R. Kirk Huntsman
Addressing the sleep apnea crisis: Non-invasive devices for improved health outcomes
February 07, 2025
By R. Kirk Huntsman
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a widespread but often overlooked condition, characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. Despite affecting approximately 80 million adults in the U.S., an estimated 80% of cases go undiagnosed. Its impact extends far beyond disrupted rest, posing serious risks to cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and overall well-being.
For healthcare professionals, OSA represents a critical public health challenge. This widespread underdiagnosis not only compromises individual health but also contributes to an economic burden of $149.6 billion annually, driven by increased healthcare utilization, motor vehicles and workplace accidents, and lost productivity.
Traditional treatments like positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy and surgical interventions, while effective, often face patient adherence issues due to comfort and convenience concerns. Emerging non-invasive, non-surgical devices are now transforming the management of OSA. These innovative solutions provide healthcare providers, technology buyers, and decision-makers with tools that enhance patient outcomes while addressing barriers to treatment adherence.
Challenges with current treatments for OSA
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines have long been the standard in managing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), delivering a constant flow of air through a mask to keep airways open during sleep. However, patient adherence remains a significant challenge, with many finding the masks uncomfortable and the noise disruptive. Studies estimate that approximately 20% of OSA patients discontinue CPAP use over time, often due to a lack of perceived benefit, leaving a substantial portion untreated. These challenges underscore the critical need for alternative solutions that combine clinical efficacy with improved patient comfort and satisfaction.
Mandibular advancement devices (MADs), which resemble custom-fitted mouthguards, offer a less intrusive alternative. These devices reposition the jaw to help prevent airway obstruction. While suitable for some patients, MADs often cause discomfort, such as jaw pain, and are not always effective for individuals with moderate to severe OSA.
Surgical interventions, ranging from tissue removal to implantable devices that stimulate airway muscles, present another option. While often effective, these procedures are invasive, carry inherent risks, and require significant recovery time, making them less appealing for many patients.
These limitations underscore the urgent need for innovative, patient-friendly solutions. The healthcare market demands advancements that not only address the clinical efficacy of OSA treatment but also improve patient comfort, adherence, and outcomes.
Advancing OSA management with non-invasive solutions
Non-invasive, non-surgical devices are emerging as game-changers in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), offering healthcare professionals and decision-makers innovative alternatives to traditional therapies. Designed to maintain airway patency without the need for masks, machines, or invasive interventions, these advanced solutions prioritize patient comfort and adherence.
Unlike CPAP machines or MADs, these next-generation devices are lightweight, easy to use, and customizable to individual patient needs. Some function by gently stimulating airway muscles to prevent collapse, while others are tailored to fit the patient’s oral cavity or throat structure. Their primary goal is to provide effective, user-friendly treatment options that encourage consistent use—a critical factor for long-term success in managing OSA.
Unlike CPAP machines, which focus on managing symptoms, non-invasive devices address the root cause of OSA. By targeting the underlying issues, such as muscle tone or anatomical structure, these solutions work to resolve the obstructions themselves rather than merely mitigating their effects. This fundamental difference enhances not only patient outcomes but also the overall efficiency and effectiveness of OSA treatment strategies.
The health risks of untreated OSA
Untreated sleep apnea poses significant risks to both physical and mental health, making it a critical issue for healthcare professionals and decision-makers. Repeated airway closures during sleep result in oxygen desaturation, placing immense strain on the heart and other vital organs. Over time, this increases the risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney dysfunction, with cascading effects on overall health outcomes.
OSA is particularly prevalent among cardiac patients, occurring in approximately 35% of those with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and about 30% with reduced ejection fraction. This correlation underscores the necessity of addressing OSA not only to enhance sleep quality but also as a cornerstone of comprehensive chronic disease management.
Beyond its physical toll, untreated OSA profoundly affects mental health and cognitive function. Patients frequently experience heightened anxiety, depression, persistent daytime fatigue, impaired concentration, and irritability. These symptoms can degrade quality of life and productivity, emphasizing the urgent need for effective and accessible interventions in OSA care.
Why non-invasive devices stand out
Non-invasive devices are revolutionizing the management of OSA by combining clinical efficacy with patient-centric design. These advanced solutions not only address the physiological challenges of OSA but also provide patients with a seamless, user-friendly experience. Unlike traditional treatments, non-invasive devices integrate effortlessly into daily life, making breathing easier without the bulk, discomfort, or complexity associated with CPAP machines or the invasiveness of surgical interventions.
For patients who have struggled with CPAP adherence or are wary of surgery, these devices offer an appealing alternative. They are lightweight, unobtrusive, and simple to operate, effectively keeping the airway open without the noise, inconvenience, or extended recovery time tied to other treatment methods.
By ensuring consistent use and improving patient comfort, non-invasive devices help mitigate the serious health risks associated with untreated OSA, including cardiovascular disease and stroke. More importantly, they empower patients to regain restorative sleep and improve their overall quality of life—an outcome that resonates with healthcare professionals, medical experts, and decision-makers aiming to deliver impactful, patient-first solutions.
The bigger picture
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is not only a significant health concern but also a major economic burden. Addressing this widespread issue with effective, user-friendly treatments could save billions annually while transforming the lives of millions of patients.
Non-invasive devices that prioritize patient comfort and ease of use present an effective solution. By offering convenient, non-surgical alternatives, these devices improve adherence to treatment while promoting better sleep, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, enhancing mental health, and boosting overall well-being. These benefits extend beyond the individual patient, contributing to healthier communities and a more efficient healthcare system.
What lies ahead
Despite its prevalence, many patients remain unaware of the condition's impact on their health. Traditional treatments like CPAP machines and surgery are effective for some, but they do not meet the needs of all patients. Non-invasive, non-surgical devices represent a promising alternative, addressing key concerns such as comfort, ease of use, and long-term efficacy.
For healthcare professionals, decision-makers, and technology buyers, exploring these innovative devices is essential for offering patients a viable treatment option that fits their lifestyle. These solutions provide more than just restorative sleep; they protect patients' health, reduce the risks of serious complications, and ensure that OSA treatment is as accessible and effective as possible.
About the author: R. Kirk Huntsman, Chairman, CEO and Co-founder of Vivos Therapeutics, is a distinguished leader in the dental and healthcare industries, renowned for founding and growing successful dental service organizations (DSOs). In 1995, he founded Dental One, expanding it to over 165 practices across 15 states before its sale in 2008. He later led ReachOut Healthcare America, a Morgan Stanley Private Equity portfolio company, and established both Xenith Practices and Ortho Ventures. Since 2016, Kirk has served as CEO and chairman of Vivos, driving advancements in dental technology. As a founding member of the Association of Dental Support Organizations (ADSO), he continues to shape the industry's future.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a widespread but often overlooked condition, characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. Despite affecting approximately 80 million adults in the U.S., an estimated 80% of cases go undiagnosed. Its impact extends far beyond disrupted rest, posing serious risks to cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and overall well-being.
For healthcare professionals, OSA represents a critical public health challenge. This widespread underdiagnosis not only compromises individual health but also contributes to an economic burden of $149.6 billion annually, driven by increased healthcare utilization, motor vehicles and workplace accidents, and lost productivity.
Traditional treatments like positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy and surgical interventions, while effective, often face patient adherence issues due to comfort and convenience concerns. Emerging non-invasive, non-surgical devices are now transforming the management of OSA. These innovative solutions provide healthcare providers, technology buyers, and decision-makers with tools that enhance patient outcomes while addressing barriers to treatment adherence.
Challenges with current treatments for OSA
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines have long been the standard in managing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), delivering a constant flow of air through a mask to keep airways open during sleep. However, patient adherence remains a significant challenge, with many finding the masks uncomfortable and the noise disruptive. Studies estimate that approximately 20% of OSA patients discontinue CPAP use over time, often due to a lack of perceived benefit, leaving a substantial portion untreated. These challenges underscore the critical need for alternative solutions that combine clinical efficacy with improved patient comfort and satisfaction.
Mandibular advancement devices (MADs), which resemble custom-fitted mouthguards, offer a less intrusive alternative. These devices reposition the jaw to help prevent airway obstruction. While suitable for some patients, MADs often cause discomfort, such as jaw pain, and are not always effective for individuals with moderate to severe OSA.
Surgical interventions, ranging from tissue removal to implantable devices that stimulate airway muscles, present another option. While often effective, these procedures are invasive, carry inherent risks, and require significant recovery time, making them less appealing for many patients.
These limitations underscore the urgent need for innovative, patient-friendly solutions. The healthcare market demands advancements that not only address the clinical efficacy of OSA treatment but also improve patient comfort, adherence, and outcomes.
Advancing OSA management with non-invasive solutions
Non-invasive, non-surgical devices are emerging as game-changers in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), offering healthcare professionals and decision-makers innovative alternatives to traditional therapies. Designed to maintain airway patency without the need for masks, machines, or invasive interventions, these advanced solutions prioritize patient comfort and adherence.
Unlike CPAP machines or MADs, these next-generation devices are lightweight, easy to use, and customizable to individual patient needs. Some function by gently stimulating airway muscles to prevent collapse, while others are tailored to fit the patient’s oral cavity or throat structure. Their primary goal is to provide effective, user-friendly treatment options that encourage consistent use—a critical factor for long-term success in managing OSA.
Unlike CPAP machines, which focus on managing symptoms, non-invasive devices address the root cause of OSA. By targeting the underlying issues, such as muscle tone or anatomical structure, these solutions work to resolve the obstructions themselves rather than merely mitigating their effects. This fundamental difference enhances not only patient outcomes but also the overall efficiency and effectiveness of OSA treatment strategies.
The health risks of untreated OSA
Untreated sleep apnea poses significant risks to both physical and mental health, making it a critical issue for healthcare professionals and decision-makers. Repeated airway closures during sleep result in oxygen desaturation, placing immense strain on the heart and other vital organs. Over time, this increases the risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney dysfunction, with cascading effects on overall health outcomes.
OSA is particularly prevalent among cardiac patients, occurring in approximately 35% of those with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and about 30% with reduced ejection fraction. This correlation underscores the necessity of addressing OSA not only to enhance sleep quality but also as a cornerstone of comprehensive chronic disease management.
Beyond its physical toll, untreated OSA profoundly affects mental health and cognitive function. Patients frequently experience heightened anxiety, depression, persistent daytime fatigue, impaired concentration, and irritability. These symptoms can degrade quality of life and productivity, emphasizing the urgent need for effective and accessible interventions in OSA care.
Why non-invasive devices stand out
Non-invasive devices are revolutionizing the management of OSA by combining clinical efficacy with patient-centric design. These advanced solutions not only address the physiological challenges of OSA but also provide patients with a seamless, user-friendly experience. Unlike traditional treatments, non-invasive devices integrate effortlessly into daily life, making breathing easier without the bulk, discomfort, or complexity associated with CPAP machines or the invasiveness of surgical interventions.
For patients who have struggled with CPAP adherence or are wary of surgery, these devices offer an appealing alternative. They are lightweight, unobtrusive, and simple to operate, effectively keeping the airway open without the noise, inconvenience, or extended recovery time tied to other treatment methods.
By ensuring consistent use and improving patient comfort, non-invasive devices help mitigate the serious health risks associated with untreated OSA, including cardiovascular disease and stroke. More importantly, they empower patients to regain restorative sleep and improve their overall quality of life—an outcome that resonates with healthcare professionals, medical experts, and decision-makers aiming to deliver impactful, patient-first solutions.
The bigger picture
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is not only a significant health concern but also a major economic burden. Addressing this widespread issue with effective, user-friendly treatments could save billions annually while transforming the lives of millions of patients.
Non-invasive devices that prioritize patient comfort and ease of use present an effective solution. By offering convenient, non-surgical alternatives, these devices improve adherence to treatment while promoting better sleep, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, enhancing mental health, and boosting overall well-being. These benefits extend beyond the individual patient, contributing to healthier communities and a more efficient healthcare system.
What lies ahead
Despite its prevalence, many patients remain unaware of the condition's impact on their health. Traditional treatments like CPAP machines and surgery are effective for some, but they do not meet the needs of all patients. Non-invasive, non-surgical devices represent a promising alternative, addressing key concerns such as comfort, ease of use, and long-term efficacy.
For healthcare professionals, decision-makers, and technology buyers, exploring these innovative devices is essential for offering patients a viable treatment option that fits their lifestyle. These solutions provide more than just restorative sleep; they protect patients' health, reduce the risks of serious complications, and ensure that OSA treatment is as accessible and effective as possible.
About the author: R. Kirk Huntsman, Chairman, CEO and Co-founder of Vivos Therapeutics, is a distinguished leader in the dental and healthcare industries, renowned for founding and growing successful dental service organizations (DSOs). In 1995, he founded Dental One, expanding it to over 165 practices across 15 states before its sale in 2008. He later led ReachOut Healthcare America, a Morgan Stanley Private Equity portfolio company, and established both Xenith Practices and Ortho Ventures. Since 2016, Kirk has served as CEO and chairman of Vivos, driving advancements in dental technology. As a founding member of the Association of Dental Support Organizations (ADSO), he continues to shape the industry's future.