AIRLIFT: A Simple Alternative to Traditional OSA Surgeries
You’re fed up with the inconveniences that come with using CPAP and you’ve decided that it is no longer the right solution for your obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). But now what? You still need a solution for your OSA and its many disruptive symptoms.
Luckily, there are a few different options available to consider, ranging from minimally invasive alternatives to traditional OSA surgeries. One such option is AIRLIFT® hyoid suspension, which has shown impressive results with a 74% reduction in sleep apnea symptoms when used in conjunction with necessary palate-focused treatments.1
How AIRLIFT Works
AIRLIFT uses a unique approach to treat OSA. During the procedure, an ENT surgeon uses sutures and suture anchors to gently lift and suspend the hyoid bone. This elevation helps to open and expand the airway, allowing for improved breathing during sleep. The best part? Many patients report immediate relief following the procedure, waking up feeling more refreshed and energized.
Who’s a Good Candidate?
AIRLIFT is particularly beneficial for those who have tried CPAP and found it unsuccessful or intolerable. If you’re struggling with CPAP compliance or looking for an alternative solution, AIRLIFT might be the answer you’ve been searching for. It’s also an excellent option for patients who want to avoid more invasive surgical procedures.
AIRLIFT comes with several benefits compared to other OSA treatments:
No Jaw Bone Manipulation:
Other types of sleep apnea surgery, such as genioglossus advancement (GA) or maxillomandibular advancement, involve significant cutting and/or plating of the jaw bone. This bone manipulation carries the risk of malunion of bones, or bones healing abnormally. It can also cause dental malalignment, speech or swallowing difficulties, and even nerve damage. AIRLIFT avoids these risks because rather than removing tissue or restructuring the jaw bone, it uses sutures to lift and suspend the hyoid bone to open and expand the airway.
No Electronic, Implanted Device:
Another option you may have heard of is hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS). HNS stimulates the hypoglossal nerve to prevent the tongue from blocking the airway using an implanted stimulator that requires batteries. Unlike HNS, AIRLIFT does not require the implantation of a stimulator, eliminating concerns or complications with device maintenance or battery replacement, such as implant malfunctioning or shifting.
No Lengthy Procedures:
While the time a procedure takes varies based on the patient and their specific needs, AIRLIFT typically only takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour and can be performed in an outpatient setting. HNS, on the other hand, typically takes about 2-3 hours, and GA about 1-2 hours. This is because AIRLIFT does not require the bone reshaping required for GA, which can be time-consuming or the device calibration required with HNS, which involves testing to make sure everything is functioning properly.
No Lengthy Recovery:
While full recovery and device activation for the HNS procedures take 4 to 6 weeks, and full recovery for GA can take several weeks to a few months, AIRLIFT offers a much quicker return to normalcy. Most patients can resume their normal activities within a few days to a week after the procedure, allowing them to enjoy improved sleep quality and reduced OSA symptoms faster.
An Adaptable Treatment Approach
OSA treatments that involve permanent changes to the bone or soft tissue are not reversible. While these options could be the best solution for your specific situation, the knowledge that AIRLIFT is reversible provides many patients with added peace of mind. AIRLIFT doesn’t close any doors for your treatment options – it is compatible with other treatment options you may also pursue.
Patients may also benefit from other non-invasive and non-surgical treatments pursued in tandem with AIRLIFT. For example, weight loss before or after the procedure can help enhance the results and maintain an open airway.
A Simple and Accessible OSA Solution
If you know CPAP isn’t working and you’re researching safe and effective OSA treatment options, consult with your doctor to see if AIRLIFT could be right for you. With its reduced risks, complications, short recovery time, and minimal invasiveness, AIRLIFT comes with a level of adaptability and several benefits not offered by traditional surgeries.
What’s more, AIRLIFT is typically covered by most insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid, making it an accessible option for many patients seeking relief from OSA.
1. Van Tassel, et.al. , Hyoid Suspension with UPPP for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Ear, Nose & Throat Journal. 2021 Mar; 1-8
