Inspire Therapy

From what I understand this is a new therapy for those of us that suffer from OSA. I have heard it described as a pacemaker for your tongue meaning that when the respiratory sensor senses that you aren't breathing it stimulates the nerves that cause the tongue to stick out, thus removing the obstruction and allowing you to breathe again.

So my point is, has anyone had this device implanted or know someone that has? I feel as though I am out of options after using CPAP and having the UPPP surgery.

Any help would be great.

Thanks, Jeremy

I haven't but heard testimony from two men who had and with great success. I would do a lot of research and thinking before doing this. From what I remember, it's pretty permanent, can cause problems if you have an MRI of the head and if you have one, you can never have a pacemaker. That may have changed but it is something to research.

The study is just gathering some 18 month data indicating persistent of good effects in the group who received this therapy. I have asked one of the lead authors of the research to write a small review for MyApnea.

Please see the new post under Research by Dr. Strohl describing this treatment

Susan,

Can you provide a link to the post by Dr. Strohl because I didn't see it. If I missed it, my apologies.

@UnassumingOrangeRedCormorant9252 the link is below, it's a great informative article:

New Frontiers in the Treatment of Sleep Apnea: Unilateral Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation

I would be interested in this, simply because my sinuses have fought me all the way since I started treatment in 2007. I have gone through 14 masks, trying to find one that softened the effect of the air going through my sinuses. For a long time I was able to use the Hans Rudolph. Recently that mask has failed me.

Right now I am surviving by using the Oracle. A difficult mask to use. Got to make it work though!

My sinuses are in chronic inflammation responding only to prednisone, but that is not a permanent option. My balance, mental clarity are a mess...like on a roller coaster! Next week I am having a PET scan to make sure nothing else is going on.

barbz,

We are in somewhat similar situations. Even though I had a septoplasty, I am still quite stuffy and so far, have had trouble finding things that work. As a result, I am looking into having the Inspire Procedure.

By the way, I lasted two seconds on the Oracle so I salute you for trying to make it work. Good luck with everything

So far my Oracle journey is remaining positive. Been trying different things. Put a waterproof cream on lips, use a liner I 'designed' that is between my lips and the outer flap.

I asked my primary Doctor for that short medrol dose pack (prednisone) to quiet my sinuses. Now that the air is not going through them they have no reason to be upset. My last day on it today and it did seem to help. At least I am not coughing all day. Had to constantly use nasal spray or decongestants to stop cough.

Waiting for the results of a PET scan. Balance and mental clariety continue to improve since starting with the Oracle. I have to make this mask work!

This is one reason the Inspire therapy is something I am curious about. I like having another option! My sleep apnea treatment is still a battle...one I am trying to be positive about! Gone through 14 masks...til I realized what my sinuses were trying to tell me..."We don't like that air!"

I had the UPPP surgery and difficulty using a CPCP and oral appliance. I had the inspire implant and it changed my life. I get a full nights sleep and feel more awake all day.

I hope something like this really works. I started with my CPAP about 5 months ago mainly due to my stopping breathing while I slept and my O2 level getting very low. I tried three masks originally and picked the one that was the best but found that it almost rubs my nose raw. During a followup with mum sleep doctor, I tried a couple more in the doctors office and picked another style and find its not really comfortable long term and tends to leak with the air blowing up in my eyes. I find that the quality of my sleep for the last 6 months is probably worse than it was before I started the CPAP. I may be keeping my O2 levels up, but I am generally more sleepy now than before. I have been not wearing my mask at least one night a week just to ensure I get one good nights sleep.

Hi @FaithfulCoffeeWildcat3239. Mask fit is, by far, the most difficult problem to solve for many CPAP users. Have tried using mask liners? They can usually be obtained from your home care provider or ordered online. You can also make them by cutting moleskin to fit your mask. This often improves mask leak and comfort for many users. Air blowing in your eyes can lead to other problems, so I encourage you to contact your equipment provider and ask them to work with you to find a mask with the best possible fit. There are many, many masks out there, so hopefully you can find something that works for you. Best wishes!