The Bongo Rx was first released in 2019 and has quickly become one of the most innovative EPAP devices in the market. A portable nasal device that uses expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the Bongo Rx is a competitor of the Provent Sleep Apnea device. These two EPAP devices share a few similarities.
Portable
Nasal devices
No power required
Uses EPAP during exhalation to keep your airway open
FDA cleared to treat mild to moderate OSA
A frequently asked question we hear from a lot of our potential customers is, “What’s the difference between the Bongo Rx and Provent?” Despite their similarities, the Bongo Rx and the Provent Sleep Apnea device have several major differences. This article is not about provent reviews. This is a brief Bongo Rx vs. the Provent Sleep Apnea device comparison, pointing out what makes these FDA-cleared sleep apnea devices unique from each other.
The Bongo Rx Is Reusable, Provent Sleep Apnea Device is Disposable
One of the biggest differences between the Bongo Rx and the Provent Sleep Apnea Device is that the Bongo Rx is designed to be reusable. Made up of soft silicone nasal pillows and sturdy plastic valves, the Bongo Rx is reusable up to 90 days. All users have to do is gently hand wash the device with mild unscented soap and warm water after every use. In comparison, the Provent device is disposable and designed for one-time use. A standard pack of Provent Therapy includes 30 devices, which provides 30 nights of sleep apnea therapy.
Avoid Sticky Adhesive
Users don’t have to deal with sticky adhesive with the Bongo Rx nasal EPAP. Soft silicone nasal pillows directly seal just inside the nostrils. Every Bongo Rx starter kit comes with multiple pillow sizes (1 small, 1 medium, 1 large, 1 extra-large), allowing users to find their best fit. Since there is no adhesive, users can adjust the Bongo Rx as many times as they need to. What is provent? The Provent Sleep Apnea device uses hypoallergenic adhesive to seal onto the nasal openings. Since the adhesive gets weaker every time its repositioned, users are only able to adjust the device a limited number of times to get a good seal.
More Comfortable OSA Therapy
A recent study published in the Chest Journal, the official publication of the American College of Chest Physicians, concluded that the Bongo Rx may result in more comfortable obstructive sleep apnea therapy by providing a significantly lower expiratory WOB (work of breathing) than the Provent device.1 This decreased expiratory WOB is achieved because the Bongo Rx delivers a significantly lower average inspiratory and expiratory RTF (resistance to flow).
If you suffer from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, consult with your doctor to see if EPAP therapy is right for you. The reusable Bongo RxA more convenient alternative to CPAP because it increases the convenience of EPAP therapy. For effective obstructive sleep apnea treatment, ask your doctor about the Bongo Rx.
Learn About The New Reusable Micro-Sized and Effective CPAP Alternative That Does Not Require a Machine, Mask or Hose – Bongo Rx EPAP Therapy
New CPAP alternative treatment: EPAP – CPAP therapy is the most popular treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. While it is common, the bulky masks and tubes that come with most CPAP machines are major negatives of this sleep apnea therapy option. For OSA sufferers who cannot tolerate CPAP, there have been several alternative treatments that have sprung up in recent years. EPAP therapy has emerged as an effective CPAP alternative for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.
EPAP vs. CPAP Therapy
CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; CPAP therapy works by pushing a continuous stream of air into the throat, keeping the airway open throughout the night. This prevents the airway from closing or collapsing during sleep and allows for uninterrupted breathing. A CPAP machine requires electricity, distilled water, a mask, and tubing to work. CPAP therapy is effective at treating sleep apnea.
EPAP stands for Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure; EPAP therapy works by creating pressure when exhaling, keeping the airway open until the next inhale. This allows for normal breathing by preventing airways from closing during sleep. An EPAP device seals with nostrils and does not require electricity to work. Bongo Rx is an FDA-cleared new CPAP alternative for the effective treatment for mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
Reasons You Can’t Use CPAP
There are several reasons some OSA patients cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. The bulky machine and time-consuming set up may be too big of a hindrance for some. Sleeping with a mask covering both the nose and mouth can be uncomfortable. Using a CPAP machine also comes with side-effects including stomach bloating, skin irritation due to the mask, and dry nose and throat after waking up. All these problems make it difficult for some users to consistently use their CPAP machine, which is important for effective sleep apnea therapy.
New CPAP Device Alternative: EPAP is Convenient Treatment for Sleep Apnea
Patients generally prefer EPAP therapy to CPAP therapy.1 The convenience of EPAP therapy is one of its top selling points. The Bongo Rx is one of the most convenient options in the EPAP device market. Portable and reusable, the Bongo Rx uses soft silicone nasal pillows that fit snuggly into your nostrils. Requiring no electricity, masks, or tubing, you can use it anytime or anywhere you fall asleep, including during air travel.
I received the Bongo Rx device. This device could revolutionize the sleep industry, especially if it is capable of producing the same clinical improvement one sees with standard CPAP devices.
As a Sleep Apnea sufferer, I was Very Impressed with the innovative simplicity of the device. I have used the Bongo Rx device over the weekend and found it comfortable and clinically, I felt as good the next day as when I use the standard equipment.
Brazell H. Carter, MD
Brazell H. Carter, MD is a Board Certified Internal medicine specialist in Richmond, CA and has been practicing for over 4O years. He graduated with honors from Meharry Medical College School Of Medicine in 1975. Dr. Carters practice, Lifelong Medical Care, provides high quality medical, dental, and social services to people of all ages. Dedicated to helping each patient live a health productive life, in addition of offering care, his center offers a wide range of patient educational and outreach services.
First of all the Bongo Rx has stopped me from snoring. I feel extremely fresh in the morning. I typically only sleep about six hours a night anyway, I never realized I could feel this fresh. In the past I wore a dental appliance that would leave my jaw extremely sore. It also hurt my teeth in the morning when I tried to chew food. This also does not leave a mark on my face like CPAP machines can. It can fit in my travel kit without any problem. I can’t believe it’s such a simple device and works so well. It has really changed my life.
My mother is using the Bongo Rx. My mother is in her mid-70s and I always remember her yawning and falling asleep on the sofa around eight or 9 PM, granted she was an early bird and would run 7 miles almost every morning at five and then be supermom for the rest of the day. Now when she visits she still sleeps only five hours, however she can talk to us till midnight without Yawning!!!!
She states that she is extremely fresh throughout the day as well. My dad typically sleeps one or two hours after her and states that finally after 53 years she’s not snoring when he goes to bed.
Regards,
Amir Piracha, MD
Dr. Amir R Piracha, MD is a Cardiologist primarily located in Louisville, KY, with other offices in Louisville and Shepherdsville, KY. He has 24 years of experience. Dr Piracha graduated at Marshall University Joan C Edwards School Of Medicine in 1995 and completed his residency at Allegheny General Hospital. His specialties include Cardiovascular Disease and Internal Medicine.
