alaxo stent

[DariaVader]

Interesting idea I just ran across. A stent that is inserted via a tiny tube thru one nostril and to the throat and then expands to hold the airway open. Would definitely take some getting used to applying this gadget, maybe no worse than netipotting, though.

It *sounds* like it would work for pure OSA and would solve a lot of the issues that can't be overcome with cpap. small too... no traveling issues! I am personally not ready to stuff one of these babies up my nostril to the back of my throat - however, for some it might be a right nice solution!

[DariaVader]

The emotional hurdle of introducing the stent through a nasal passage into the throat is comparable with application of a contact lens to the eye. After education by the doctor and a short training period the patient according to experience can self-apply the stent safely and quickly.

In case of strong gag reflex sensitivity the AlaxoStent may not be the appropriate therapy.

yeah... I don't think it will be for me

[AirSign]

Nor me. I can't even use a youth-sized boil and bite thing without gagging.

[OpalRose]

Nope, couldn't do it. I have a very strong gag reflex...just brushing my back teeth can cause me to gag!

[PaulaO2]

You insert this every night and remove it in the morning??

Um, no. Gross. Just setting gag reflex aside, the slime reflex is enough for me, thanks.

[truetopath]

Yea it would be a sure fail for me. The only thing going up my nose is my booger hook, and certainly not to the back of my throat

[DariaVader]

all the same, I really wish I thought I could use it!

[skullduggery]

I am going to explore this a bit more. I would definitely consider this if it is an option for me.

[mikekw]

I just had this Alaxo stent arrive in the mail yesterday. I was so excited to try it. I really dislike using a CPAP machine although it is alot better than nothing. I was so hopeful that the stent would be a winner because I travel a bit with work and hate having to cart around my CPAP. Esp as I take it as carry on and it uses up the valuable space and weight limit.

Anyway, unfortunately it was a dismal failure for me, which saddens me a lot. I thought it would be uncomfortable and take a week or 2 to get used to but honestly it sits right in the gag reflex zone at the back of the throat and every time I swallow (normal saliva type subconscious swallow) it triggers the whole stent to shift and makes me gag and want to pull it straight out! I tried hard to let it sit in there and to relax and try and get myself to become accustomed to the feeling of the stent insertion tube but it was a terrible feeling. I would sit there and consciously not swallow so as not to induce a gag reflex but it isnt something I can see myself adapting and getting used to unfortunately.

There is no way I would be able to speak with it in place either. I dont think I will be able to get any refund for it but will look into it (you can tell I really thought it would work for me that I didnt check this refund policy when purchasing!). Anyway, my hot tip for others it to check your ability to tolerate a 16cm tube the length of the stent (similar to the insertion tube provided with the stent). The stent feels much worse than the insertion tube because it opens up in the area which is the whole idea as it holds the airways open. Its a very rough scratchy feeling right in a particularly sensitive zone.

Anyway, there are not many negative reviews for this device and in the interest of fairness I thought I would share my opinion so others may have the chance to test themselves as suggested prior to making the fairly significant investment (cost me AUD$610 delivered).

[SarcasticDave94]

No. I won't be trying this. FWIW it reminds me of an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie, Total Recall. He had to pull the tracking device out of his nostril. Yeah that isn't working here.