Sleep without a CPAP with Inspire therapy®. Innovative technology expands treatment options for those living with obstructive sleep apnea in southern West Virginia.
Boone Memorial Health is expanding its surgical capabilities with the addition of ear, nose and throat (ENT) services, marked by a significant milestone with the successful completion of its first Inspire® therapy procedure. This innovative, mask-free treatment offers a new option for individuals living with obstructive sleep apnea, particularly those who have struggled with traditional Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy.
Inspire® therapy is designed for patients who have tried CPAP therapy but struggle to tolerate or benefit from it. This advanced treatment offers a new path to better sleep and improved overall health.
“Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious condition that can lead to daytime fatigue, high blood pressure, heart disease and other health concerns if left untreated,” said Boone Memorial Health Chief Nursing Officer, Stephanie McDougal. “By offering Inspire® therapy, Boone Memorial Health is helping expand access to effective treatment options for patients across southern West Virginia, supporting our ongoing goal of bringing medicine home.”
Unlike traditional CPAP machines, Inspire® therapy works from inside the body. The system includes a small implant, a handheld remote and a mobile app. The device gently stimulates airway muscles during sleep to help keep the airway open, allowing patients to breathe more naturally throughout the night. Patients can easily turn the therapy on before sleep and off when they wake, while also sharing therapy data with their provider.
The Inspire® implant procedure will be performed by otolaryngologist Justin Douglas, MD, who brings specialized expertise in ear, nose and throat care to Boone Memorial Health. Dr. Douglas has been in practice for 13 years. Learn more about Dr. Douglas here.
Inspire therapy may be an option for adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea; have completed a sleep study within the last 24 months; are unable to use or get consistent benefit from CPAP therapy; and who are not significantly overweight. To further qualify, patients must undergo an endoscopic airway evaluation by Dr. Douglas to determine if Inspire® therapy is the right treatment option for their condition.
Individuals interested in Inspire® therapy are encouraged to talk to their primary care provider or pulmonologist and request a referral to Boone Memorial Health for an Inspire® therapy evaluation.
More information is also available at bmh.org or by calling 304.369.1230.
