Are you tired of struggling with obstructive sleep apnea? Does the thought of wearing a CPAP machine to bed make you uneasy? If you’re looking for an alternative solution that can help you sleep peacefully and breathe normally, then Inspire surgery might just be the answer you’ve been seeking. In this blog post, we’ll break down the basics of Inspire surgery.
What is Inspire Surgery?
Inspire is like a little helper that works inside your body while you’re fast asleep. Instead of using a CPAP machine, you get a small device implanted during an outpatient procedure.
When bedtime comes around, all you need to do is click a remote. This remote turns on the Inspire device, and from that point on, you can snooze away without a care. While you’re in dreamland, Inspire is hard at work, gently opening up your airway by advancing the base of your tongue forward with each breath. This means you can breathe more easily and enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep.
Could Inspire be Right for You?
Not everyone is a good fit for Inspire, you have to meet four criteria to be eligible for Inspire surgery. An Inspire-trained doctor will check these boxes to see if you’re a match:
- You have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.
- Using a CPAP hasn’t been working out well for you.
- You’re not too significantly overweight.
- You’re at least 18 years old.
How Does Inspire Work?
Here’s the cool part: Inspire works with your body’s natural breathing process. It gives a gentle nudge to important airway muscles, so they stay open while you’re sleeping. A small remote lets you manage Inspire’s settings, so it fits your sleep style perfectly. It’s super gentle and designed not to wake you up or make you uncomfortable.
What to Expect Before and After Inspire Surgery
Before you get Inspire, there’s a little exam to make sure it’s a good match for you. But don’t worry, it’s not like surgery. You’ll get medication that makes you drift off for a bit. While you’re sedated, a camera checks out how your airway behaves. It’s all over in about 20 minutes, and then you’ll know if Inspire is a go for you.
Getting Inspire placed is not complicated. It’s done in a same-day outpatient procedure, which means you won’t need to spend the night in a hospital. The whole thing takes about two hours, so it’s not a big chunk out of your day. After the procedure, most people only need over-the-counter pain meds, and you can get back to your usual activities in just a few days. If you’re into more active stuff, give it a couple of weeks before you jump back in.
Living with Inspire
Having Inspire doesn’t mean you have to change your life. You can still do all the stuff you love, and even MRI scans are usually okay if you follow a few rules. Even if you have a pacemaker, you might still be a great fit for Inspire.
If you have sleep apnea and struggle to use your CPAP machine, it is very important to address this issue with your doctor. Untreated sleep apnea can cause various health problems including poor heart health, stroke and high blood pressure.
Ognomy’s board-certified sleep doctors can give you the best diagnosis and provide the guidance you need. You can see them easily online in a video consultation, and get guidance on your treatment options.
So, don’t let sleep problems impact your quality of life any longer. Book a virtual consultation with one of our sleep specialists today, and take the first step toward better sleep and a healthier, happier you. Your journey to improved sleep and better health starts here!
For more information, contact us or register with us to book your first virtual consultation with a board-certified sleep physician today.
