CPAP Replacement for Apnea?
Today I read an article on a new potential treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Apparently a medical innovations company, announced today that it has begun patient enrollment for a proof of mechanism clinical trial for BGC20-0166, a pharmaceutical (AKA a pill) designed to treat obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. This medication according to the manufacturer shows "great promise" and may make it through the rigorous clinical trials process (of the FDA) quickly since it is a combination of two previously approved medications. Results are expected in the second half of 2006.
This brings up some interesting discussion points. First that someone might be able to take a pill as opposed to wearing a CPAP mask, have a dental appliance, or some type of surgical correction, would be a marvel of modern medicine. However, I caution everyone from getting too excited, too quickly. True it would be great, and true with prior approved chemicals it could be faster to market than others, but this process its going to take an increasingly long time.
In addition, we see that side effect profiles for many drugs inthese types of categories can be worse than the original affliction itself. What interests me most are the ideas behind understanding the mechanisms of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (which effects up to 4% of the US population) and the potential for short circuiting it.
I will be keeping my eye on this research, but I do not expect we will be replacing the CPAP anytime soon.
Related Topics: Surgery Proves Effective for Sleep Apnea, FDA Approves New Sleep Apnea Implant
This brings up some interesting discussion points. First that someone might be able to take a pill as opposed to wearing a CPAP mask, have a dental appliance, or some type of surgical correction, would be a marvel of modern medicine. However, I caution everyone from getting too excited, too quickly. True it would be great, and true with prior approved chemicals it could be faster to market than others, but this process its going to take an increasingly long time.
In addition, we see that side effect profiles for many drugs inthese types of categories can be worse than the original affliction itself. What interests me most are the ideas behind understanding the mechanisms of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (which effects up to 4% of the US population) and the potential for short circuiting it.
I will be keeping my eye on this research, but I do not expect we will be replacing the CPAP anytime soon.
Related Topics: Surgery Proves Effective for Sleep Apnea, FDA Approves New Sleep Apnea Implant
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6 Comments:
Another use for CPAP:
I bought a CPAP machine 2 years ago for obstructive sleep apnea. Although difficult to get used to at first, it has been a real blessing. But not just because of sleep apnea.
I had terrible trouble with GERD (night-time gastric reflux) that would wake me in the night choking on my stomach contents and in terrible pain in my throat and chest. Many nights I had to sleep sitting up on the couch because each time I fell asleep, the acid in my chest and mouth awakened me, and I tried many pharmaceutical cures, with limited success. My dentist said that my teeth had been etched with the acid quite badly. And then I bought my CPAP.
The first night I got right through the night with my CPAP machine on was a night of no GERD. And then the next and the next. A few weeks later, after no nightime reflux, I went on a short business trip without my CPAP machine. Bad mistake -- back to the pain of GERD. I have rarely slept without CPAP since, and on each occassion without the machine, GERD troubles me again.
I have never read anywhere else that anyone has tried CPAP as a treatment for GERD, but I hope this note encourages some research to be done.
-Rebecca
I too have suffered the disturbing event of waking up in the middle of the night with GERD. The first time it happend just about frightened me to death. Since that time I usually experience it about once a month.
I was diagnosed almost a year ago with sleep apnea and since getting my CPAP machine have not had one incidence of GERD.
I love it.
-Dale
I purchased a Cpap machine after having had a sleep study which diagnosed me with severe sleep apnea. The first night took a hour or so for me to get use to the pressure of the air, I chose to use the gel mask since it felt more comfortable. The next day when I awakened was truly a blessing in the way I felt. It seems like I took 20 years of aging off of my life. I was more energetic and alive. My only regret is not having used the cpap 10 years ago, that is if it was around then. I could not stop talking about the wonderful effects I have received from the cpap machine.
Ray
Chicago, IL.
have had Sleep Apnea (diagnosed) for 3 years now.
I have a Respironics Remstar CPAP machine and have been searching for replacement filters online. I find the filters to be very expensive especially the shipping costs to get 3 filters to my door. I wanted to share the following site I found over the weekend: www.cpapfiltersandsupplies.com
They have by far the best pricing and shipping costs.
have had Sleep Apnea (diagnosed) for 3 years now.
I have a Respironics Remstar CPAP machine and have been searching for replacement filters online. I find the filters to be very expensive especially the shipping costs to get 3 filters to my door. I wanted to share the following site I found over the weekend: www.cpapfiltersandsupplies.com
They have by far the best pricing and shipping costs.
I just started using a CPAP unit called Remstar. I am having trouble falling asleep because of the noise of the air escaping around the bottom of the mask when I sleep on my side. The only way that I don't hear the air is when I am laying on my back and looking straight up. The first night I slept on my side and woke up with a sore ear. Also the mask leaves indentions on my upper cheeks and nose. Any ideas to avoid these? Monday night, I couldn't fall asleep, but left the mask on for three hours before removing it. How does the air aid the heart? It seems like I wake up and my heart is pumping harder when I didn't use the CPAP.
AZ lady
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