03-29-2013, 09:20 PM
Provent Reportedly Goes Out of Business
Sleep Apnea Treatment Provent Reportedly Goes Out of Business
By Brandon Peters, M.D
For those who have sought treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with the Provent medical device, it seems that this therapy option will no longer be available as the company in San Jose, California has reportedly gone out of business, according to those familiar with its operations.
Provent consists of a small one-way valve that is secured at the nostril with an adhesive band. It allows a person to breathe in, but the valve closes with exhalation and retains some of the air. Gradually, pressure builds up within the airway. It was theorized that this would keep the airway from collapsing and prevent obstructive sleep apnea. Unfortunately, when the mouth comes open, this pressure gradient can be lost. Treatment effectiveness varied and, in general, Provent is not as successful as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), though the latter may be less tolerated.
Provent received widespread attention after a blog in The New York Times last year. It was an attractive option for overnight camping and travel in which electricity or a bulky device were less desirable. It also appealed to those who could not tolerate CPAP. Now that the product is unlikely to be available, a remaining alternative option may include the use of an oral appliance that is worn like a retainer at night and moves the lower jaw forward.
Ventus Medical, Inc., the parent company that produces Provent, was contacted directly for comment and to verify the discontinuation of Provent and the telephone line was repeatedly busy with no answer at a second customer service number. More information on this developing story will be provided as it is known.
fair use from:
http://sleepdisorders.about.com/b/2013/0...siness.htm
By Brandon Peters, M.D
For those who have sought treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with the Provent medical device, it seems that this therapy option will no longer be available as the company in San Jose, California has reportedly gone out of business, according to those familiar with its operations.
Provent consists of a small one-way valve that is secured at the nostril with an adhesive band. It allows a person to breathe in, but the valve closes with exhalation and retains some of the air. Gradually, pressure builds up within the airway. It was theorized that this would keep the airway from collapsing and prevent obstructive sleep apnea. Unfortunately, when the mouth comes open, this pressure gradient can be lost. Treatment effectiveness varied and, in general, Provent is not as successful as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), though the latter may be less tolerated.
Provent received widespread attention after a blog in The New York Times last year. It was an attractive option for overnight camping and travel in which electricity or a bulky device were less desirable. It also appealed to those who could not tolerate CPAP. Now that the product is unlikely to be available, a remaining alternative option may include the use of an oral appliance that is worn like a retainer at night and moves the lower jaw forward.
Ventus Medical, Inc., the parent company that produces Provent, was contacted directly for comment and to verify the discontinuation of Provent and the telephone line was repeatedly busy with no answer at a second customer service number. More information on this developing story will be provided as it is known.
fair use from:
http://sleepdisorders.about.com/b/2013/0...siness.htm
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