Inside Sleep with The Snoring Doctor Issue #4

Hello!

I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving and are enjoying the holiday season so far. In this month’s issue of Inside Sleep, we have some important things to look at. First, an oral appliance received FDA approval to treat severe sleep apnea—the first of its kind. Then, I want to discuss some findings about the relationship between sleep apnea and PTSD in members of the military—an issue that hits very close to home for me. 

Finally, we’ll wrap up with this month’s sleep myth and treatment spotlight. Hopefully, you’re all well-rested and ready to read!

Catching Up On Sleep: A Current Events Roundup

Vivos’ Oral Appliance Gets FDA Clearance for Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment

For a long time now, if you had severe sleep apnea, your treatment options were fairly straightforward. Most patients would be prescribed a CPAP machine, while others may come to surgeons like me for an Inspire Implant, for example. Well, finally, a new option has entered the equation. 

Very recently, Vivos Therapeutics achieved a major milestone by securing its first-ever 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults. This clearance applies to the use of Vivos' removable CARE oral appliances, which include their DNA oral appliance, the mRNA oral appliance, and the mmRNA oral appliance.

Vivos is now the first company to receive FDA approval for a clear alternative treatment for adult patients with severe OSA. They had already received clearance to use their oral appliances for mild-to-moderate OSA, but the severe OSA distinction really is significant. In fact, this is the first time the FDA has ever granted approval for an oral appliance to treat both moderate and severe OSA in adults aged 18 and older.

As I discussed in the previous edition of this newsletter, I’ve been using oral appliances with my mild-to-moderate sleep apnea patients for quite some time, and they really can be quite effective. I’m interested to see what sets this Vivos appliance apart from others on the market. But I know there are millions of people out there who want an alternative to their CPAP machine, and if this truly provides that, I consider that a monumental step forward in severe sleep apnea treatment.

Examining Sleep Apnea’s Impact on PTSD Patients

Some of you may know that I’m a former Marine, and I take a lot of pride in my time in the military. Those were formative years of my life that set me up for much of the success I’ve had since. But I’m also aware of how many former servicemembers suffer from PTSD, so when I saw this article about the relationship between PTSD and sleep apnea, I had to provide some thoughts. 

According to the article, “available data suggest that about 50% of active-duty military/veterans with PTSD have comorbid sleep apnea.” Similar patterns have been found in civilian populations with PTSD. We know that sleep apnea seriously affects cognition. Increased brain fog, fatigue, memory loss—all symptoms of sleep apnea. The frequent interruptions in sleep don’t allow the brain to operate at optimal levels during the day. 

If you’re being treated for PTSD, that’s a major issue. The effects here are different than what those who suffer from PTSD-related insomnia or nightmares experience. The article mentions that PTSD patients with untreated sleep apnea don’t respond as well to typically effective treatments like exposure therapy or medications. 

PTSD impacts countless servicemembers, and it appears sleep apnea does, too. If you suffer from PTSD or know someone who does, it might be worth seeking out a sleep study to see if sleep apnea is making things worse. On top of the other health benefits associated with treating sleep apnea, it could provide significant relief for your PTSD. 

Now, sleep apnea treatments like CPAP are difficult for a lot of people, but maybe more so for veterans with PTSD. They can feel claustrophobic and uncomfortable, which may be exacerbated by the disorder. If that could be a problem for you, ask about treatment alternatives—there are other options out there.

Sleep Mythbusting

The Truth: I’ve spoken about this in a number of ways, but the truth is that if you’re trying to lose weight without treating your sleep apnea first, you’re fighting a losing battle. Sleep apnea disrupts the hormones that allow your diet and exercise routines to achieve optimal results. 

Conventional thinking would have you believe that you need to lose weight to fix your sleep apnea, but we now know that that relationship isn’t quite right. While losing weight may help with your sleep apnea, you’ll have a very hard time shedding pounds if you aren’t also treating your sleep apnea.

Sleep Clip of the Month

Many people think that laying on your back causes snoring, but that’s not really the case. If you do snore, laying on your back can accentuate the snoring, but it won’t create a snoring problem that wasn’t already there. Check out the clip to learn more!

Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment Spotlight

Balloon Sinuplasty

This month let’s talk about the balloon sinuplasty. It’s a minimally invasive, straightforward procedure that can go a long way toward reducing snoring if your snoring is caused by sinusitis. balloon sinuplasty uses a small, flexible, balloon catheter to open up blocked sinuses. The recovery time is quick, typically 3-5 days. 

The balloon opens up blocked sinuses and drains mucus buildup. It also restructures and widens the walls of the sinus passageway without damaging the integrity of the sinus lining. This allows sinusitis patients to breathe easily again.

We determine who’s eligible for the procedure by conducting an exam of your sinuses to see what’s causing the blockage. Depending on the cause, we may recommend pairing the balloon sinuplasty with other procedures to fully address the problem.

How to further connect with The Snoring Doctor:

If you’d like to hear the latest sleep news, you’re in the right place.

To join in on the conversation, you can follow me on LinkedIn and Instagram.

If you’re ready to get treatment for your snoring and sleep apnea, reach out here to request an appointment.

Sweet dreams and happy breathing,

Dr. Ben Cilento, “The Snoring Doctor”

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