Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is far more than just loud snoring. It’s a serious condition where the airway repeatedly collapses or becomes blocked during sleep, causing pauses in breathing. These interruptions can leave sufferers exhausted, struggling with concentration, and at increased risk of cardiovascular disease if left untreated.
Despite this, OSA remains underdiagnosed. Many people fail to seek help for symptoms like daytime sleepiness, microsleep, or reports from a partner of breathing pauses at night. Recognising the warning signs – and acting early – can make a life-changing difference.
That’s why The Sleep Charity has teamed up with Dr Allie Hare to deliver a free webinar series, sponsored by Inspire Medical Systems. Across three sessions this September, Dr Hare will unpack the basics of OSA, how to spot the symptoms, and the treatment pathways available.
Why treatment matters
When left untreated, sleep apnoea can have serious health consequences – especially for the heart and circulatory system. But the good news is that OSA is highly treatable.
For many people, the first-line therapy is CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). CPAP works by using a mask to deliver a steady stream of air to keep the airway open at night. While highly effective, it can be difficult for some people to tolerate long-term. Side effects, discomfort, or simply struggling to sleep with a mask on can lead to patients abandoning treatment – leaving them without the protection they need.
A new pathway: Inspire Therapy
For those who can’t tolerate CPAP, Inspire Medical Systems has developed an innovative alternative: Inspire therapy.
Unlike CPAP, Inspire therapy works from inside your body. A small device – often called a ‘neurostimulator implant’ – is placed under the skin and gently stimulates the nerve that controls your tongue, keeping your airway open during sleep. This allows for regular breathing and restful sleep, without the need for a mask or machine by the bed.
Since 2014, more than 100,000 patients worldwide – including a growing number in the UK – have benefitted from Inspire therapy. Research shows it can reduce the number of breathing pauses and significantly improve quality of life.
Excitingly, several major NHS hospitals in England are now offering or preparing to offer Inspire therapy as a treatment option for patients with moderate to severe OSA who are unable to tolerate CPAP.
The Sleep Charity webinar series
To raise awareness of OSA and highlight the treatment options available, The Sleep Charity’s upcoming webinar series is free for anyone to attend. Register, here:
- 9 September, 13:00–13:30 – What is OSA?
- 16 September, 13:00–13:30 – Signs to look out for
- 23 September, 13:00–13:30 – Treatment and pathways
These short, accessible sessions hosted by Dr Allie Hare are a great opportunity to learn more about OSA – whether you’re concerned about your own sleep, worried about a loved one, or currently struggling with treatment.
Take sleep seriously
If you experience persistent tiredness, morning headaches, difficulty staying awake, or your partner notices pauses in your breathing during the night, it could be more than ‘just tiredness.’ Sleep apnoea is common, serious, but also very treatable.
If CPAP hasn’t worked for you, it doesn’t have to be the end of the road. Inspire therapy offers hope – a new pathway for better nights, and better days.
Always speak to your doctor about your treatment options. Individual treatment results may vary. For important information about Inspire therapy and its delivery, risks and safety, visit Inspire Medical Systems here.