New Treatment For Common Sleep Problem
By Stephanie Stahl
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A breakthrough new kind of treatment for a serious sleeping disorder that effects millions of people. 3 On Your Side Health Reporter Stephanie Stahl shows you how it's giving couples a better nights sleep, and maybe more.
Ron Tucker and his wife Andy have a loving relationship. But something was getting in the way of their romance.
Every night before getting into bed, Ron had to put on a CPAP breathing device to treat his sleep apnea.
"Not sexy, totally a nightmare," said Ron.
"It was scary," said Andy.
Not anymore. Ron is now using something called Provent for sleep apnea. It works with little patches placed over each nostril.
The maker, Ventus Medical, says when patients inhale, the patch valves open, allowing for unobstructed air flow. When they exhale, the valves close, partially restricting airflow, maintaining pressure in the airway and keeping the throat open.
"It tends to be more successful in patients who have milder sleep apnea or people who just snore," said Dr. Jeffrey Barasch, a Sleep Disorder Specialist.
Doctors who prescribe Provent say it works differently than the CPAP machine, but has a similar result.
"In contrast to CPAP, which is virtually 100-percent effective, Provent reduces the breathing pauses or the apneas by about 50 percent," said Dr. Roy Artal, a Sleep Specialist.
Although some say that number is much higher.
"It works for me 99 percent of the time," said Ron.
"I like him a little better," said Andy.
"It has created such as easier lifestyle for me and for my wife. It has been a new beginning for us," said Ron.
The doctor says Provent is FDA approved to treat sleep apnea, but it's also shown in studies to decrease snoring.
It costs about $60 a month.
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