In addition to continuing to promote awareness and treatment for sleep apnea with the PPHA, recently, Gergen has been working with NFL Hall of Famer Mike Haynes and NFL All-Pro Derek Kennard, who are both active in the POP Warner communities. Together, they are working on a new appliance that could potentially reduce concussions and improve performance on the playing field. SPOTLIGHT ON PRO PLAYER HEALTH ALLIANCE FOUNDER: DAVE GERGEN In a 2012 dental conference in Las Vegas, Dr. Gelb paid Gergen a high compliment, saying, “David Gergen is the finest technician ever to live. He is heads and tails above the competition.” Gergen was honoring Dr. Gelb for his 65th year in dentistry at the presentation, and Dr. Gelb mentioned, “There are two legends in this room.” Sleep medicine specialist Rudi M. Ferrate, MD, DABSM, complimented David Gergen for his strength of character, his passion for excellence, and his desire to help as many people as possible, adding, “He could easily sit back and enjoy the fruits of his business, but instead he spends his time and resources promoting education and awareness of sleep disorders. He is single-handedly the most important force bringing sleep physicians and sleep dentists together and now is using his skills and reputation to bring everyone else on board—from legislators to sports legends.” DENTAL DEVICES HELP MORE THAN JUST FOOTBALL PLAYERS…. For more than 20 years in Phoenix, Gergen spent the fall coaching POP Warner football and high school football. Most of the important lessons of his life were learned either watching football legends, creating challenges for himself on the field, or teaching children the values of courage and teamwork on the field. It comes as no surprise that Gergen, father of nine children, would focus a good deal of his professional life on helping children achieve their goals. Gergen is a certified dental technician, and some would say a master technician that children and adults have relied on for excellent results. HELPING CHILDREN BREATH BETTER: In his professional life, Gergen worked to straighten teeth for cosmetic reasons, and to help create functional oral structures for patients with severe trauma or developmental issues. Recently, some of his attention has turned to the efects of poor jaw position on children. “A small airway often forces children to breathe through their mouth and posture their head forward resulting in rounded shoulders and back problems,” explains Gergen. “Continuing this position over many years will create permanent changes in posture. Poor breathing habits can result in heart and lung problems in later life.” After 30 years of establishing better jaw and tooth function through orthodontics, Gergen decided to focus on the airway. His pediatric sleep appliance, Gergen’s Bionator, is a direct result of his experience and experimentation. Gergen is eager to demonstrate to physicians and the public that oral appliances are an effective solution for sleep and airway problems. Gergen’s Bionator is worn on the child’s upper and lower teeth, and gives dentists an opportunity to guide the growth of patients’ teeth— more importantly, the jaw and the airway. Expansion of the upper jaw will create more room for the tongue to posture forward and open the airway. “The simple shape and construction of the lower appliance will help stage the growth of the child’s teeth, allowing the dentist to control the growth rates of the teeth for maximum cosmetic and palliative effect,” said Gergen. “One of the best parts of the treatment is that while growth is being controlled, the jaw is held slightly forward, creating an open airway that produces better and deeper sleep patterns.” Children undergoing standard orthodontic care have noticed their grades improve, sometimes dramatically. In the past, this improvement has been attributed to improved self-image or a growth spurt. Today, experts have measured the improved sleep patterns and the increase in airway size that comes from a better jaw position. These patients breathe better at night, and wake up more able to deal with the demands of the day. Professional Drivers: According to a study by the University of Pennsylvania sponsored by the FMCSA and the American Trucking Association, 28% of truckers have mild to severe cases of sleep apnea. This is an alarming number, considering that there are over 3 million truckers on American highways. In 2013, Gergen appeared before the Department of Transportation to request that an assessment for sleep apnea be required for commercial truck drivers. On October 17, 2013, H.R. 3095, which sets standards for the evaluation of truck drivers for sleep apnea, was signed into law. Also in 2013, on behalf of the entire dental sleep community, David Gergen testified before the Department of Transportation to request that dentists be able to order home sleep tests for their patients. Increased testing may help reverse the trend of undiagnosed sleep apnea. “ACCORDING TO A STUDY BY THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA SPONSORED BY THE FMCSA AND THE AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATION, 28% OF TRUCKERS HAVE MILD TO SEVERE CASES OF SLEEP APNEA. THIS IS AN ALARMING NUMBER, CONSIDERING THAT THERE ARE OVER 3 MILLION TRUCKERS ON AMERICAN HIGHWAYS.” Dental Education: In August 2011, Gergen’s first sleep training program was presented to a group of 25 doctors in Sonoma, California, and Gergen’s Orthodontic Lab team and training programs have gotten better since then. They maximize on their experience, developing specialties as educators and covering topics thoroughly in their seminars and meetings. They were selected by Henry Schein to participate in their dental sleep apnea programs. Their seminars emphasize long-term education and self-developing practices. Dr. Archie Roberts, retired NFL player and founder of the Living Heart Foundation and NFL HOPE program, has been one of the Gergen team’s keynote speakers. Roberts established a strong correlation between OSA and heart disease in the general population. He asked Gergen to be the sleep apnea director in the HOPE program that the Living Heart Foundation launched at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona. David Gergen serves the dental sleep community as the Executive Director of the ASBA Dental Division. The ASBA Dental Division is a for profit group that has partnered with the not for profit American Sleep & Breathing Academy. For more information visit www.americansleepandbreathingacademy.com and click on Dental Division. This article is for informational and commercial purposes about the Pro Player Health Alliance and the Herbst oral appliance. Views set out are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the ASBA.

When we think of the health issues that may afflict seasoned athletes, especially those as formidable as former NFL players, sleep apnea is not usually the first condition that comes to mind. However, Derek Kennard, a former NFL player who graced the field with his presence for the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, and Phoenix Cardinals, has brought this issue before the public many times. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. For Kennard, a man who fought on the lines as a versatile offensive lineman, the battle with sleep apnea was one he initially didn’t even know he was fighting. The Silent Opponent Kennard’s story with sleep apnea is a poignant reminder that sometimes, the most challenging opponent is the one you can’t see. It was only after his career, when his snoring became a severe enough issue to disturb his sleep—and his wife’s—that he sought help. A sleep study followed, leading to a diagnosis of sleep apnea. CPAP Intolerant His Doctor recommended PAP therapy. What he didn’t expect was that Derek would be intolerant to using the CPAP equipment. CPAP intolerance refers to a patient’s inability to consistently use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This intolerance can be due to various reasons: discomfort, constriction, Noise, Dryness, overall inconvenience in the bedroom, including dissatisfaction from his bed partner. The Turning Point and Improved Sleep The turning point came when Kennard experienced the benefits of using an Oral Appliance which was designed by Master Technician David Gergen, CEO of Gergens Orthodontic Lab. Oral appliances are generally considered to be more comfortable than CPAP masks. They are small, fit entirely inside the mouth, and do not require a face mask, straps, or tubing. They are also convenient for travel because oral appliances are compact and portable, compared to CPAP machines. The Advocate Emerges Kennard’s experience with sleep apnea turned him into an advocate for awareness of the condition, especially among athletes. He recognized that the size and weight associated with being an NFL lineman—an asset on the field—could contribute to the risk of sleep apnea off the field. A Broader Impact Kennard’s story has had a ripple effect, encouraging fellow athletes and the public to take sleep seriously. He has spoken out about the importance of proper sleep for overall health and performance. His message is clear: if sleep apnea can affect a professional athlete in peak physical condition, it can impact anyone. The Legacy of Awareness Today, Kennard continues to spread the word about sleep apnea, working with organizations such as the American Sleep and Breathing Academy “ASBA” which aim to bring sleep disorders to the forefront of health discussions. His legacy is not only shaped by his achievements on the football field but also by his commitment to tackling sleep apnea head-on. Derek Kennard’s experience is a testament to the importance of sleep health and the impact that awareness can have. As more light is shed on sleep apnea, thanks to voices like Kennard’s, the hope is that more people will seek the help they need and achieve the restful sleep they deserve.