Common CPAP Struggles
The biggest complaint that patients often find is that it can be difficult to find the air pressure settings and mask that are right for them with their CPAP. Once these issues are resolved, your CPAP should be making you feel better at night. Unfortunately, this is not always the case for everyone and perhaps yourself.
Sure, the key to success with your CPAP is being compliant with your therapy. Usually, that means using your machine at least five nights a week for at least four hours a night while you sleep. However, some people just can't get used to using the CPAP. Common complaints with using the CPAP are:
- Not liking the feeling of air pressure
- Feeling claustrophobic wearing the mask
- Headgear feeling uncomfortable
- Taking the CPAP off while you are sleeping
- Experiencing dry mouth and stuffy nose all the time
- Swallowing air that is making you feel gassy
- Developing skin irritation from the mask
- Having problems falling asleep
- Sounds from machine or from exhaling
- Bed partners’ frustration with having the CPAP in the bedroom
- Dreading using a CPAP for the rest of your life
If you are dealing with any of these problems, there might be another solution to treat your obstructive sleep apnea. This solution can allow you to say good riddance to your CPAP machine for once and for all without putting your health in jeopardy.
Have You Heard About Inspire Therapy?
When CPAP has become too much of a hassle, Inspire therapy might be the answer you are looking for. The CPAP and other oral appliances work from “the outside in” while you sleep to prevent your airway from becoming obstructed. However, the Inspire system works from the “inside out” to stop your tongue and soft tissues in your mouth and throat from relaxing and obstructing your airway. It monitors your breathing while you sleep. It then delivers mild stimulation to your airway muscles to keep your airway open.
The Inspire system is a system that can be implanted under the skin of your chest and neck. It is controlled with a handheld remote that allows you to turn it on at night when you go to bed. When you wake up in the morning, you use the remote to turn the system off.
Inspire therapy requires a minimally invasive outpatient surgery for the implantation of three components:
- Breathing sensor lead
- Stimulation lead
- Small generator
Are You Candidate for Inspire Therapy?
If CPAP is not for you, it might be time to discuss with an Inspire therapy-trained doctor to find out if you are a good candidate for Inspire therapy. You may be eligible for Inspire therapy if:
- Your obstructive sleep apnea is in the moderate to severe range
- You cannot use or are not benefiting from your CPAP
- You are not obese
- You are 22 years of age or older
For more information about Inspire Therapy, CLICK HERE.
