Inspire?

[joepublic23]

This thread is definitely giving me second thoughts about Inspire. That said, reading about how many problems people have with CPAP makes me wonder if separate bedrooms for my wife and I might be the least bad solution to my snoring?

[richpress]

Has anyone on this forum had the Inspire implant device?  If so, how is it going?  Anyone else looking at it?

Thanks,
Grady

I just saw this on Feb 8 '23 and had to respond.

Before my retirement, I worked in the medical device industry for nearly twenty years. You could not pay me to have an implantable device unless it was a pacemaker. Even at that, I would seek 3 or 4 medical opinions from doctors in offices that were not connected by computer (think Kaiser). I have Diabetic neuropathy and my pain specialist insisted that I absolutely must have an implantable neuro-stimulator as opioids are too addictive. I think he is simply afraid of lawsuits. 
Suffice it to say, I changed doctors and my primary care physician has prescribed medication that works as well as can be expected, which is not much. 
I have seen too many failures of "new and innovative" medical devices to trust anything that does not have a decades-long track record.

Thank you, but NO. I will stay with CPAP as it works. It may take a bit of getting used to, but it freaking works!
Rich

[Homerec130]

Richpress,

I agree with not using an implant for sleep apnea. My machines have worked quite well for me. My wife has a spinal chord stimulator and it has reduced the amount of pain meds (opiates) she needs to function. She is on her 4th unit (that is how long she has been on them) and she says it has worked for her. It takes longer to drink a cup of coffee than it takes to swap the transmitter out once you have one implanted.

[BreatheRight]

I've spoken with my PA --- who got me started with CPAP.  I hate having to travel with it (plus another case to pack and carry); use it with others in the room and it's become cumbersome -- the headgear leaves marks on my cheeks and nose; I must wear it so tight to prevent air leaks -- I have a stiff neck many mornings.  

SO, the last visit, we discussed INSPIRE and she is following several patients after having the procedure done and said they've all been very positive.  She has referred me to an ENT in our area who does the procedure -- will meet with him mid-April.  She said I meet the criteria, so hopefully he will agree and then will have to get insurance approval.  I'm looking forward to trying it -- a remote would be the only thing to use -- how great would that be.  

If I get good/bad information after meeting with him, I will post.  I've read many reviews and they are positive as well.  

Fingers crossed!!

B