Critical Questions to Ask Your Doctor About AIRLIFT
Are you lying awake at night fighting with your CPAP mask instead of actually sleeping? You’re not alone. For many sleep apnea sufferers, the nightly battle with tubes, masks, and noise has reached a breaking point. You’ve decided that enough is enough—but your sleep apnea, along with the exhaustion, headaches, and health risks it brings, isn’t going anywhere on its own. But you do have options.
AIRLIFT is the innovative alternative that goes beyond the traditional “mask or major surgery” dilemma.This minimally invasive approach has shown remarkable results, with studies reporting a 74% reduction in sleep apnea symptoms when combined with appropriate palate treatments.1. Covered by most insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare, AIRLIFT makes a good night’s rest accessible.
How AIRLIFT Works and What to Expect During the Procedure
AIRLIFT addresses sleep apnea by gently repositioning your hyoid bone—the structure that supports your tongue and throat muscles. Unlike procedures that permanently remove tissue, AIRLIFT simply elevates this bone to create more space in your airway while you sleep. During the procedure, an ENT uses specialized sutures and anchors to elevate this bone to a position that helps maintain an open airway during sleep. The results can be adjusted over time to meet your changing needs, giving you more control over your long-term results. Most patients experience quick improvement with minimal recovery time, as your body doesn’t need to heal from tissue removal—just a simple repositioning of what’s already there.
Top Questions to Ask Before Considering AIRLIFT
When you’re weighing a procedure like AIRLIFT for sleep apnea, asking the right questions can make all the difference. Here are the most crucial questions to help you determine if this solution is truly right for your situation:
#1: Based on my specific sleep study results and anatomy, am I an ideal candidate for AIRLIFT?
Your unique airway obstruction pattern matters tremendously. AIRLIFT specifically targets tongue-based obstruction, so understanding if that’s your primary issue is critical.
#2: What percentage improvement in my AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index) can I realistically expect? Can I expect results immediately?
What’s the complete recovery timeline? Will I have limitations at each stage?
Your personal results may vary based on your specific condition’s severity and anatomy. You can expect the AIRLIFT to begin working right away, but it is recommended to ask what changes you should anticipate in the first week versus after full healing, getting a detailed week-by-week breakdown of what to expect during recovery.
#3: How does AIRLIFT compare to other surgical options, specifically for my condition?
Ask for a side-by-side comparison with traditional options like hypoglossal nerve stimulation, genioglossus advancement, or other procedures you might be considering.
#4: Are there non-surgical alternatives I haven’t tried yet that might work for me?
Ensure you’ve explored all reasonable non-surgical options; don’t be afraid to discuss it with your doctor before committing to a procedure.
#5: What are the most common complications you’ve personally seen with this procedure?
Don’t just ask about theoretical risks – ask what problems your doctor has encountered with their own patients.
#6: What happens if this doesn’t work for me?
One of AIRLIFT’s most appealing features is its reversibility and compatibility with other treatments. Getting the AIRLIFT will not close any future treatment options if needed. While most patients see positive results, everyone’s healing process and response are unique. If your recovery seems slower than expected or your results don’t match what you hoped for, don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor.
The AIRLIFT Mechanism: Engineering Better Sleep
What sets AIRLIFT apart is its elegant simplicity. Once in place, it works silently and automatically while you sleep—no equipment to manage, no remote control to remember to use before bed, and no noise to disturb you or your partner. Unlike treatments that require nightly setup or activation, AIRLIFT becomes a silent partner in your journey to better sleep.
If your condition or needs change over time, AIRLIFT offers the benefit of being compatible with all other common treatments for sleep apnea. This compatibility is important as sleep apnea can evolve with age, weight changes, or other health factors. Having a treatment program that can be refined gives you options for the future, allowing your care to adapt as your body and needs change.
A Breakthrough Alternative for Sleep Apnea Sufferers
By getting clear answers to these questions, you’ll be equipped to make an informed decision about whether AIRLIFT is the right alternative to CPAP for your OSA needs. Remember that the ideal treatment balances effectiveness, safety, and alignment with your personal preferences and lifestyle needs.
Ready to explore if AIRLIFT is right for you? Take the next step by finding an AIRLIFT provider near you.
The testimonials, statements, and opinions presented on our website by patients are applicable to the individuals depicted. Results will vary and may not be representative of the experience of others. The testimonials are voluntarily provided. The testimonials are representative of the individual patients experience. Furthermore, the information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.
Sources
- Van Tassel, et.al. , Hyoid Suspension with UPPP for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Ear, Nose & Throat Journal. 2021 Mar; 1-8
