Provent Nose Plugs for Sleep Apnea

January 14, 2010

I have to admit, the idea that you could treat sleep apnea with nose plugs was very interesting. Ventus Medical's Provent is a totally different type of sleep apnea treatment using adhesive plugs that works by making breathing out slightly more difficult through your nose. When you inhale, your breathing is normal, but as you exhale, a slight bit of resistance is created, creating a gentle amount of positive pressure downstream in the throat, preventing the tongue and soft palate from collapsing.

The scientific explanation is a little complicated (even for me), but the gist of it is that at the end of exhalation, that's when your throat muscles are most prone to collapse. So by slightly increasing the pressure, a stent-like effect is created, just like with CPAP.

Their study involved 28 people who used the device over 3 nights in the lab. On average, the AHI dropped about 50% (19.1 to 8.2) and after 30 days at home, it stayed low at 10.6. Other studies have also shown an average drop of about 50%. As expected, patents with severe sleep apnea didn't respond as well. You can find out more about the results at the companies' website.

Another study showed that 94% of patients continued using the device for a significant number of hours on a regular nightly basis.

Without a doubt, Provent does work to various degrees in various people. But just like every other new sleep apnea treatment option, it's not a "magic bullet" that cures sleep apnea for 100% of patients. Looking at the numbers, It seems like it's no better than other minimally invasive options (except that it's not invasive).

Practically speaking, I've had limited experience using this device in a handful of patients with mixed results. Some patients like it and others can't use it at all.

It's not covered by insurance yet, and it'll cost about $135 per month. They also have a rebate program for a 50% discount for the first few months. If you're interested in trying out Provent, an examination in the office is needed to make sure that you're a right candidate.

To learn more about Provent Therapy, click here.

Written by Steven Park · Filed Under Sleep Health
Tagged: ,provent, sleep apnea therapy, Ventus medical

9 Responses to “Provent Nose Plugs for Sleep Apnea”

JIMMY WEDDINGTON on September 14th, 2011 5:15 pm

would like provent trial– without prescription!!
Jennifer Wheeler on November 13th, 2011 9:40 pm

Hi Jimmy,

I am a respiratory therapist with a home medical equipment company that just started selling Provent. Right now Provent is available to prescription only, the rep would not even give it to me to try with a prescription. I work in Delaware and our company is offering a 30 day supply for $60.
Ludivico L. Joven on April 16th, 2012 9:46 pm

I am interested to use provent, but can I try it first before purchasing. I want to make sure that it will be useful to me because the CPAP that I bought before did not work to me. It deprives me of sleep. Please let me know asap.

Thank you.
Steven Park on April 16th, 2012 10:33 pm

If you want to try it, you’ll need a prescription from your doctor. It’s about $20 for a 10 day trial pack. If it works, then it’s about $60 per month.
Mary on April 17th, 2012 3:01 pm

Just because it is new,they make you go thru so much to see if it will work for you. Why can’t a sample be given to you to try and then if you can use it fine get a prescription for it. I don’t see the need for a prescription any how, it always seems to be about the money.
Steven Park on April 17th, 2012 3:56 pm

Mary,

It’s not only about the money. Obviously, they have to make money to stay in business. However, I think the initial $20 was designed to make you take more responsibility in using it appropriately. When you value something, psychologically, you end up putting in more effort. It’s just human nature.
kam Tissera on May 7th, 2012 2:48 pm

Hi!
I saw on T.V. yesterday May 6th 2012, advetisemtn of KCAL news about the nose plug for sleep apnea. Is this your product?
How can I buy this?
Please let me know.
Thanks, Kam
Christy on May 10th, 2012 12:16 pm

Hi, I also saw this on tv the other day and would like to know how I can buy your product. Please let me know
James Daniels on May 11th, 2012 2:05 am

The idea that a nose plug with a one way valve is available only by perscription is one of the most accurate categorizaitons of the American Medical system I have seen. There is no possible rational excuse for such a requirement, just the usual “to protect you” bullship to be sure everyone is cut in on the money.