Sleep Apnea 101 | Different Types | Inspire Device | Inspire vs CPAP | How to get
Do you frequently snore or have difficulty breathing at night? You may be suffering from sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people around the world.
It occurs when the airway becomes blocked, preventing airflow and disrupting your normal sleep patterns.
There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed.
The Inspire device is a new obstructive sleep apnea treatment. In this article, we will discuss what sleep apnea is, what the Inspire device is, how it works, and who is eligible for treatment.
We will also provide information on the procedure for receiving an Inspire device and what to expect after surgery. If you are considering the Inspire device for sleep apnea, find out whether it is right for you.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes disruptions in breathing while you are sleeping.
This can lead to a number of health problems, including excessive daytime sleepiness, headaches, and cardiovascular problems not to mention waking up any bed partners.
When you have untreated sleep apnea, the airway in your throat becomes blocked or narrowed during sleep.
This can prevent enough air from getting to your lungs, which causes you to stop breathing for short periods of time.
These pauses in breathing patterns, or sleep apnea events, can occur up to 30 times per hour and can last for up to a minute each time.
The common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Snoring
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Headaches
- Problems with concentration or memory
- Mood swings or irritability
- Restless sleep
- Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
If you are suffering from these symptoms or believe you have sleep apnea you should talk with your doctor or healthcare provider.
What are the different types of sleep apnea?
There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), and mixed sleep apnea (MSA).
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type, and it occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep.
Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send signals to the muscles that control breathing, and mixed sleep apnea is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
What is the Inspire device for sleep apnea and how does it work? Inspire Sleep Reviews
The Inspire device is a medical device that is used to treat sleep apnea. The Inspire device is FDA-approved and consists of a small implantable pulse generator (IPG) and a sensing electrode.
The IPG sends mild stimulation from electrical pulses to the sensing electrode, which stimulates the key airway muscles to keep your airway open during sleep.
This helps to prevent the airway from becoming blocked and allows you to breathe normally during a hopefully restful sleep.
The Inspire device works by detecting when you are having an apnea event and then sending electrical pulses to the muscles around your airway to keep it open.
There is also a sleep remote control that you can use to turn the Inspire device on and off, change the settings, and get information about your therapy.
This means the Inspire device is only turned on when you want it to be through the handheld remote, which is before you go to sleep.
Why use an Inspire device instead of a CPAP machine?
There are several sleep apnea treatment options and the CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure machine is the most common.
The Inspire device is meant for those who need good alternative treatments to CPAP therapy for people who cannot tolerate CPAP or have not found it effective.
The Inspire device is small and implantable, which means you do not have to wear it or carry it with you.
It also does not require any tubing or mask, which can be uncomfortable and difficult to use. The Inspire device is also adjustable, which means you can change the settings to fit your needs.
Who is eligible for the Inspire device?
The eligibility requirements for the Inspire device is approved for use in adults over 18 who have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. You must also not be significantly obese to receive the device.
CPAP machines are usually tried first and if they do not work for you or you have trouble with them then the Inspire device should be tried as long as they fit the above criteria.
You should talk with your doctor or healthcare provider to see if the Inspire device is right for you.
What is the procedure for receiving an Inspire device?
If you are interested in receiving an Inspire device, your doctor will need to order one for you after a physical examination to ensure you have sleep apnea.
Once it is ordered, the device will be sent to a medical center near you where a trained healthcare professional will implant it.
The same-day, outpatient procedure usually takes about two hours and is done using general anesthesia.
Three small incisions are made in the skin near your collarbone and chin, and the IPG is implanted near the final incision under the skin on the side of your chest.
The sensing electrode, or breathing sensor, is then attached to the IPG and placed just below your Adam’s apple.
Once it is in place, the incisions are closed with stitches or surgical tape. You will be able to go home right after surgery and should be able to resume your normal activities within a few days.
You may experience some pain and swelling following the surgery, but this should go away within a few days too.
Are there any adverse effects from using an Inspire device?
The Inspire device is a safe and effective treatment for sleep apnea.
As with any medical procedure, there are some risks associated with the implantation surgery.
These risks include infection, bleeding, pain, and swelling. The IPG may also cause some minor skin irritation or burning at the site of implantation.
You may also experience tongue soreness for several days. MRIs, or magnetic resonance imaging, can be taken off the device if the proper procedures are followed.
You should talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using the Inspire device before deciding if it is right for you.
How do I know if the Inspire device is right for me?
If you are interested in the Inspire device and meet the eligibility criteria, your doctor or healthcare provider can help you decide if it is right for you.
You should talk to them about your sleep apnea symptoms, how well CPAP therapy is working for you, and what other treatment options are available to you.
They can also answer any questions you may have about the Inspire device and what to expect during and after surgery.
Summary
The Inspire device is a small, implantable device that is used to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.
It is a good alternative to CPAP therapy for people who cannot tolerate or have not found CPAP therapy effective.
The procedure for receiving an Inspire device usually takes less than two hours and is done under general anesthesia.
There are some risks associated with implantation surgery such as infection, but the Inspire device is a safe and effective treatment for sleep apnea.
You should talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before deciding if the Inspire device is right for you.
References, Studies and Sources.
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