Category: Sleep & Breathing

Understanding CPAP Discomfort

For many individuals diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are recommended as the gold standard for treatment. However, a significant number of patients find themselves struggling with this device’s discomfort, leading to inconsistent usage and unresolved sleep health concerns.

Common Reasons for CPAP Intolerance

• Physical Discomfort: The most frequently reported issue is the physical discomfort of wearing a CPAP mask, which can be cumbersome or cause skin irritation.
• Uncomfortable Air Pressure: Some users find it challenging to adjust to the sensation of air pressure, leading to difficulties falling or staying asleep.
• Aerophagia: This condition occurs when excess air enters the stomach instead of the lungs, causing bloating, gas, and stomach pain.
• Noise and Mobility Restrictions: The machine’s noise and the tethered feel can disrupt sleep and make changing positions awkward.

How CPAP Discomfort Feels to Patients

Patients describe the experience as feeling suffocated or constrained. Many report waking up due to leaks in the mask or experiencing dry mouth and nasal passages, exacerbating sleep disturbances rather than alleviating them.

Addressing Aerophagia

Aerophagia can be particularly troublesome for those using CPAP machines. It often results from inappropriate pressure levels. Adjustments, such as switching from automatic to fixed pressure settings, can help mitigate this discomfort by stabilizing airflow and reducing air intake into the stomach.

Inspire: A Viable Alternative

For those who find CPAP intolerable, Inspire Therapy offers a groundbreaking alternative. Inspire is an FDA-approved, implantable device that provides a more natural solution by synchronizing with your breathing patterns to keep your airway open without external machinery. It relies on mild stimulation to key airway muscles, offering a seamless and quiet alternative for many patients.

Advantages of Choosing Inspire

• No Masks or Hoses: Inspire functions internally, removing the external bulk and discomfort associated with CPAP.
• Natural Breathing Synchronization: The gentle stimulation tailored to your natural breathing patterns reduces potential sleep disruptions.
• Lifestyle Flexibility: With no bulky apparatus, patients regain the freedom to move comfortably while sleeping.

Taking Steps Towards a Better Night’s Sleep

For those who struggle with CPAP, Inspire Therapy and other alternatives offer a promising avenue towards restful, uninterrupted sleep. Consulting with a sleep specialist like Dr. Kristin Egan can help identify the best course of action based on individual needs and preferences. Don’t let discomfort stand in the way of effective sleep apnea management—explore the options available and discover the path to tranquil, restful nights.

Learn more about Inspire Therapy here.

To explore whether Inspire is right for you, make an appointment with Dr. Kristin Egan today.

For some patients, the traditional CPAP method may not be effective or tolerable, leading to the need for alternatives such as Inspire Therapy.

Discovering Inspire: An Innovative Solution for Sleep Apnea

In some cases, CPAP may not be suitable for all patients, leading them to seek alternatives like Inspire Therapy. This article provides insights into how Inspire compares to CPAP and why it might be the suitable choice for you.

What is Inspire for Sleep Apnea?
Inspire is a revolutionary implantable device designed to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults who cannot tolerate or benefit from CPAP therapy. Unlike traditional CPAP machines, Inspire works from inside your body to keep your airway open during sleep.

How Inspire Works:
The Inspire system consists of three components:

• A small generator implanted beneath the skin in the upper chest
• A breathing sensor lead placed between the ribs
• A stimulation lead attached to the hypoglossal nerve that controls tongue movement

When you fall asleep, the device monitors your breathing patterns. When it detects that you’re about to experience an apnea event, it delivers mild stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve, which moves your tongue forward slightly to keep your airway open.

Benefits of Inspire Therapy:

• No mask required: Sleep comfortably without the burden of CPAP masks, hoses, or machines
• Better sleep quality: Many patients report improved sleep quality and feeling more rested
• Clinically proven: Studies show significant reduction in sleep apnea events
• Remote control: You can turn the device on/off and adjust settings with a handheld remote

Who is a Candidate for Inspire?
Inspire therapy may be right for you if you:

• Have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (AHI 15-65)
• Cannot tolerate or benefit from CPAP therapy
• Are not significantly overweight (BMI ≤ 32)
• Are over 18 years old
• Do not have complete concentric collapse at the palate level

The Inspire Procedure:
The Inspire implantation is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. Dr. Egan makes small incisions to place the components, and most patients can return home the same day. The procedure usually takes 2-3 hours.

Recovery and Activation:
After healing for about one month, you’ll return to have your Inspire system activated and programmed specifically for your needs. Dr. Egan will work with you to optimize your settings for maximum effectiveness.

Results and Effectiveness:
Clinical studies show that Inspire therapy can significantly reduce sleep apnea events, with many patients experiencing:

• 79% reduction in sleep apnea events
• Improved oxygen levels during sleep
• Better quality of life scores
• Reduced daytime sleepiness

Dr. Egan’s Expertise in Sleep Apnea Treatment:
Dr. Kristin Egan brings specialized expertise in sleep apnea treatment to patients throughout Manhattan Beach, Torrance, and the South Bay area. As a board-certified ENT specialist, she provides comprehensive evaluation to determine if Inspire therapy is right for you.

Ready to Explore Inspire Therapy?
If you’re struggling with CPAP intolerance or looking for an alternative to traditional sleep apnea treatment, Inspire therapy may be the solution you’ve been seeking. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Egan to discuss whether you’re a candidate for this innovative treatment.

Take the first step toward better sleep and improved quality of life. Contact Dr. Egan’s office today to learn more about Inspire therapy and how it can help you achieve the restful sleep you deserve.

What is Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE)?
Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) represents a critical advancement in diagnosing and managing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This procedure involves administering a sedative to induce a sleep-like state, allowing specialists to observe and evaluate the upper airway’s function as it would behave during actual sleep. This dynamic assessment unlocks precise insights into airway obstructions, essential for tailoring effective treatment strategies.
The Importance of DISE
DISE shines as a pivotal diagnostic tool, especially when standard treatments such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) prove challenging for patients. By accurately pinpointing the specific site of airway collapse, DISE informs providers whether interventions like the innovative Inspire Therapy are appropriate. Thus, it acts as a bridge, shifting patients from broad standard treatments to highly specialized, impactful solutions.
Why is DISE Performed?
– Tailored Treatment Plans: By understanding the precise mechanics of airway obstruction, healthcare providers can tailor interventions with precision, moving away from one-size-fits-all solutions.
– Facilitating Inspire Therapy: As an FDA-approved alternative, Inspire Therapy is designed to work with DISE findings, offering patients a viable option when they experience difficulty with CPAP.
– Personalized Patient Care: DISE empowers patients by involving them in comprehensively understanding their condition, leading to more informed decisions about possible surgical or non-invasive interventions.
The DISE Procedure: A Step-by-Step Overview
1. Preparation: The procedure takes place in a controlled clinical setting. Patients receive sedation akin to falling into a natural sleep.
2. Endoscopic Evaluation: Once sedated, an endoscope is carefully inserted to visualize the airway, navigating to potential collapse sites.
3. Observation and Analysis: Real-time observations highlight dynamic obstructions, offering unparalleled detail beneficial for future treatment customization.

Make informed choices about managing obstructive sleep apnea by discussing the potential benefits of DISE and Inspire Therapy with Dr. Kristin Egan. Her expertise ensures a comprehensive and compassionate approach to your treatment journey.

Introduction
Living with sleep apnea can feel like an endless cycle of exhaustion and frustration. This sleep disorder, marked by frequent breath interruptions during sleep, hampers not only your rest but your entire well-being. Left untreated, it can elevate the risk of severe health issues such as hypertension, heart disease, and daytime fatigue that affects your productivity and quality of life. Understanding and addressing this condition is crucial in reclaiming both restful nights and vibrant days.
Causes of Sleep Apnea
Primarily caused by airway blockages, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most prevalent type, occurring when throat muscles intermittently relax and obstruct the airway. Another form, Central Sleep Apnea, arises due to faulty brain signals not reaching the breathing muscles, creating further disruptions.
Diagnosis: The Necessary First Step
Before embarking on any treatment pathway, a comprehensive sleep study is indispensable. It accurately diagnoses the severity and type of sleep apnea, setting the stage for tailored interventions.
Treatment Options: A Stepwise Approach
1. Weight Loss
– For many, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can substantially reduce OSA symptoms. By lessening soft tissue in the throat, breathing obstructions during sleep can diminish, offering a significant first step in treatment.
2. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machines
– Post-diagnosis, CPAP machines often emerge as the foremost treatment, providing a steady stream of air that keeps your airway open while you sleep. Although effective, some patients find CPAP cumbersome or struggle with consistent use, necessitating further evaluation.
3. Inspire Therapy
– When CPAP fails to yield satisfactory results, Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) can pinpoint the blockage site. If amenable, Inspire Therapy offers an innovative alternative. This implantable device works from within, keeping your airway open in sync with your natural breathing rhythms, triggered by a simple remote before sleep.
The Role of Sleep Analytics Apps
Technology also offers support with apps that analyze sleep patterns, aid in therapy adherence, and enhance the effectiveness of these treatments.
Addressing sleep apnea is not merely about combating a sleep disorder; it’s about improving your long-term health and daily vitality. With a structured approach ranging from lifestyle changes to cutting-edge solutions like Inspire Therapy, Dr. Kristin Egan’s expertise ensures you receive comprehensive care tailored to your needs, guiding you to the bright horizon of peaceful, restorative sleep.

### Innovations in Sleep Apnea Treatment: The Future with Inspire

The Inspire Implantable Nerve Stimulator is at the forefront of innovation, marking a new era in sleep apnea treatment. This device works by providing mild nerve stimulation to the tongue in order to keep the airway open during sleep, eliminating the need for uncomfortable masks used in traditional treatments like CPAP.

### Understanding the Inspire Implantable Nerve Stimulator

For patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), Inspire offers a revolutionary solution that bypasses the discomforts of CPAP therapy. The device is implantable and works seamlessly with a small remote control, providing a liberating sleep experience, free from hoses and tubes.

### Benefits of Inspire Therapy for Sleep Apnea

– **Comfort**: Enjoy a mask-free, hose-free night’s sleep.
– **Effective Results**: Significantly reduces sleep apnea events and enhances sleep quality.
– **Simple Use**: With intuitive remote control, managing your therapy becomes effortless.

### Who is a Candidate for Inspire Therapy?

Inspire is ideal for adults who have struggled with CPAP therapy and meet the following criteria:

– Have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.
– Are non-obese, with a BMI within specified limits.
– Do not have significant complete concentric collapse at the soft palate which can be determined by a short procedure with the doctor.

Dr. Kristin Egan’s clinics, located in both Manhattan Beach and Torrance, offer comprehensive assessments to determine eligibility for Inspire therapy.

### The Procedure: What to Expect with Inspire Implantation

Performed as an outpatient procedure, Inspire implantation involves:

– **Duration**: Approximately 1-2 hours under general anesthesia.
– **Recovery**: Patients can typically return home the same day, resuming normal activities within a week.
– **Personalization**: Post-surgery follow-ups to tailor the device settings for optimal results.

Patients from Redondo Beach, Hermosa, Manhattan Beach, Long Beach, Torrance, San Pedro, Hawthorne, Lawndale, and Palos Verdes and beyond are welcomed at our Manhattan Beach and Torrance offices for convenient access to care.

### Comparing Sleep Apnea Treatments: CPAP vs. Inspire

**CPAP Therapy**: Many find CPAP uncomfortable due to reliance on masks and tubing, leading to inconsistent use.

**Inspire Therapy**: Offers a convenient mask-free alternative, improving patient adherence and overall satisfaction.

### After-Surgery Care and Adjustments with Inspire Therapy

Following Inspire implantation, Dr. Egan’s team ensures a comprehensive after-care plan that includes:

– **Device Adjustments**: Tailored to meet individual needs during follow-up visits.
– **Regular Monitoring**: Ensuring continued effectiveness and comfort of the therapy.

### Schedule a Consultation

Learn more about Inspire therapy by **[scheduling a consultation](https://drkristinegan.com/appointments)** with Dr. Egan in Manhattan Beach or Torrance. Discover your personalized path to better sleep and improved health.