I believe Leslie’s struggles are with the dual pressures and leaking, presumably from mouth (using nasal pillows even with chin strap, or a full face mask when sleeping on side that likely leakes on the higher of the two pressures. Not blood pressure medications, she doesn’t mention that is an issue.
I would image Leslie sleeps on her back when initiating sleep and switches to her side and back and forth. Those changes depending on pillow blow air out seals (either out mouth-nasal pillows, or mask on side). Been there gone through it Leslie, I am sorry as I have been desaturating and have had all the issues mentioned above. That being said, I wouldn’t consider the Inspire device.
The device is too new, invasive surgeries, not covered by most Insurance’s, and most notably everyone will need a MRI, chance of antibody rejection (requiring removal and could cause other health issues, scaring, tumor formation, who knows? Medical device FDA approval process isn’t thorough enough.
There are only two docs in my state doing the procedure. The sleep center I go to is the biggest and most well renown in the Pacific NW and said there are too many variables. I would try out Respironics new nasal pilllow mask or the dreamware mask from Phillips. Try using every chin strap if you are leaking air out of your mouth, try CPAP pillows for full face mask. If your on Bi-Pap I would image you have some component of OSA which this wouldnt help. A O2 bleed into your machine I would also try if your desaturating. I would also consider Belsomra a new sleep med that doesn’t hit the typical gaba receptors like most hypnotics. Best of luck!
