Provent

I was just reading about Provent, an alternative to traditional CPAP machines. I'm curious if anyone here has experience using it?
"The device contains two pinhole-size valves, one over each nostril. The valves let air in easily ... but there is resistance as the user exhales. That resistance creates a backpressure in the airways, dilating the muscles that would otherwise collapse." (New York Times 4/9/12) http://www.proventtherapy.com

Save your money!

It can be difficult to learn to use effectively, and is really best used as a substitute (i.e. if on a long plane ride where Cpap isn't practical or allowed). We'd all be on it if things were that easy.

I have a friend who could never use/accept cpap, and uses provent - she's 95, so guess it has worked for her somewhat. She is the most energetic person I've ever met. Incidentally, she only uses it sporadically, so have my doubts about the severity of her apnea.

I assume you still need a prescription for this?

Since the research I saw if I remember correctly, reduced the AHI by 50%, I wondering if it might be worth a try as long as I start with the least quantity available in case it turns out to be a disaster. My recent full scale sleep study said I had an AHI of 5.9. However, RDI was 23 so in light of that, would wonder if that would change the equation regarding effectiveness.

Initially, I thought that due to being a mouth breather, this would not work. But I haven't had any problems with wearing the elan cloth nasal mask in keeping mouth shut and with leaks, that makes me wonder if I would be able to tolerate them.

By the way, just so folks know, I have an appointment to see an ENT in January for an evaluation and revisit the possibility of having a septoplasty and turbinate reduction. I am also going to look into being evaluated for allergies.

49er

I think you can get a trial pack for little or nothing.

herefishy wrote:I think you can get a trial pack for little or nothing.

Thanks, it looks though I need a prescription which will be a pain in the neck but doable.