George Boardman, a resident of Beachwood, New Jersey, had become accustomed to chronic fatigue, which he initially attributed to his irregular sleeping schedule as a truck driver. After being diagnosed with mild sleep apnea during a workplace health assessment, he hoped that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy would enhance his sleep quality. However, he found the CPAP machine to be claustrophobic, and after a year without any improvement, he abandoned it and accepted fatigue as a permanent part of his life.
His symptoms, however, only got worse. “I’d doze off at the kitchen table or as soon as I sat on the couch. Everyone kept saying, ‘It’s your sleep apnea,’” George recalls, realizing he needed a viable solution. When he came across an ad for a new sleep apnea treatment called Inspire, he felt curious about it.
Understanding Inspire
Inspire is an FDA-approved device designed to treat obstructive sleep apnea by being implanted in the patient’s body. The small device provides gentle stimulation to keep the airway open, facilitating normal breathing. Before bed, the patient activates it with a remote, eliminating the need for a mask or hose—ideal for someone like George who struggles with CPAP machines.
Consultation with a Specialist
In the summer of 2021, George scheduled a consultation with Dr. Thomas Brandeisky, an otolaryngology specialist at Ocean University Medical Center. Dr. Brandeisky told George, “You’re 76 years old and in good shape, but if you don’t start getting enough sleep, you could face a stroke.”
Sleep apnea interrupts breathing multiple times during the night and can result in severe health repercussions, such as high blood pressure and heart issues if left untreated. “With sleep apnea, blood oxygen levels drop and the heart has to work harder, putting stress on every organ system,” Dr. Brandeisky explains. “The significant health risks include stroke, heart attack, and organ damage.”
Eligibility for Inspire
To ensure that Inspire is a suitable option for a patient, specific criteria must be met. For instance, it is designed exclusively for obstructive sleep apnea, not central or mixed types. Patients must also have moderate to severe sleep apnea, which is established through a sleep study.
George underwent a sleep study to determine his eligibility for Inspire and was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea, indicating the deterioration of his symptoms. He satisfied all other requirements as well.
Life-Changing Experience
In September 2021, Dr. Brandeisky performed an outpatient procedure to implant the device under the skin of George’s neck and chest. Four weeks later, George returned to have it activated, starting at a mild voltage to ensure his comfort while sleeping.
George feels pleased with his choice to try the Inspire device. His health risks have decreased, and he is sleeping better than he has in years. “The very first night, I slept for five hours straight without waking up. It felt like a miracle,” George shares. “I’ve been using it every night, and it just keeps improving.”
Important Note
The information provided by HealthU is intended for general purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your physician for personalized care.
