How to Choose the Right Sleep Apnea Provider

How to Choose the Right Sleep Apnea Provider

A woman sitting on a bed, yawning, conveying a sense of fatigue.

If you’re struggling with sleep apnea and traditional CPAP therapies have failed you – or if you did not qualify for Inspire therapy and think you are out of options – you’re not alone. Millions of Americans find themselves in this situation, wondering what their next step should be.1 There is good news. Innovative alternatives, like the AIRLIFT™ hyoid suspension procedure, are transforming approaches to sleep apnea.

Understanding Your Sleep Apnea Treatment Journey

CPAP therapy doesn’t always work. Or, sometimes it becomes unbearable and an ongoing struggle with the healthcare system. Constant battling with masks, air pressure adjustments, and disrupted sleep can lead to desperation. You’re flooded with ads for Inspire therapy and if that turns out to be a dead end, you think you’re stuck. However, these setbacks can open opportunities to explore more advanced, personalized treatment options.

The key to success lies in finding the right sleep apnea provider – one who understands that every patient’s airway anatomy and sleep apnea severity are unique. The best providers know the frustration that patients have faced with one-size-fits-all approaches and consider all the tools and interventions for success. The right provider will evaluate your specific needs and tailor a treatment plan to those needs.

What To Look For When Choosing Your Sleep Apnea Provider

If you’ve experienced challenges with CPAP or have been deemed unsuitable for Inspire therapy, start by gathering your medical records and sleep study results for new providers. The right sleep apnea provider should offer more than one treatment option. Look for specialists who:

  • Take time to investigate and explain your anatomical factors contributing to your sleep apnea
  • Have experience with multiple treatment options, including advanced procedures like AIRLIFT
  • Provide clear information about success rates and potential side effects or risks
  • Offer ongoing follow-up care to ensure treatment success
  • Accept insurance and provide transparent pricing

Sleep apnea treatment decisions should be made collaboratively between you and your healthcare provider. Each treatment option has its own profile of benefits, limitations, and suitability for different patient types. What matters most is finding an approach that works for your specific situation and lifestyle.

Effective sleep apnea treatment can significantly impact your overall health, potentially reducing risks associated with cardiovascular disease and other complications. Taking time to explore different options and work with knowledgeable providers is an investment in your long-term well-being.

What Makes AIRLIFT Different

AIRLIFT is a breakthrough in sleep apnea treatment, particularly for individuals with tongue-based airway obstructions who’ve not found success with other therapies. According to clinical studies, the procedure achieves an impressive 74% reduction in sleep apnea.2 The approach focuses on addressing airway obstruction through hyoid and tongue depression techniques. For most patients, the procedure can be performed in 30 minutes in an outpatient setting.

Characteristics that make the AIRLIFT procedure unique include:

  • Minimally invasive approach compared to more extensive surgical options
  • Adjustable and reversible if circumstances change
  • No ongoing equipment maintenance required after the procedure
  • Generally covered by insurance plans

Moving Forward With Confidence

If you’re feeling stuck in your sleep apnea treatment journey, remember that options exist. The field continues to evolve, offering new approaches for patients who haven’t found success with traditional treatments. Working with experienced providers who understand the full range of available treatments can help you find a path forward that works for your individual needs and circumstances.

If you don’t already have a sleep specialist, we recommend getting started by finding an AIRLIFT provider near you. These providers can talk you through your options and answer any initial questions you may have.

Sources:

  1. (2022, April 1). What doctors wish patients knew about sleep apnea. American Medical Association. https://www.ama-assn.org/public-health/prevention-wellness/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-sleep-apnea
  2. Van Tassel, J. (2023). Hyoid Suspension With UPPP for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Ear, Nose & Throat Journa. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/01455613211001132

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