We all know someone who snores in their sleep. Some people choose to dismiss the condition as something casual; some people find it too irritating to ignore. What if I told you that snoring has the possibility of being a symptom of a latent medical condition? All sleepers that suffer from sleep apnea snore, but not all snorers have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a result of an obstruction in the airways, hence the sleeper stops breathing for a short while. Someone with sleep apnea is at the risk of developing a severe heart condition later in their lifetime. When such an individual goes to the doctor, the doctor will prescribe remedies such as an EPAP device. Let us learn more about the EPAP devices that available to a sleeper with sleep apnea.
#1- BongoRX
This device has to be the most innovative EPAP device yet. BongoRX was first available to buyers in 2019, and the device has received its share of praise and criticism. This Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure device is used to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Despite being an alternative for the CPAP device, it can only treat mild to medium sleep apnea. The product needs two nasal seals to be fully operational. When the sleeper inhales, small valves open to enable the user to breathe normally. When a person exhales, the valves in the device close to direct the air through vent holes. The air pressure encourages the airways to open until the sleeper inhales again. This cycle goes on all night until the sleeper wakes up and removes the device.
Features of bongorx epap devices
- Manufactures use soft silicone material to make the EPAP device
- One starter kit includes one small, one medium, one large, and one extra-large pillow so that the sleeper can find the right size.
- Being that the device does not require a power supply, the sleeper can pack it when they decide to travel.
- It is easy to use hence becomes fully operational after purchase.
- After several clinical tests, the device has approval from the FDA.
- The device comes with a 14-day risk-free trial.
Pros
- Because of its material, the device is easy to clean and maintain
- This device is reusable and can last as long as three months.
- The device is portable and therefore travel- friendly. Its size also makes it discrete, and the user does not need to assemble or disassemble before and after use.
- Positive feedback received such as; the nasal device is an anti-allergen, and the material used helps it not attract bacteria or fungus.
- Unlike other alternative EPAP devices, it can be used by sleepers with sinuses or nasal congestion issues.
- An approved alternative for users who do not want to use bulky devices such as CPAP.
- In the device’s package, there is a headgear for users who move aggressively in their beds.
- This device is also one of the most comfortable EPAP devices compared to other alternative products.
Cons
- The product should treat mild or medium sleep apnea. Individuals with severe sleep apnea have to use bulky devices such as CPAP.
- One cannot obtain the device without a doctor’s prescription. Paying the doctor’s fees and purchasing the device can be expensive in summation.
#2- Provent
Despite its simplicity, Provent has reported improvements across all levels of obstructive sleep apnea regardless of severity. This type of effective therapy can shield the sleeper from any risks untreated sleep apnea brings. Obstructive sleep apnea will affect an individual’s sleep and anyone with access to the environment where they sleep. This type of therapy does not need electricity because it uses the power of an individual’s breath to keep the airways clear. Provent works best when applied every night.
Features of provent epap devices
- Placed the device inside the nostrils and held firm by a hypoallergenic adhesive.
- Provent uses proprietary MicroValve features that create pressure when you exhale to keep your airways open.
- Provent has approval from the FDA.
- After various clinical trials and evidence of its effectiveness, a professional can only be prescribed the product.
- The package comes in a 30day supply kit that contains 30 nights resistance. The starter kit has two nights of low resistance, two nights of medium resistance, and 26 nights of regular resistance for 30 nights.
Pros of provent epap devices
- The user does not need to assemble or disassemble the device and so it very easy to use.
- The adhesive used is safe and firm, and once it sticks under the nose, it will not peel off until the user decides to remove it.
- Unlike BongoRX device, Provent is used to treat severe obstructive sleep apnea.
- It is discrete and convenient for users who intend to manage sleep apnea when they are away from their own homes’ comfort and privacy.
- The adhesive does not contain any materials that could trigger allergic reactions such as rubber or latex.
- Being that the device is disposable, the user can maintain hygiene and avoid infections.
Cons
- There have been difficulties with inhalation and exhalation reported by some users.
- Provent is not for users suffering from sinuses allergies or cold infections that block the nose.
- Some users have reported nasal discomfort, congestion, and itching while using the device.
- Headaches and insomnia are but a few severe side effects of the product.
- Provent does not eliminate sleep apnea and works partially for some of its users.
- The product is not environmentally friendly because it is a disposable device without biodegradable material.
#3- Theravent Snore Therapy Strips
Most EPAP devices treat and manage sleep apnea; Theravent, on the other hand, is used to treat snoring. Theravent is the only FDA approved Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure device that has cures snoring. It has patented MicroValves in each strip to help regulate airflow to create gentle pressure in your airways, keeping it open to reduce the vibration that causes snoring. When an individual inhales, the nasal strip opens, and the air flows freely. When one breathes out, the small valves partially close, creating pressure in your throat. The pressure opens your airways to quiet the vibrations and silence snoring.
Features of theravent epap devices
- This product uses your breathing in conjunction with micro-valve technology to combat the source of the snoring.
- Users should apply the nasal strips on a clean, dry nose for the best results.
- The device comes with an adhesive seal that needs to be firmly applied to avoid air leakage from the strip’s sides.
- One does not need a prescription to obtain or use the device.
- Theravent comes with 20 strips per package.
- The product is not reusable.
Pros of theravent epap devices
- The device is clinically proven, and tests that show that it can eliminate snoring
- The strips are easy to use because all one needs is to do is place them under their nose.
- It is ideal for travel and an alternative for less discrete devices such as mouthpieces and CPAP machines.
- The adhesive seal does not contain toxic latex or rubber.
- The treatment is non-intrusive, so it’s suitable for user boycotting intrusive anti-snoring devices.
- The product promises instant relief for both light and loud snorers.
- The device does not need electricity to perform its functions. It can be used by campers and researchers when they are away from power outlets.
Cons
- Most of its users complain about insomnia and difficulty breathing when they first start using the nasal strip.
- The adhesive strip has proven faulty to some sleepers who say the seal peels after a while
- Some snorers have complained that the device does not deliver as promised. Some say they did not stop snoring.
- The product is not suitable for mouth breathers who continued snoring.
- Uncomfortable as it is, some users wake up with a dry mouth because they breathe through their mouths instead.
- Theravent is not used to treat sleep apnea.
Conclusion
All the EPAP devices outlined above are applied inside or on the nose to treat sleep apnea and snoring. They have adopted a non-intrusive technology that has appealed to most of their users. Moreover, they are comfortable, discrete, and travel-friendly for users who need alternative solutions. They do not require complex user or maintenance guidelines, and so they are easy to use. EPAP devices have unique features and a balance of both pros and cons. Remember, none of the products work for everyone, so try out your perfect fit before dismissing them all.
For the products that need prescriptions, one will have to book a consultation with a sleep technologist, therapist, or any other certified physician to use the devices. With the extensive research I have done, most of the nasal products are not covered by insurance because they are alternative treatment forms. BongoRX retails for a little over $100, while the rest come in budget packs around the same price. The devices are not too pricey for patients paying out of pocket. Enjoy a restful night with any of the three devices.