Those who qualify for Inspire will require a minor outpatient procedure. The physician implants the small nerve stimulator device and battery pack under the skin in the chest. One electronic lead, or wire, connects the device to the nerve that stimulates the tongue.

Tongue retaining devices keep the tongue forward so that it does not block the airway. These devices also help reduce the number of apnea events experienced, although studies have shown issues with compliance. People tend to prefer mandibular advancement devices over tongue retaining devices.

Before considering an alternative to CPAP therapy, it’s important to discuss any concerns or challenges about this treatment with your doctor.

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Alternatives to fixed CPAP Generally speaking, most CPAP devices are set at a fixed pressure. This pressure is the one that will control at least 95% of all events during the night. However, you may find it uncomfortable to breathe out against a fixed pressure or find it difficult to tolerate.

Getting used to sleeping with CPAP therapy can be difficult, but it does get easier with time. If you’re still tired after CPAP therapy, it’s worth investigating solutions that may help. There are plenty of products designed specifically for providing comfort for CPAP users, which can help you limit or eliminate CPAP fatigue.

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Auto-titrating CPAP machines use computer algorithms and pressure transducer sensors to determine the ideal pressure to eliminate apneic events.

By stimulating these muscles, the airway remains open during sleep. Inspire is controlled by a small handheld remote. The remote allows you to turn Inspire therapy on before bed and off when you wake up, adjust stimulation strength and pause during the night if needed.

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One study showed it can take three weeks for daytime sleepiness to improve, but some may still feel tired after CPAP for months. When we say CPAP therapy takes time, we don’t just mean a few days or weeks, so make your best effort to adjust to sleep therapy.

It might be encouraging to know, though, that it’s common for people with sleep apnea to feel the same (or even worse) right after starting CPAP therapy.

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During a consultation, they will ask about your sleep patterns and perform a read more medical exam. A sleep specialist may suggest you participate in an overnight sleep study—a test monitoring your breathing, oxygen levels, and heart rate—to diagnose OSA.