Inspire Stimulation Therapy

[OpalRose]

Barbz, post some screenshots when you can, it's possible your pressure settings are not optimal for you.

There are many folk here that use the same machine and can advise.

[Barbz]

OK..first image is the motion24/7...really not good for seeing sleep quality. That nice deep sleep was full of OAs!



This is last night with head of bed at 25 degrees



Just to show I can have good numbers with the Oracle...HOB is at 45 degrees




Oh, I can raise the upper pressure, but the higher I put it the tighter I must make the mouth flaps of the Oracle. Remember, this mask is my only option as it bypasses my sinuses. This is my reason for being interested in the Inspire therapy. I have a daughter in Tampa, so I could go to the original Inspire therapy site.

[Barbz]

To late to edit...so trying new posting here of the two Sleepyhead readings
Head of bed at 25 degrees



Head of bed at 45 degrees




Do not know how to make them bigger! Used the message board and forms option...large thumbnail

[drgrimes]

WOW, it sounds interesting, but just found a site that tells the cost. $30,000. And as someone said earlier, i doubt that insurance pays for this one.

[OpalRose]

Barbz,
It might be a good idea to start a new thread since this thread was on a different subject.
I'm not sure anyone will see your posts here.

[JoelD]

WOW, it sounds interesting, but just found a site that tells the cost. $30,000. And as someone said earlier, i doubt that insurance pays for this one.

Actually it cost about $40,000 for me. My insurance paid it 100%. I had already met my deductible and I literally paid $0.00 for this surgery. I called the insurance company and lobbied for it. They had ever paid for it and they made a few calls and it was agreed to. Normally I hear it takes 6-8 weeks for insurance approval but my time was a lot shorter.

My summary of the surgery is that it saved my life.
Yes it is invasive. Three 3 inch incisions. Implanted device near the collarbone and one under the jaw and one in my right chest. Total time out of work was 3.5 days. Waited 1 month until they turned it on after surgery and my sleep apnea is almost 100% gone. The stimulation that it does is uncomfortable but is not painful, really just a bit weird feeling. I now get a good solid 6-7 hours of sleep each night. I no longer feel like a walking zombie.

The only maintenance with the unit is to carry the remote with me when I travel and to turn it on and off when I go to sleep and when I get up.

The battery is supposed to last ~10 years. I am 56 years old and assuming that I have it replaced when I am 65-66 I suspect the technology will have improved by then and it will last double that amount and that will be it for me.

It may not be for everyone, for sure, but for me (tried every type of Pap therapy and none were tolerable) it is a real lifesaver. My surgery was at University Hospital in Cleveland Ohio.

[OpalRose]

JoelD,
Interesting! I am surprised insurance would cover this procedure.

How do you know if apnea is cured? Will you have a sleep study done every so often so check?

I do hope it works out for you. The University Hospital in Cleveland has a good reputation.

Good Luck!