Photo: Christopher Hart, Founder of GoPAPfree and inventor of the O2Vent Optima | Source: Courtesy Photo
GoPAPfree Founder Gives Hope To Sleep Apnea Sufferers
Whether it's insomnia, falling asleep, or staying asleep through the night, the rate of people experiencing sleep disorders is on the rise.
By	Staff Contributors
Whether it's insomnia, falling asleep, or staying asleep through the night, the rate of people experiencing issues with sleeplessness and sleep disorders is on the rise.
According to the American Sleep Association, this number is as great as 70 million adults, with the most commonly diagnosed sleep disorder being insomnia. These figures, however, are not entirely accurate, according to a group of experts, who claim that despite the 22 million people diagnosed with sleep apnea, the majority – as much as 80 percent of people suffering from the disorder – are unaware of it. As such, they are less likely to seek a diagnosis or treatment.
At a top level, sleep apnea is described as a serious sleep disorder in which a person's breathing stops and starts during sleep. The disorder is usually diagnosed under three categories: obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form, central sleep apnea, which is when the brain doesn't send proper signals to muscles that control breathing, and complex sleep apnea syndrome, which is a combination of both central and complex sleep apnea.
The general course of treatment for the disorder starts with managing lifestyle factors such as weight, diet and exercise, which is typically supported by the application of various devices during sleep. One such device is the continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machine.
"25 Million U.S. adults have obstructive sleep apnea; 9-21% of women and 24-31% of men." American Sleep Association
These machines work by sending a steady flow of oxygen into the nose and mouth while the patient sleeps. Although generally effective at treating sleep apnea, CPAP machines do have a number of drawbacks. The most reported, and biggest reason for abandoning treatment according to the National Institute of Health, is the discomfort associated with wearing such a bulky mask to sleep. Unfortunately, this leaves those suffering from sleep apnea at heightened risk of developing a number of health problems including high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attacks.
With these risks in mind, it's clear that there needs to be alternatives for sleep apnea treatment that are less invasive. Thankfully, innovation, research and technology have converged to deliver a range of new solutions for the treatment of sleep apnea. One such innovation is the newly launched O2Vent Optima, a simple, minimally invasive device that can help manage the symptoms of sleep apnea and snoring.
Founder of GoPAPfree Launches O2Vent Optima to Treat Sleep Apnea
"We are very excited to announce the release of the O2Vent Optima device," states Christopher Hart, Founder of GoPAPfree and inventor of the O2Vent Optima.
"As a dentist and sufferer of sleep apnea, none of the existing CPAP solutions were a good fit for me. Out of desperation, I took my professional and personal knowledge to invent something that was both effective and comfortable. The positive impact of a consistent good night's sleep is incredible to experience. I hope to bring that life-changing result to anyone who suffers from sleep apnea."
Created by GoPAPFree, the O2Vent Optima is an exclusive, patented mouthguard appliance that treats sleep apnea by positioning the lower jaw forward to a comfortable range while also allowing the integrated airway channel to bypass congestion and areas of airway collapse, such as the tongue, soft palate and lateral walls.
The device is 3D printed, enabling each set to be customized precisely for the individual patient to deliver maximum comfort and effectiveness. The design of the device is so effective that a peer-reviewed trial found the O2Vent Optima is the only device that increases the response rate to sleep apnea therapy by 40 percent compared to standard mouthguards.
Additionally, clinical trials of the device identified the O2Vent Optima as the only device with a 100 percent response rate for the treatment of snoring. This means that the device not only offers an effective treatment for sleep apnea, but also offers relief to people who snore (as well as their sleeping partners).
While the main drawback of traditional CPAP machines is that they are bulky and uncomfortable, the O2Vent Optima was designed with comfort in mind, and as such is lightweight and discreet with no hoses, masks or machines. It's recommended for use in patients dealing with mild-to-moderate severe CPAP intolerant sleep apnea, snoring, as well as those suffering with nasal obstruction or other areas of airway collapse.
Photo: © Rawpixel.com, YFS Magazine
Thanks to the current social and economic climate around the COVID-19 pandemic, people across the country are more cost-conscious and apprehensive about receiving in-person medical care than ever before.
GoPAPfree addresses this through their care delivery model that enables patients to remotely access a free consultation to determine whether the O2Vent Optima is the right treatment for their sleep apnea, while at-home mold impression kits – similar to those used in at-home aligner systems – allow patients to do their own impressions for a precision fit. The appliance is priced with accessibility in mind, with most insurance plans providing coverage for sleep therapy devices and flexible payment options available for those paying out-of-pocket.
While those with sleep apnea have traditionally had few choices around treatment options for their disorder, they no longer need to worry about needing to wear a bulky, uncomfortable device for the rest of their lives. Thanks to new and groundbreaking innovations like GoPAPfree's O2Vent Optima Device, those with sleep apnea can look forward to a future where a good night's sleep is the norm, not the exception.
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