This episode looks back at APSS Sleep 2026 with Dr. Gerald George Mannikarote, Emerson Kerr, and Robert Miller. The conversation focuses on how the conference reflected a shift in sleep medicine toward more options, more pharmaceutical involvement, and a stronger need for technologists to stay grounded in fundamentals.We discuss why the live conference experience still matters, how AI and automation are changing scoring and diagnosis, and why pharmacy, telehealth, oral appliances, and new reimbursement codes are reshaping the future of sleep care.
Chapters
1 - Welcome to the APSS Sleep 2026 annual review
2 - Baltimore conference turnout and the return of large in-person meetings
3 - Emerson hands off the AST presidency to Massey Arrington
4 - Why fundamentals matter in an AI-driven sleep industry
5 - Scoring, false positives, and the risk of trusting automation too much
6 - Why technologists must keep learning beyond the basics
7 - Pharma's growing footprint on the exhibit floor
8 - Home PSG systems and the coming CPT code changes
9 - Sleep apnea, GLP-1s, and the move toward precision therapy
10 - Why the old CPAP-only pathway no longer fits every patient
11 - Seven treatment options and the challenge of choosing the right one
12 - Why failed protocols and failed home sleep tests need rethinking
13 - Pharmacy as a new screening and referral gateway
14 - Why more entry points could help more patients get treated
15 - Where the future of sleep medicine is headed
16 - Moving from AHI alone to why a patient has sleep-disordered breathing
17 - Why mild OSA may benefit from earlier non-CPAP treatment
18 - Oral appliance therapy education gaps and first-line use
19 - A mild OSA patient who benefited from an oral appliance after CPAP struggle
20 - Consumer tech, awareness, and the Rise of sleep telehealth referrals
20 - Why local sleep conferences still matter for technologists
21 - Sleep navigation, education, and where technologists fit in the new model
22 - Future guests, new projects, and what to expect next from the show
A huge thanks to our sponsors:
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare
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https://www.fphcare.com/us/homecare/sleep-apnea/
Philips Healthcare
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Soliish
https://www.soliish.com/
React Health
https://www.reacthealth.com/
myWaves
https://mywaves.tech/
More resources for clinicians can be found at Sleep Review Magazine
https://sleepreviewmag.com/
Credits:
Intro Music: Pierce G. Mannikarote
Audio/ Video: Diego R. Mannikarote
Hosts: J. Emerson Kerr, Robert Miller, Gerald George Mannikarote
Copyright: ⓒ 2026 SleepTech Talk Productions
Episode 130
The views and opinions expressed by guests on SleepTech Talk are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast hosts or SleepTech Talk as a whole. This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concerns or questions.
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