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Treatment for Sleep Apnea – Inspire Therapy – a Non-CPAP Solution for OSA

  • Topeka Ear, Nose and Throat
  • 5 days ago
  • 3 min read

illustration of human body showing how obstructive sleep apnea closes the throat

If a sleep study indicates that you suffer from sleep apnea, your healthcare provider may recommend a combination of implementing lifelong healthy lifestyle modifications and medical treatments to help you breathe better.


Common Treatments for Sleep Apnea

The most common treatment for sleep apnea is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. A CPAP machine delivers steady air pressure through a mask to keep your airway open during sleep.


However, many patients find it difficult to adjust to sleeping with a CPAP Machine.


Common complaints include:


  • The sensation of pressurized air

  • Uncomfortable or restrictive masks

  • Disruptive sounds from the device

  • Anxiety or difficulty falling asleep with the equipment


These challenges often lead to frustration or anxiety around bedtime, poor sleep quality, and inconsistent CPAP use.


Why It Is Important to Treat Sleep Apnea


Before giving up on your CPAP machine, it’s important to understand the serious health risks of leaving sleep apnea untreated.


Untreated OSA can lead to:


  • High blood pressure and heart disease

  • Heart attack or stroke

  • Obesity and type 2 diabetes

  • Depression and chronic fatigue


Proper treatment not only improves sleep quality but also supports your overall heart, brain, and metabolic health.


Alternative Treatments to CPAP for Sleep Apnea

If you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and struggle to tolerate a CPAP machine, you’re not alone. While lifestyle changes—such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and sticking to a regular sleep schedule—can help reduce symptoms, many people require additional medical treatment for lasting relief.


At Topeka Ear, Nose, and Throat, we offer several CPAP alternatives designed to improve your sleep quality and overall health.


1) Oral Appliance Therapy

Custom dental appliances are a comfortable, effective alternative for many patients who can’t tolerate CPAP therapy. These devices are worn in the mouth during sleep to help keep the airway open and prevent obstructions.


There are two main types of oral appliances for sleep apnea:


  • Mandibular repositioning devices – Move the lower jaw slightly forward to maintain an open airway.

  • Tongue-retaining devices – Hold the tongue in a forward position to prevent it from blocking the throat.


Your sleep specialist can determine which oral device is best suited for your condition.


2) Surgical and Laser Treatment Options

For patients with more severe or anatomical causes of sleep apnea, surgical procedures may help improve airflow. These options include:


These options include:


  • Tissue removal or reshaping in the mouth or throat to enlarge the upper airway

  • Upper or lower jaw advancement surgery to reposition the jaw and improve breathing during sleep


At Topeka Ear, Nose, and Throat, our specialists can evaluate whether sleep apnea surgery or laser treatment may be right for you.


3) Inspire® Therapy – A Mask-Free, Non-CPAP Solution to Sleep Apnea

If you’re looking for a CPAP-free treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, Inspire Therapy offers an innovative solution that works from within your body—no mask, no hose, and no nightly equipment.


How Inspire® Therapy Keeps Your Airways Open at Night:


  • A small implantable device is placed under the skin of the chest and connected to the hypoglossal nerve beneath the tongue. 

  • This nerve is a motor nerve responsible for controlling both voluntary and involuntary movements of the tongue. During sleep, the Inspire device gently stimulates it to keep the airway open.

  • The system monitors your breathing patterns and delivers mild pulses that move the tongue and airway muscles, preventing obstructions.

  • Patients control Inspire Therapy with a handheld remote, turning it on before sleep and off upon waking up.


Inspire is an FDA-approved, minimally invasive treatment that allows many patients to breathe and sleep naturally again—without bulky CPAP equipment.


(Read how one Kansas man is enjoying motorcycle rides again with Inspire therapy)


Say Goodbye to Sleepless Nights with the Right Sleep Apnea Treatment


If you’ve struggled with CPAP therapy or want to explore alternative treatments, Topeka Ear, Nose, and Throat can help. Our specialists will assess your condition, discuss your options, and determine whether Inspire Therapy, oral appliances, or surgical solutions are right for you.


Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward restful, healthy sleep.



 
 
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