Data indicate that the Inspire device reduces sleep apnea by an average of 79% and significantly reduces snoring and daytime sleepiness. In addition to daytime tiredness and irritability, people with sleep apnea are at higher risk for stroke, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and liver problems.
Tongue retaining devices keep the tongue forward so that it does not block the airway. These devices also help reduce the number of apnea events experienced, although studies have shown issues with compliance. People tend to prefer mandibular advancement devices over tongue retaining devices.
Physical activity has also been shown to improve symptoms of OSA, even among individuals who do not lose weight. If dietary changes and exercise are not effective in reducing symptoms, doctors may suggest bariatric surgery.
Tissue removal, which removes extra soft tissue in areas like the tongue, nose or uvula (soft tissue that looks like a ball and hangs in the back of the mouth)
Of all of these, many agree the most difficult to overcome is removing the mask while sleeping. Obviously, if the mask isn’t on, it can’t make a difference in how you feel—and you may even feel worse.
Sleep apnea surgery can be used in several different circumstances. As a first-line treatment, surgery may be recommended prior to CPAP therapy in people who have a blockage in their airway that can be fixed with a surgical procedure.
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One way to get the most Inspire Therapy for Apnea out of your therapy is to set goals for yourself. To start, aim to wear your mask for a certain amount of hours, incrementally increasing the length of time it’s worn each night.
Continue to discuss with your doctor your concerns with weight gain and any other concerns you may have. Your doctor will be able to review your therapy data to determine if changes should be made to your settings so that you are receiving full benefits from your therapy.
Nasal EPAP is an emerging treatment for OSA that uses the individual’s own breath to keep their airway open. This therapy utilizes disposable valves that are secured into or over the nostrils. When the sleeper exhales, the valves block airflow and create enough pressure to keep the airway open.
There are several surgeries available to help keep airways open by removing tissue or repositioning jaw bones. These surgeries include:
Take note of your symptoms and sleep habits to help your doctor have a clear picture of how OSA affects your life. Together, you can develop a treatment plan to help reduce your apnea events.
CPAP helps in achieving better V/Q matching and ensures maintenance of functional residual capacity. CPAP is not associated with adverse effects of invasive mechanical ventilation like excessive use of sedation and side effects of positive pressure ventilation (volutrauma and barotrauma).
Some CPAP units also come with a timed pressure “ramp” setting that starts the airflow at a low level and slowly raises the pressure to the set level that may make it more comfortable and easier to which to become accustomed.