Inspire Implant for Sleep Apnea: A Surgeon’s Honest Inside Story 😴

[@nordr]

Thanks again for the opportunity to come on your channel and discuss this therapy. You have a wonderful resource here and an educated and engaged community!

[@CPAPReviews]

You're very welcome mate. It's not everyday i get to chat to the best Otolaryngologist in the world 😜. I can tell you care about those suffering from Sleep Apnea just as much as i do and you're welcome back anytime! Keen to hear about these other 'sleep apnea solutions' you offer. If i was having the implant, i'd certainly fell comfortable with you 'behind the wheel' Cheers. Nicko

[@en2oh]

As an anesthesiologist with sleep apnea (who tolerates CPAP) it’s refreshing to see a person who can do procedures start with a less invasive solution first. Great interview, Nico.

[@CPAPReviews]

@@en2oh thank you legend

[@laurabaker8435]

Welcome Dr Nord. You (VCU) are in my old stomping grounds (Marty Wash grad) Great information. Convinces me to hone my CPAP skills! AHI from 56 to .5 in a year, thanks in a large part to Uncle Nicko!

[@CPAPReviews]

Well done Laura! Keep it up

[@brendaharrup6693]

I was fortunate enough to be a patient of Dr. Ryan Nord and a very grateful recipient of the Inspire implant in January of this year. I tried using a CPAP for two years after a sleep study done in 2006. I kept getting sinus infections and developed allergic reactions to different antibiotics. My sleep apnea was severe. The Inspire implant has been a life-enhancing experience for me. I have two conditions that zap my energy-eosinophilic asthma and MDS. Before the Inspire implant I was gasping for air just crossing a room. Nowadays I am able to be more active and enjoy more autonomy. I owe a great debt of gratitude to Dr. Nord, my sleep medical team and my general physician for this miracle. 🌺

[@NeilKristianson]

Great interview, Uncle Nicko! This just confirms my desire to avoid Inspire at all costs. It sounds far worse than wearing headgear. Thanks to you and the SleepHQ community, I'm managing to get much better sleep. Still a ways to go but I'm 90% there. If I was relying on my doctor, I'd be screwed.

[@lindakrusyna7275]

Thank you, this has been very interesting. I'll stick with my CPAP. The procedure sounds scary.

[@CPAPReviews]

You’re welcome 👋

[@Youneedtoknownow]

Thank you - this was great information. So much more info than my surgeon supplied. I had the implant surgery 3 weeks ago.

[@CPAPReviews]

i'm glad you enjoyed it. I imagine most surgeons don't have the time to sit down for a 1 hour chat with each patient but i think this will help future patients. Hey if you'd like to come on the channel and discuss your experience please let me know - z0809tvc5o2.typeform.com/to/MkWg6eWM

[@rickadkinson6539]

@@CPAPReviews That would be very interesting to hear.

[@MikeGetsItDone]

Question: can a patient feel the nerve stimulation device under the tongue during normal activities like talking, eating, drinking, etc.?

[@flaviamcfatridge592]

I do fine with my CPAP but I found this very interesting.

[@CPAPReviews]

Glad you enjoyed the vid. Cheers

[@barrettwalker5294]

Thank You for this in depth discussion on Inspire. Personally I don't want anything in my body that I wasn't born with. I understand that people can benefit from this device and that's a good thing. I've been using a CPAP for over 30 years. Yes I struggled at first, especially with the equipment that was 30 years ago. Now we have far better equipment which makes it easier. For people who struggle with CPAP therapy please hang in there. It gets better and easier. I cannot take a nap or fall asleep without my CPAP. I'm 66 and a retired commercial truck driver. I had to jump through many hoops to maintain my CDL over the years. I sleep pretty good now but it definitely was a struggle at times . This CPAP guy has helped me immensely. Thank you Sir.

[@mrmotono1]

I'm seven years older and have been using my always improving equipment for 20 years, but otherwise I share your conclusions and recommendations.

[@Zestybeef]

30 years! So glad to hear you've been able to stick with it that long and that it's benefited you overall. This is my first year of what will be decades of use with CPAP, glad to see and read stories like yours.

[@CPAPReviews]

You're very welcome and i appreciate the wonderful comment and encouragement. Cheers

[@Aries-Athena]

I'm looking into this because I was diagnosed with vestibular migraines since starting cpap, and it seems like the cpap keeps it aggravated no matter what I do. I dont want surgery if I can help it, but I would really like to just feel better. Ty for the vid, Nick!

[@skywaylady87]

Great interview! I like a doctor that states facts and letting us know if you can wear a Cpap or Bipap is better but a great option for those who just can't. I for one will stick with my Bipap. Do I love it? No, but I am alive and my Bipap is working for me. Thank you guys, appreciate this information.

[@CPAPReviews]

appreciate that. Cheers

[@garywhite2825]

Thanks Niko, A very informative video. I was most interested in the pre-screening of patients, and the criteria used to determine if patients are suitable candidates for this treatment.

[@CPAPReviews]

Appreciate that Gary, all the best buddy. Nicko

[@andrewbarnes605]

excellent interview Nicko -- very informative and clear.

[@CPAPReviews]

Thank you brother! Glad you enjoyed it. Cheers

[@preetimittal2123]

Cpap brings my father's blood sugar high ...when he doesn't use cpap my father's sugar is normal and when he use ....his sugar level borderline high...please make video on this ...please throw some lights on this please i am very disturbed ...please please give some reply on it

[@erikschmith7488]

Great interview. The pricing is, simply, insane and not affordable. IMO this should not have some to market without a much smaller cost - especially when CPAP machines run $500-$1200 max.

[@brucew22]

Insurance typically pays for it all

[@arthursanches411]

Hello. Is inspire pacemaker also suitable for central apnea?

[@CPAPReviews]

Hello, the answer is no because there is no obstruction with central sleep apnea and thus there is no need for an impulse to trigger the tongue movement and airway opening. Cheers

[@ea214]

My ENT said I am not a goof candidate. A variety of problems that make it difficult yo breathe through my nose that they are not confident they can correct. Have a mix of OSA and CSA events. And my untreated AHI is at the top of the mild range.

[@CPAPReviews]

So what's the plan bro? Check out the ResMed ASV device. That shit is next level good. Cheers

[@davidthomas8413]

Outstanding video presentation, your best!

[@CPAPReviews]

Thank you for the kind words David. Cheers

[@rePath]

There is another type of implant where you dont have the battery inside your body, you just stick it on your chin overnight. There are wires implanted on both sides and electricity is transmited through a spool in your chin.

[@nordr]

This is the Nyxoah Genio device. It is currently awaiting FDA approval in the US.

[@gloriasaliba3395]

After close to 2 years still struggling with my cPAP treatment - my anxiety and restless leg syndrome has prevented me my benefitting from my machine - sounds like I might be a good candidate for this procedure - is there anyone in Sydney Australia providing this procedure?

[@Wonderingwoman1]

Definitely look into what is causing the other issues before getting medication/cpap. Prayers for you! Sometimes finding the root issue you can drill down and find what is going on with your body.

[@toby621]

I can’t do cpap they are going to cut the hell out of my throat It’s supposed to be very painful I hope it works

[@JohnDowd-r8t]

What Inspire doesn’t tell according to this gentleman: $110k+😮; major surgery where you’re knocked out for 1.5 hours+😮; the battery needs to be replaced = more surgery 😮; and, 70% success rate. I believe I can tolerate CPAP😁

[@Armyguy91]

Hey. Nick. I'm considering getting the Inspire. My claustrophobia has come back with a vengeance. And I wind up ripping off my CPAP mask during the night. Sometimes before I get to sleep. My insurance will cover everything, it's only $350.00 US Co-pay. I'm lucky that I have great insurance. I've heard that there's a weight limit for the Inspire. Do you know what that might be? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Keep up your terrific work!! Thanks Jim

[@CPAPReviews]

Hey bro, i'm not 100% sure on this but yes, there is generally a weight limit or body mass index (BMI) recommendation for the Inspire Hypoglossal Nerve Implant. The Inspire therapy is typically recommended for patients with a BMI of 32 or less. This is because higher BMI levels are associated with obesity, which can contribute to the severity of obstructive sleep apnea and affect the efficacy of the implant. Patients with a BMI higher than 32 might be advised to lose weight before being considered for the procedure. However, each case is unique, and the final decision is made based on a comprehensive sleep specialist and surgeon evaluation. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to understand if you or someone else might be a good candidate for the Inspire implant.

[@RaulRuiz-oh2et]

What is this dr's specialty??

[@Wonderingwoman1]

Why does regular insurance not cover this if you qualify? USA here...

[@CPAPReviews]

Hello, unfortunately i'm not an expert in the U.S medical insurance but i imagine it's because the implant is so expensive and the cost of 'regular' insurance is not enough to cover the it. Cheers

[@gpilsitz1783]

Thanks for the upfront patient selection criteria. This doesn't look like it's something right for me.

[@Guitarbarella]

So what’s with the investors law suit that’s been filed against the company all about? I thought it was something to do with data?

[@CPAPReviews]

Hey bro, i imagine that's some standard corporate shit where they 'mislead' potential investors in one way or another. Cheers

[@Wonderingwoman1]

I was told I was not a candidate because I have a low decended palate. And 20lbs overweight. 😢 arghh

[@CPAPReviews]

That sucks but i think it's a good thing they are not recommending the treatment when it's not suitable. Cheers

[@lb7wade518]

Why are we on CPAP? Is it what we are eating? What we are drinking? I have been on CPAP for 23 years! I ask why? Inspire is very costly $60,000-80,000 then only last 2-3 years!

[@CPAPReviews]

Hey bro, not sure what you mean by ' only last 2-3 years ' . Personally, I think it's likely due to our evolution. Our jaw is getting smaller and smaller over time (hence the frequent removal of wisdom teeth) and other teeth issues associated with crowding. I could be wrong but it makes sense. Cheers

[@RosegarlandCreations]

I hope it will Gloria, I suffer from same thing, thanks for sharing Nick, very interesting. about time something new come long.❤❤❤👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@CPAPReviews]

Cheers

[@Wonderingwoman1]

Tongue being forward would end with extreme dry mouth.😢

[@gilrose12345]

Nord must be raking in the $$$ with 400+ operations. Nice business to be in- does the DISE and also makes the determinations and operation. Medical devices have the protection of US Congress so you can never sue any medical device co. with a device approved by the FDA.

[@CPAPReviews]

I imagine most surgeons in the US are doing okay for themselves. That being said, i hear you can charge 10k for an in-lab sleep study in the U.S 🫣

[@Freecpapadvice]

@@CPAPReviews Charge, but not actually receive. Insurance and reimbursement is a game in the US healthcare system. Not a good set up. Looking forward to watching the video and hearing from a surgeon that does them.

[@CPAPReviews]

@@Freecpapadvice i was speaking a lab managerfrom Mount Sinai and he said that insurance will pay that? - kffhealthnews.org/news/article/enough-to-wreck-their-rest-10322-for-a-sleep-study/amp/

[@destari5917]

Inspire has recently had a class 1 recall due to manufacturing defects. I would personally stay away from these.

[@CPAPReviews]

I covered this recall here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZqZdqx9eNd0mbs. It was 32 devices out of around 60-70 thousand and i will also remind you that Philips recently had a CPAP recall over over 5,000,000 devices. According to the FDA, 561 deaths tied to recalled Philips CPAP devices. Cheers

[@rdking8001]

Can it be hacked into?

[@technoman9000]

I was waiting for this video to be sponsored by NordVPN

[@CPAPReviews]

hahahahaha, one of the best comments i've seen. Cheers

[@juliek4932]

I'd like to hear from someone who doesn't profit from promoting the Inspire. I'm not implying this dr is unethical or dishonest but I doubt he's unbiased.

[@CPAPReviews]

I'm going to speak with some people who have had the implant. That being said, there's no way you do 400 implants if the device sucks because the surgeon has to deal with the consequences of that implant. Imagine having to speak with patients who are frequently unhappy. You'd just stop doing it. Cheers

[@walterlewis1029]

Hi Nick Sorry to bother you but I'm really in need of your Help.With CPAP Related Issues I have sent emails to you regarding this.

[@CPAPReviews]

Hey buddy, i'm sorry but i don't offer personal support at this stage. You're welcome to contact my KZbin mate @TheLankyLefty27 who provides one-on-one support via his website axgsleepdiagnostics.com. Cheers

[@sandylister]

It bothers me about putting a device on your only nerve that innervates the diaphragm.

[@sheilaguiles8078]

Is this device MRI compatible?

[@Wonderkell74]

Not related to the Inspire specifically but it depends on the battery type. I had an older peripheral nerve stimulator for chronic pain and that was most definitely a no under MRI & some airport security. Apparently the newer stimulators are compatible. I imagine Inspire is using similar components, so it probably is ok but absolutely worth asking.

[@kellymurphy6845]

Most batteries are MRI compatible, but you may need to make certain your city offers a machine with 1.5 Tesla. Of the many imaging sites and 5 hospitals, only one offers the 1.5 Tesla where I live.

[@newyorklove4u]

My machine is good enough

[@pitchkapizda8355]

You got to be kidding me no way would I trust this treatment

[@gilrose12345]

Need long term data like 10 to 15 years! What happens to people with this implant over the years? What does your tongue look like? AHI? Improvement? Cortical awakening due to electrical stimulation?

[@spellingbee2000]

Think I’ll skip…lol

[@katherineblanco9471]

Cpap with no surgery no issues, why would you use this. Stop trying to sell us something we don’t need. Cpap works full stop. Another info commercial. 😮

[@frankpohl4377]

This kind of therapy has no future. In Germany ca. 60% of the customers had taken them out again after many nerv problems.

[@joeshmoe7899]

People still trust doctors?

[@Wonderingwoman1]

Nope!

[@randya322]

Haven't folks died from this too?

[@destari5917]

Nobody has died that I'm aware of, but they did have a recall related to manufacturing defects. That recall hasn't reported anyone injured.

[@randya322]

@@destari5917 I'm sure they will never admit it.

[@destari5917]

Fortunately, that's not up to the manufacturer. The FDA handles these recall notices and also gets reports directly from the medical practices.

[@randya322]

@destari5917 Yes, I just read about the FDA recall of "the most serious type." They list serious "may cause" consequences but thankfully none have been reported.

[@chrispolicastro1]

It really bothers me when doctors like this claim that inspire is for people who cannot tolerate CPAP. Nobody can tolerate CPAP! But many of us push through night after night because we must. That isn't tolerating - it is survival, and we are the ones who deserve to be first in line for inspire. Not the people who try CPAP for 5 minutes and give up! My doctor said the same thing as this guy - that inspire wasn't for me because I use CPAP nightly. Total BS!

[@CPAPReviews]

Very interesting comment mate, the next video i did in the series was with a guy who just took his mask off in his Sleep so provided the implant.

[@SignifiedSix]

Shit for rich people of course

[@symshomeneedsholesaledeale4014]

Awailable in india sir