An implantable device replaces traditional CPAP mask

Parrish Healthcare is among the first health systems in the state to offer Inspire, a breakthrough treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea patients unable to use or get benefit from the traditional continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.

Similar to a pace maker, the Inspire device is implanted under the skin and uses a remote control to synch your breathing while sleeping.

Inspire works inside the body with a patient’s natural breathing process to treat sleep apnea. Mild stimulation opens the airway during sleep, allowing oxygen to flow naturally. The patient uses a small handheld remote to turn inspire on before bed and off when they wake up.

The Inspire system consists of a stimulation lead and a breathing sensor, powered by a small battery. The system is placed under the skin of the neck and chest through three small incisions during an outpatient procedure. Most patients return home the same day and take over-the-counter pain medications as needed.

“Parrish Healthcare is proud to be Brevard County’s leader in sleep medicine with the innovative therapy for obstructive sleep apnea, Inspire. Inspire fills the gap needed for management of obstructive sleep apnea patients who cannot tolerate CPAP. This new treatment will improve the quality of life for many patients in our community” says Parrish Sleep Center’s Medical Director, Dr. Rivera-Morales MD.

Inspire therapy is for patients who can’t tolerate or get consistent benefit from traditional CPAP therapy, however the line of treatment for sleep apnea is CPAP therapy, according to Dr. Rivera-Morales. The CPAP system takes air from the room and humidifies the air that blows into the mouth and/or nose of the patient through a hose and face mask. That continuous air keeps the airway open to prevent snoring and trouble sleeping. Patients must first fail on CPAP before sleep doctors consider them for Inspire.

The inspire sleep apnea treatment is the latest advancement offered as a part of Parrish Healthcare’s sleep medicine services. Other services include consultations with sleep physicians, sleep coaching, mask fitting, oxygen testing and narcolepsy testing. For more information and to learn if the Inspire treatment may be right for you, call 321-268-6408 or visit www.parrishhealthcare.com/InspireSleep.