New treatment for sleep apnea at Shannon

SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — The Shannon Medical Center Sleep Center is offering a new treatment for patients suffering from sleep apnea that may eliminate the need for CPAP machines.

The new treatment, Inspire, involves implanting a device beneath the skin under the patient’s chin. The device stimulates the hypoglossal nerve and other breathing muscles to keep the patient’s airways open without the need for masks or machines.

“It pulls the tongue forward so that your airway stays open,” said Shannon sleep technician, Denette Trimble. “People say they have much more peaceful sleep than with CPAP.”

Current treatments for sleep apnea involve CPAP machines. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure and requires the use of a mask placed over the sleeper’s nose. The mask is attached to a machine that pushes air into the person’s airways.

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes a person’s airways to close while they are sleeping. There are many signs and symptoms, including snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, choking, and gasping during sleep. These symptoms happen because the sleep apnea sufferer is not getting enough oxygen while they sleep, which increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Any patient who wants to find out more about the Inspire treatment can call the Shannon Sleep Center for a consultation.

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