2015

All posts from 2015

Evaluation of a non-ablative Er: YAG laser procedure to increase the oropharyngeal airway volume: A pilot study

by CosmicPang on December 5, 2015 No comments

Background: Sleep disordered breathing, specifically obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is due to constriction of the oropharyngeal airway during sleep and has major public health implications. By conservative estimates, 3% of the adult population are suffering from OSA characterized by sleep deprivation, fatigue during the day and somnolence. the most common treatment for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). However, CPAP does not eliminate the cause of OSA.

Methods: The goal of this prospective pilot study was to evaluate the changes of the total airway volume and most constricted area of the oropharyngeal airway using a non-ablative laser procedure. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were obtained from seven patients enrolled in the study. Airway volume measurements were calculated before and after laser treatment using 3D volumetric software.

Results: The photothermic effects of a non-ablative laser procedure increased the mean total airway volume from 10.23 ± 0.94 mL to 12.54 ± 1.01 mL (p=0.0179), and the minimum cross-sectional area from 109.7 ± 20.6 mm2 to 142.4 ± 29.2 mm2 (p=0.0484) approximately 12 weeks post-laser treatment.

Conclusions: Non-ablative laser therapy may be a promising non-surgical treatment modality for increasing the oropharyngeal airway volume, especially the most constricted area.

Clinical implications: The results of this pilot study demonstrate that photothermal energy applied to the pharyngeal and palatal soft tissues may prove to be beneficial in the non-surgical management of sleep disordered breathing, especially the CPAP intolerant individual.

Download the full study here >

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CosmicPangEvaluation of a non-ablative Er: YAG laser procedure to increase the oropharyngeal airway volume: A pilot study

Nonsurgical Minimally Invasive Er:YAG Laser Snoring Treatment

by CosmicPang on December 5, 2015 No comments

This report describes a one year clinical experience performing the NightLase(TM) laser treatment on patients with snoring and other SDB symptoms. The NightLase treatment is based on a minimally invasive photo-thermal effect using Er:YAG laser light on oral mucosa.

In a period of one year we treated 57 patients having snoring and other SDB symptoms. All patients received three sessions of the NightLase laser treatment. Discomfort during the treatment was evaluated by the patients and potential side effects were monitored. Results were measured using a snoring questionnaire during follow-ups at 14 days and 45 days. Long-term effects for up to 15 month after the treatment were followed up on by performing telephone interviews. The majority (74%) of patients responded positively to the treatment, with an average improvement of snoring severity and SDB scores of 50% and 45.9%, respectively. Only mild discomfort during the treatment was recorded, and there were no other adverse effects.

The NightLase Er:YAG laser method has been found to be an effective, minimally invasive and safe method for treating patients with snoring and other SDB symptoms.

Download the full case study here >

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CosmicPangNonsurgical Minimally Invasive Er:YAG Laser Snoring Treatment

9 techniques to help stop snoring

by CosmicPang on November 4, 2015 No comments

There are many reasons for snoring from nasal congestion due to a cold or allergies, swollen tonsils or adenoids, enlarged tongue, or nasal problems like a deviated septum or bony growth. Regardless, if you are not getting adequate, quality sleep you should see a physician. Snoring can be a precursor to the more serious obstructive sleep apnoea.

Here are some of the things that you can try before you get a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) mask, custom MAS (mandibular advancement splint) or have the NightLase laser anti-snoring treatment:

  1. Lose some weight – often 10 – 15kg is needed to see a noticeable difference
  2. Avoid alcohol – it’s a relaxant and when your throat is more relaxed you snore more
  3. Sleep at a decent time – good sleep patterns ensure that you are not overtired and less likely to snore
  4. Prepare for bed – have a good routine to wind down – don’t have too much food or drink, make sure to go to toilet, read to relax
  5. Refrain from technology before bed – the bright LEDs from phones, tablets and laptops can overstimulate the brain and prevent it from switching off
  6. Don’t sleep on your back – difficult to prevent once you are asleep but try sewing a tennis ball into the back of your pyjamas or there are vibrating devices you can buy to train yourself to sleep on your side
  7. Nasal strips or cones – can open the nasal passages to allow better breathing
  8. Off the shelf MAS – products like the Z-Quiet can help reposition the jaw sufficiently to lessen snoring
  9. Chin straps – preventing mouth breathing will help ensure negative pressure intraorally
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CosmicPang9 techniques to help stop snoring

How Obstructive Sleep Apnea damages the brain

by CosmicPang on November 4, 2015 No comments

Researchers from UCLA are the first to provide evidence that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) contributes to a breakdown of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which plays an important role in protecting brain tissue.

The blood–brain barrier limits harmful bacteria, infections and chemicals from reaching the brain. A compromised blood-brain barrier function is associated with significant brain damage in stroke, epilepsy, meningitis, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions.

OSA is a disorder that causes frequent interruptions in breathing during sleep because the airways narrow or become blocked. The BBB becomes more ‘leaky’ which could contribute to brain damage, or potentially enhance or accelerate the damage.

Read the full article here >

 

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CosmicPangHow Obstructive Sleep Apnea damages the brain

How To Stop Snoring With New Laser Snoring Treatment

by CosmicPang on November 2, 2015 No comments

The fitness and wellness industries understand the importance of adequate, quality sleep. Snoring impacts about 40% of people leading to disturbed sleep for individuals and their partners. The NightLase anti-snoring treatment helps reduce the duration and volume of snoring without any surgery, anaesthetic, or downtime. Opening of the airways leading to better breathing, improved sleep and better health.

Read the full article click here >

Dr Pang performing NightLase treatment

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CosmicPangHow To Stop Snoring With New Laser Snoring Treatment

Laser snoring and sleep apnoea reduction

by CosmicPang on October 30, 2015 No comments

It has been estimated that roughly 30–50% of the US population snore and almost one-third suffer from sleep apnoea. However, only 5% have been diagnosed and treated. Snoring and sleep apnoea result from obstructed airways. This can be an outcome of many different factors, such as anatomic deviations, tumours, polyps, allergies, large adenoids and tonsils, a large uvula or a long soft palate. Heavy snoring is sometimes called “heroic” snoring may affect bed partners, even causing marital conflict.

Download the full study here >

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CosmicPangLaser snoring and sleep apnoea reduction

Er:YAG Laser Treatment of Sleep-Disordered Breathing

by CosmicPang on October 19, 2015 No comments

Recently a new method (NightLase) for the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea that uses the benefits of Er:YAG laser light was presented. To test the method, the results of treatments on 75 patients with different degrees of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea were analyzed. The outcome of the treatment was very beneficial for the patients and the success rate after three treatments was 90%. More than 80% of the patients also reported that they breathed much easier, being more alert and focused. Our clinical study confirms that NightLase treatment is an efficient method for significant snoring reduction. The treatment is quick and easy to perform, minimally invasive, doesn’t require any anesthesia or post-operative therapy and has an extremely high success rate in producing a positive change in sleep patterns.

Download the full case study here >

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CosmicPangEr:YAG Laser Treatment of Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Laser-Assisted Snoring and Apnea Reduction – 9 Months Experience

by CosmicPang on October 19, 2015 No comments

Er:YAG lasers are very popular in dentistry and aesthetics. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of an Er:YAG laser to perform tightening of the uvula, soft palate and surrounding tissues with a patterned laser beam using non-ablative parameters to reduce snoring and sleep apnea.

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CosmicPangLaser-Assisted Snoring and Apnea Reduction – 9 Months Experience

NightLase Pilot Study

by CosmicPang on October 19, 2015 No comments

A novel method for the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea was recently proposed that utilizes laser beam photothermal effects on the mucosa tissue in the oropharynx.
The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of this method using both subjective patients’ assessments and objective polysomnographic measurements of snoring and apnea levels.

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CosmicPangNightLase Pilot Study

NightLase Laser Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Treatment

by CosmicPang on October 19, 2015 No comments

It’s been a month since we started the laser snoring treatments and we’ve seen over 90% of patients significantly reduce or stop snoring. That equates to many more hours of quality sleep each week for each patient.

Cosmic Smile Laser Dental is still the only dental surgery in NSW to perform the laser snoring treatment.

NightLase is a fast, patient-friendly and practically non-invasive treatment for snoring. It reduces snoring intensity with a gentle laser light treatment. It also can be used to help treat sleep apnoea for patients who can’t tolerate CPAP masks or oral devices. There is no anaesthesia needed for this procedure. Used effectively and safely in Europe for many years, this exciting procedure is now available in Australia.

Take a look at these SnoreLab recording of a patient pre- and post treatment:

SnoreLab-Stu_L-Before-270915SnoreLab-Stu_L-After-061015

Why NightLase Snoring Treatment?

  • No surgery or cutting
  • No anaesthesia required
  • No downtime
  • Safe, quick and comfortable to have done
  • Increases the quality of sleep
  • Lessens the intensity and duration of snoring
  • Highly successful
  • Stop Snoring FAQ

Three 20min sessions could stop your snoring! Increase the quality of your sleep by calling us on 9904 2880 to arrange an appointment today!

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CosmicPangNightLase Laser Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Treatment