Advances in OSA Management: Treatment of Positional Obstructive 
Sleep Apnea

 

Speaker:  

Helene A. Emsellem, MD 

Director of The Center for Sleep & Wake Disorders 

Chevy Chase, MD  

 

 

Description: 

Positional Obstructive Sleep Apnea (POSA) is not a new disorder. It has long been recognized that sleep position can affect the severity of OSA. Positional therapy, along with weight management, is one of the most commonly used methods for treating POSA patients. There are many sleep devices on the market today to prevent sleeping in the supine position, however, they are not without limitations.  Today, we will discuss just how far we have come since treating POSA patients with the tennis ball technique.

 

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this activity, the attendee will be able to:

1. Discuss the limitations of existing positional devices used to treat Positional OSA (POSA) patients.

2. Describe new technological therapy treatment for Positional OSA.

3. Describe how to screen POSA patients for Positional therapy.

4. Describe best practices for prescribing NightBalance for POSA patients.

 

Faculty Bios:

Dr. Emsellem is the Director of The Center for Sleep and Wake Disorders in Chevy Chase, MD, and a Clinical Professor of Neurology at George Washington University. She is interested in all aspects of sleep disorders including their diagnosis and treatment, the study of new agents, devices to manage sleep disorders and public education.  She is committed to the advancement of sleep medicine and is actively involved in clinical research in many areas of sleep including narcolepsy and excessive daytime sleepiness, Restless Leg Syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, circadian rhythm sleep disorders and insomnia.  Dr. Emsellem has been active with the National Sleep Foundation promoting Sleep Health to the public and is a frequently quoted media resource.  She is active with the National Sleep Foundation promoting Sleep Health to the public and is a frequently quoted media resource.  

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