Although the Provent nasal device for sleep apnea treatment received approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2008, Ventus Medical—the company that manufactures Provent—began a more aggressive marketing push last year after published reports in The Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine and the peer-reviewed journal Sleep indicated the effectiveness of the product.
As the popularity of Provent grows and more insurance companies agree to cover Provent as a viable treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—the most common and dangerous sleep disorder—the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Ventus Medical announced a multiyear contract in February that would grant veterans with OSA access to Provent treatment.
According to Ventus, it is thought that one in five veterans has OSA, a rate four times higher than the general population. Although many veterans diagnosed with OSA had access to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) equipment, a significant number of those who try CPAP abandon the treatment due to the cumbersome masks, hoses and airflow gear.
Provent, which is available only by prescription, works by placing adhesive-backed ovular devices at the base of your nostrils prior to going to bed. The disposable devices feature a valve design that creates pressure when you exhale, allowing your airway to remain open.
Although there are numerous sleep apnea treatment options, it is important to note that no single treatment is right for everyone who suffers from OSA. If you experience sleep apnea symptoms, it’s important to consult with a physician or dentist qualified in sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment to find the best solution for your specific condition.
Please contact us to locate a dentist in your area who is qualified to diagnose and treat sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.