Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing is interrupted periodically throughout the night. It affects millions of Americans and many people are unaware they have it. Sleep apnea can lead to more serious conditions like heart disease and stroke, which is why it is essential to get proper treatment.
While many people find relief from their symptoms by using CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines, others do not respond as well to this treatment. In those cases, surgical options like Inspire should be considered.
What is Inspire?
Inspire is a surgically implanted device that monitors your breathing patterns while you sleep. It uses mild stimulation to activate the hypoglossal nerve, which controls the movement of your tongue and airway muscles. This helps keep the airways open and reduces your sleep apnea symptoms.
Inspire surgery is performed by an ENT as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. During surgery, the device is placed beneath the skin of the neck and chest via three small incisions.
The device contains three parts which include a small generator, a breathing sensor lead and a stimulation lead. Patients can use a small handheld remote to turn the device on and off or pause it during the night if needed.
Most people fully recover from surgery within a couple of weeks. Your doctor will likely recommend avoiding strenuous activity during your recovery time.
Effectiveness of Treatment
Inspire has proven to be an effective treatment for patients with moderate to severe sleep apnea. Studies have shown that patients who received the procedure had a 68% reduction in their apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) after one year. Â The AHI is the number of apneas or hypopneas recorded per hour of sleep.
While Inspire can be an effective treatment for some, it’s not for everyone. If you are struggling to find relief from sleep apnea, make an appointment with a sleep specialist to discuss your options.
Importance of Treating Sleep Apnea
Sleeping well is essential to good health. It’s important to do whatever is necessary to get the best rest you can whether that means cutting back on caffeine or investing in a high-quality mattress from Mattress Max Furniture.
Sleep apnea interferes with your ability to get a good night’s sleep. It’s important to get checked out right away if you suspect you might have sleep apnea or experience any of the following symptoms:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Morning headaches
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
Whether by using CPAP, Inspire or other surgical options, the sleep experts at Spartanburg | Greer ENT & Allergy are here to help you treat your apnea and live a healthier life. Call to schedule an appointment today.
