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Good morning! The inventor of the CPAP wishes that we can get to a point where his creation is no longer needed. We think the dentists that look at More Than Teeth - pun intended - is the answer.

In Today’s edition:

• How Cold and Humidity Affect OSA

• Seasonal CPAP Compliance

• OSA According to Patient with Pacemakers

• Building Partnerships that Last

5-minute read👇

Clinical Corner

🥼Use the clinical corner as your secret weapon to impress your colleagues and patients!

Key Takeaways🔑

1/ How Cold Weather and Humidity Affect Sleep Apnea

Did you know cold weather can impact AHI and RDI? A study from 2015-2021 with 8,628 participants found that weather conditions, especially humidity and particulate matter (PM2.5), can influence obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity. Specifically, high Ambient Relative Humidity (RH) levels are a significant factor during colder months.

Why it matters: For dental sleep specialists, this insight can guide interventions during winter.

❄️ Key Takeaways:

• RH's Impact: A 1% rise in daily RH increases AHI by 0.02-0.03 events/h in OSA patients.

• The PM2.5 Effect: Decreasing PM2.5 by 1 μg/m3 reduces AHI by 0.03 events/h.

• Cold's Role: The RH and AHI connection is most pronounced in cold seasons.

• Recommendation: Minimize exposure to high RH and PM2.5 during cold months to better manage OSA.

2/ Seasonal CPAP Compliance With Sleep Apnea Patients

Recent research in Greece explored CPAP compliance among 954 OSA patients across seasons. T

he results? 57.7% of patients consistently used their CPAP devices throughout the year. However, 8.2% and 12% showed compliance in summer and winter, respectively. Interestingly, duration of CPAP use, mask type, and BMI influenced this seasonal trend.

Why it matters: Inconsistent CPAP use can hamper therapy effectiveness. Recognizing these patterns can lead to tailored, more effective strategies.

💡 Quick Takes:

• Mask Choice: Nasal pillow masks paired with auto CPAP devices increase compliance.

• Summer Dip: Fewer patients stick to their regimen during the summer months.

• Consistency Key: Longer CPAP use typically indicates better compliance.

• Body Matters: Those with a BMI up to 25 are more likely to adhere to device use.

3/ OSA and the Seasonal Shift According to Patient with Pacemakers

Winter could be a relief for OSA patients. A study examining individuals with Sorin/Livanova/Microport® pacemakers found that OSA severity varies with the seasons. Using the unique ability of these pacemakers to record nightly apnea, the research offered insights into how temperature swings influence OSA.

Why this matters: For those treating OSA, it's essential to recognize that summer intensifies RDI severity. .

📌 Takeaways:

• Study Tool: Pacemakers with integrated detection algorithms measured nocturnal apnea.

• Warmth Worsens: Summer saw RDI values 1.099 times higher than in winter.

• Winter Wins: Colder months showed reduced apnea severity.

Business of Sleep

📈Better businesses = more lives saved!

Building Lasting Partnerships: A Guide for Dental Sleep Specialists

Introduction

Collaboration is key in healthcare. For dental sleep specialists, building strong relationships with physicians can mean a world of difference in patient care and practice growth. Let's explore practical steps to enhance those vital connections.

1. Speak Their Language

Professional jargon can be a barrier. By mastering "Physician Speak," you ensure nothing gets lost in translation. Imagine seamlessly discussing a case of "bruxism" with a physician. That level of understanding is priceless for patient care and professional trust.

2. Swift Follow-ups

Time is of the essence. A quick turnaround after receiving a referral speaks volumes about your commitment to care. Consider digital tools to streamline scheduling – it could be the difference between a single referral and a long-term partnership.

3. Share Updates Clearly

Keep physicians in the loop with regular updates. A straightforward approach, using formats like SOAP notes, maintains clarity and shows respect for their time and contribution to the patient's health.

4. Return the Favor

Always refer patients back to their physicians. This practice, grounded in professional courtesy and ethical standards, nurtures a reciprocal relationship and is in line with healthcare regulations.

5. Understand Their World

Empathy goes a long way. Recognize the challenges physicians face, like time constraints and administrative burdens, and tailor your interactions to be more supportive and collaborative.

6. Be Reachable

Make communication easy. Whether through a direct line, email, or a shared digital platform, being accessible to physicians can significantly strengthen your professional bond.

7. Consistent Communication

Keep in touch without adding to their workload. Schedule regular, brief updates that are informative but not intrusive. And don't forget to engage with the physician’s staff – they’re often the gatekeepers to the relationship.

Conclusion

Strong partnerships are based on mutual respect and proactive communication. By implementing these steps, dental sleep specialists can secure a steady stream of referrals and create a network of collaboration that benefits everyone, especially the patient. Here's to building bridges in healthcare!

Something Sweet

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Miscellaneous

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