Success Stories: Why a Patient “Would Do AIRLIFT Again in a Heartbeat”
Mark S. successfully used CPAP for over ten years after receiving a diagnosis for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the 1990s. Over time, however, he developed a dryness condition that made the CPAP machine too painful to use – a common side effect that many patients with OSA experience.
As a result, Mark’s physician recommended an OSA treatment that uses electrical impulses to keep the tongue from falling back and causing sleep apnea. After undergoing testing for that option and learning it would be insufficient, Mark searched for another solution to end his struggle with CPAP.
Based on Mark’s history, his physician pointed him toward AIRLIFT, a minimally-invasive treatment option for sleep apnea, utilizing hyoid suspension to provide immediate and lasting relief by opening and stabilizing the airway to prevent excessive breathing resistance when you sleep. The procedure is FDA-approved, safe and hassle-free with a short post-operative recovery.
AIRLIFT also can work in conjunction with other sleep apnea procedures. In Mark’s case, his provider also recommended a uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), a procedure that reshapes or removes excess tissue in the upper airway.
Mark’s physician felt strongly that the AIRLIFT implant was central to Mark overcoming his obstructive sleep apnea. During an outpatient evaluation, Mark’s doctor recommended performing the AIRLIFT procedure at the same time as the UPPP. Mark experienced some challenges with swallowing as well as throat pain during his first month of recovery but ultimately felt the surgery was well worth the discomfort.
“…Now, I don’t think about swallowing at all…the surgery was extremely effective. I could tell within days, as a matter of fact, because I had had such a problem sleeping on my back before the surgery.”
Within a couple of weeks post-procedure, Mark felt he had much more room to breathe. He also began to fall asleep and stay asleep on his back, which he couldn’t do previously. Excited by his results, Mark quickly started telling acquaintances that his sleep apnea had already improved. He wasn’t surprised when his sleep apnea episodes fell below the threshold for a sleep apnea diagnosis.
“That means this surgery cured my sleep apnea! I sleep better during the night and my sleepiness during the day is improved.”
Despite the recovery period, Mark says he would do the AIRLIFT surgery again in a heartbeat. Going forward, Mark embraces life free of the chronic disturbance of living with sleep apnea. And given that sleep apnea has been found to be a contributor to so many other ailments, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity, Mark personally feels that alone should motivate other to do whatever it takes to correct this condition.
Mark’s concluding thoughts? “There is nothing like being able to fall asleep, sleep a long time, and wake up breathing easily.”
Interested in learning if AIRLIFT is right for you? This unique OSA treatment option begins to work immediately and can be performed in as little as 30 minutes by a physician in an outpatient setting. The surgery and recovery is typically well-tolerated by patients, and the procedure is reimbursed by most insurance. Ask your doctor if AIRLIFT may be an option for you, or find a 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.
