Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder characterized by repetitive episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. This obstruction causes breathing to be temporarily disrupted, leading to brief pauses in breathing, called apneas. These apneas can last for a few seconds to minutes and may occur multiple times throughout the night.
The obstruction in the upper airway during sleep is usually caused by the relaxation of the muscles in the throat, tongue and soft palate. When these muscles relax excessively, they can collapse and block the airflow, leading to the cessation of breathing. The reduction in oxygen levels and the build-up of carbon dioxide trigger the brain to briefly wake up from sleep to resume normal breathing. These awakenings are often very brief and may not be fully remembered by the individual, but they disrupt the normal sleep cycle, leading to fragmented and poor-quality sleep.
Symptoms of sleep apnea can vary based on the individual and the severity of the condition. However, common symptoms include:
Left untreated, this condition can lead to more serious health problems, including high blood pressure, increased risk of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, and more.
Inspire® sleep apnea treatment is a medical therapy designed to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in individuals who have not found relief from other treatments or are not suitable candidates for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. It is an innovative approach that involves the use of an implanted device to help maintain an open airway during sleep. Once implanted, patients simply turn the device on using a handheld remote. The device will then open the airways and facilitate breathing during sleep.
What to Expect During the Inspire® Procedure
The Inspire® sleep apnea treatment process is simple yet effective. Patients can expect the following steps:
This revolutionary technology offers many advantages over CPAP therapy and other traditional treatment methods. Benefits include:
Who is a Good Candidate for Inspire® Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Inspire® sleep apnea treatment is typically considered for individuals with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea who have not achieved satisfactory results with other treatments like CPAP or oral appliances. During your appointment at Virginia ENT, Dr. Milien can discuss your medical history and symptoms and perform a clinical exam to determine whether you are a good candidate for this procedure.
See How Inspire® Can Transform Your Sleep
If you are looking for a long-term solution to sleep apnea, look no further. Get in touch with an Inspire® advisor to learn if you qualify for the procedure. We look forward to helping you take control of your sleep health!