The Benefits of the Inspire Implant in Treating Moderate to Severe Sleep Apnea
Introduction: The Benefits of the Inspire® Implant in Treating Sleep Apnea
I am the owner of Texas sinus and snoring, and most people who know me online as "the snoring doctor" know my story. I have sleep apnea and I've been wearing a CPAP since 2017.
CPAP works well and I can't sleep without it, but I want to leave it behind and get the Inspire® implant.
I am the first doctor in the state of Texas to successfully implant patients with the Inspire® implant, and now am approaching my 300th Inspire® implanted patient.
It is important to talk about Inspire® and how it fits into the treatment of sleep apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans, with symptoms including snoring and interrupted breathing during sleep.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is a traditional treatment for sleep apnea, but studies have shown a high rate of non-compliance in the first year of CPAP use. Fifty to 80% of patients fail their CPAP usage in the first year.
Performing nasal surgery can drastically improve compliance with the CPAP machine and improve sleep in general. However, even with a good nasal airway, many people want an alternative to the CPAP mask.
FDA Approved Inspire® Implant Innovative Treatment
In 2014, the FDA approved the Inspire implant, an innovative treatment option for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.
This essay will explore the benefits of the Inspire® implant, the prevalence of snoring and sleep apnea in the US, and the eligibility criteria for getting this implant.
Prevalence of Snoring and Sleep Apnea in the U.S.
Snoring is a common sleep issue that affects around 90 million Americans. While snoring can be benign for some, it can also be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, a more serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.
It is estimated that around 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, but a significant portion of cases remain undiagnosed.
The impact of sleep apnea goes beyond poor sleep quality, as it is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other health complications.
High Failure Rate of CPAP Therapy
CPAP therapy is considered the gold standard treatment for sleep apnea. However, studies have revealed a discouraging trend of non-compliance and high failure rates among patients using CPAP devices.
Approximately 50-80% of patients do not adhere to CPAP therapy in the first year, citing discomfort, inconvenience, and the noise of the machine as common reasons for discontinuation.
This non-compliance significantly impacts the effectiveness of CPAP in managing sleep apnea and improving overall health outcomes for patients.
The Rise of the Inspire Implant
The FDA-approved Inspire implant, developed as an alternative treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea, offers a groundbreaking solution for patients who struggle with CPAP therapy.
The Inspire® implant works by stimulating the hypoglossal nerve, which controls the movements of the tongue and upper airway during sleep. This stimulation helps keep the airway open, reducing the occurrence of obstructions that lead to sleep apnea episodes.
Since its approval in 2014, the Inspire® implant has gained recognition and popularity as a viable option for treating sleep apnea in patients who are unable to tolerate or benefit from CPAP therapy.
Eligibility Criteria for Inspire Implant
Patients seeking the Inspire® implant as a treatment option for sleep apnea must meet specific eligibility criteria to ensure the safety and efficacy of the procedure. The criteria typically include:
- Body Mass Index (BMI) below 40: Obesity is a common risk factor for sleep apnea, and patients with a BMI over 40 may not be suitable candidates for the implant due to potential surgical risks and reduced effectiveness.
- Recent Sleep Study: Patients must provide evidence of a sleep study conducted within the past two years, showing a diagnosis of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. This ensures that the implant is targeted towards individuals with clinically significant sleep apnea.
- Successful Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE): Before undergoing the implant procedure, patients must undergo a DISE evaluation to assess the specific sites of airway obstruction during sleep. This evaluation helps determine the optimal placement of the Inspire implant for each patient.
Conclusion: The Inspire® Implant Represents a Significant Advancement in the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
It offers a personalized and effective solution for patients who struggle with CPAP therapy.
With a high rate of non-compliance with CPAP devices and the prevalence of undiagnosed sleep apnea cases in the US, the Inspire implant provides hope for improving the quality of life and health outcomes for individuals living with this challenging condition.
By meeting specific eligibility criteria, patients can benefit from the innovative approach of the Inspire implant in managing their sleep apnea and achieving a restful night's sleep.
Further research and long-term studies are necessary to validate the durability and efficacy of the implant, but current evidence suggests its valuable role in the comprehensive management of sleep apnea.
Inspire® Implant Testimonials
Patient Testimonial - Inspire Sleep Therapy for Sleep Apnea
"There's no mask, there's no no device you have to put in your mouth, there's no machine to clean..." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6-YKZvQZDk
Inspire® therapy is a breakthrough implantable treatment option for people with Obstructive Sleep Apnea who are unable to use or get consistent benefit from Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).
While you’re sleeping, Inspire® monitors every breath you take. Based on your unique breathing patterns, the system delivers mild stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve which controls the movement of your tongue and other key airway muscles. By stimulating these muscles, the airway remains open during sleep.
The Inspire® obstructive sleep apnea device is controlled by a small handheld remote. The remote allows you to turn Inspire therapy on before bed and off when you wake up.
Inspire® therapy is a clinically proven sleep apnea treatment option
The STAR Clinical Trial, involving 126 Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) patients across the United States and Europe, began in 2010 to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Inspire therapy.
One-year STAR Trial results were published in The New England Journal of Medicine, in January 2014, and Inspire therapy received approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April of that year.
One-year STAR Trial outcomes showed that sleep apnea patients receiving Inspire® therapy experienced significant reductions in sleep apnea events and significant improvements in both quality of life and daytime functioning as measured by various questionnaires.
There also was a high safety profile, with an overall rate of serious adverse events of <2%.
Recently, five-year study outcomes were published, showing the improvements observed at one-year were sustained at the five-year follow-up mark. Some notable outcomes include:
- 79% reduction on sleep apnea events.
- Significant improvements in quality of life and daytime functioning.
- 90% of bed partners reported soft or no snoring.
- 91% Patient satisfaction rating
Is inspire® therapy right for you?
You may be a candidate for Inspire if:
You have moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (AHI 15-65).
You are not able to get use or get consistent benefit from CPAP.
You are not significantly overweight( BMW less 32).
Learn More About the Inspire® Implant
Learn more and find out of you are a candidate for this revolutionary FDA approved therapy.
Call 346-413-9313 today or fill out this short form and we will help you get a better night's sleep any way we can: https://texassinusandsnoring.com/contact/