Renowned Sleep Expert Dr. Jerrold Kram to Present New Sleep Apnea Treatment by Sommetrics at SLEEP 2018

[D.H.]

From what I can understand, this is an innovative twist on the CPAP theme. Instead of blowing positive pressure into the airway, this device fits around the neck (like a collar) and sucks the neck outward to keep the airway open. I was able to find a photo of the device; which is included below.

Article ===> https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/ ... am-Present

[salinas212]

Hope its successful but can't help thinking; "biggest hickey ever!"

[Cpapian]

Hope its successful but can't help thinking; "biggest hickey ever!"

You're not far off, some of the 15 participants had skin issues from the ONE night study!

Looks like a cervical collar except air pressure holds it on, instead of the back of the collar.

If it is cheap enough, it might be okay for travelling, camping or sedated medical procedures.

[D.H.]

Perhaps skin issues can be addressed by a little tinkering, I think that the plastic that contacts the neck might be very allergenic. It's looks a lot like the mask seal that I've had issues with (which I solved by a vinegar pre-rinse).

[salinas212]

to me "negative pressure" is a kinder/gentler definition of vacuum. Its not pressure or positive pressure that pulls the larynx and surrounding soft tissue area outward but rather the built-in Hoover attached to the front of the contraption. For all I know it may be capable of sucking the icing off a birthday cake from across the room! Not saying "notta chance" but I'm doubtful. Then again I struggle with helicopters and bumble bees flying... makes no sense to me.

[Goofproof]

Looks and sounds like another device to keep the lame patients from getting the XPAP treatment that works, Does the bulb download the data, or do you need to buy the Sleep Lab extra. Plenty of fools to fleece, line up! Jim

[Janknitz]

Looks incredibly annoying to me, but I used to think that about CPAP, too.

I guess we'll see.

[Pugsy]

Looks incredibly annoying to me, but I used to think that about CPAP, too.

I guess we'll see.

Pretty much my thoughts but since I don't see a request to "fund my crazy ideas" like we did with the Airing...maybe it will work for some people.

If they want to give me one and let me try it...I would do it. I think it would be critical to have a sleep study while using it though just to make sure it works...that's the skeptic in me talking. He's a pretty outspoken dude.

[jnk...]

I see links to the two early studies, but is the latest study that they quote linked to publicly?

And I really wish they didn't feel the need to say bad things about PAP in order to promote their product.

https://vimeo.com/202383258

I see no way this could prevent collapse in the upper part of the upper airway--such as tongue falling back, even though they say . . .

helping to shift the throat tissue and tongue forward, -- https://www.medgadget.com/2018/03/aersl ... trics.html

[HoseCrusher]

Cost?

[OkyDoky]

So far it looks like it is only sold by prescription in Canada. Is it set at a fixed rate or how does it determine when to apply the neg. pressure? It seems to me it would pull the skin but not sure it would the tongue or airway tissues. Must have pretty good suction or it would come off with an active sleeper. I think it would wake me up and disturb my sleep. Guess we'll have to stay tuned for the rest of the story.

[jnk...]

I have no interest in using this product, but if they instead perfected using that same battery-powered pump on the front of some P10-like pillows to apply positive pressure inside the airway, THAT would catch my attention.

[Arlene1963]

The small study certainly looks promising in terms of reducing AHI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28633720

I'd love to try it! Why not?

However, since it is by prescription only and I no longer have a sleep specialist and very much doubt I could get my NP to prescribe it (I am fully CPAP "compliant") it is probably not going to happen for me.

I wonder why it is available in Canada and not the US?

[D.H.]

It doesn't look appealing to me either. However, many patients are afraid of asphyxiation (not a realistic fear, but it's out there) and might just find this more suitable. Also, there are various reasons that patients can't use CPAP, so hopefully, at least some of them can use this. I think that might be especially the case those who have problems exhaling against the pressure.

[salinas212]

"I wonder why it is available in Canada and not the US?"

My first guess would be USFDA certification/approval. If it works as advertised and the designers have wheelbarrows of money and 5-10 years to throw at it, pursue & test in clinical trials its a definite 'maybe.'