Advice on Inspire device

[JaneAM]

Hi - I’m considering the idea of having the Inspire device implanted in order to deal with my sleep apnea.  I have been using my CPAP now for 5 years and don’t hate it - so I am not all that driven to get the Inspire device.  However, my results with my CPAP average around 4 to 5  AHI (better than the 31 AHI I originally had!) -so am wondering if an Inspire device might give me better results.  I still feel some fatigue in the afternoons - would like to get over that.  (Although - I am almost age 69 - perhaps afternoon fatigue is part of life..).  Overall I am fit and still working - so looking at the Inspire as a solution that might make my sleep even better.   Thanks  for any advice.  Also, I would appreciate being directed to any discussion groups of Inspire users.   Thank you!

Update - and thanks to all who gave advice!  I just saw a very nice and seemingly experienced ENT doctor who does the Inspire implant. After seeing the device in person (it's big to my eyes - I expected a microchip - but it's apparently the same size as a pacemaker, if that helps anyone visualize it), and seeing a diagram of the wires that run both to your chest and up through your jaw to your tongue, and hearing about adjustment issues, I'll stick with my CPAP!  I think the Inspire is only for those who absolutely can't or won't use their CPAP.  I've been using my CPAP for 5 years now, and while I don't love it, I wear it every night and will stick with it given the present state of Inspire surgery.

Also - I just purchased a new ResMed AirSense 10 Auto and really like it.  Better than my 5 year old Philips DreamStation and its baggage of causing medical problems.

Finally - the cost of the Inspire? Doctor said $60,000 to $100,000, and all but a couple hundred dollars would be covered by my Medicare and Blue Cross supplement policy.  But isn't that typical of medical costs?  $60 to 100K?  Seems like quite a range - you'd think there would be a more exact price.  Maybe it reaches 100K if you have complications.

Anyway - thanks again to the community on this forum for helping me sort through things.    Jane

[Dormeo]

Jane, thanks for sharing the additional information, and it's great to hear you're liking your ResMed machine. So many of us find the algorithm for EPR much more comfortable than the PR flex; maybe that's part of what is making a difference for you.

A cheap and easy fix would have been nice, but I imagine it is good to be confident you're doing the best thing by sticking with PAP.

[SarcasticDave94]

Thanks for posting the info. This can help others in future considering this.

My SCS, spinal cord stimulator implant, is a mirror of your comment. Control and battery pack similar to a pacemaker and about $100K.