Living with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition that causes repeated stops in your breathing during sleep, is an unnerving and exhausting experience. Luckily, OSA is very treatable.
Most people are familiar with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, the standard treatment for sleep apnea. But CPAP isn’t the only option. The Inspire implant offers a modern, low-maintenance alternative for managing OSA. Let’s explore how these two treatments work, what sets them apart and how to determine which one is the best fit for you.
CPAP Machines
A CPAP machine works by delivering continuous air through your mouth and nose to keep your airway from collapsing. Each machine includes the following:
- A mask that sits over your nose and mouth
- Straps that attach the mask to your face
- A tube running from the mask to the machine’s motor
- A motor that pushes air through the tube
- An air filter
Some masks will cover both your nose and mouth, while others will cover one or the other. Your machine may also come with additional features like adjustable pressure and heated air humidifiers to increase comfort.
Inspire Implants
Inspire implants are a newer alternative to CPAP machines. Rather than wearing a device over your nose and mouth, Inspire therapy uses an implantable device that gently stimulates the nerves that control muscles in your throat to prevent them from collapsing.
Each Inspire implant has two parts:
- One near the collarbone
- One under the jawline
After implanting the device, your sleep specialist will wait one month before turning it on and adjusting the settings to match your breathing patterns. After they turn it on, you should notice a difference in your sleep quality and daytime symptoms.
Which is Right for Me?
There are a few considerations to help you decide which treatment is right for you:
- Comfort. CPAP therapy requires wearing a mask, which can feel awkward—especially if you move a lot in your sleep. The mask or hose can shift or tangle, and there’s an adjustment period to get used to the pressurized air. In contrast, the Inspire implant is completely unobtrusive. You won’t feel it while you sleep. Simply switch it on about 30 minutes before bed and continue with your usual bedtime routine.
- Implantation procedure. The Inspire implant procedure is quick and easy, but it does require your sleep specialist to make two small incisions, which can lead to tenderness in the area as it heals. A CPAP, on the other hand, doesn’t require any surgery.
- Wait time. While CPAP machines are designed to start working the first night you wear them, Inspire implants have a small wait period while your body heals from the procedure.
- Maintenance. A CPAP machine requires daily cleaning, whereas an Inspire implant requires minimal maintenance and has a battery life of at least ten years.
Your Collin County ENT sleep specialist will guide you through the benefits of each treatment to help you find the best option for your needs. Call us today to schedule your consultation and get back to only one cup of Preston’s Café coffee in the morning.