Sleep Apnea Patient, Alana, Finds Restful Sleep with Inspire Technology

Alana Booth spent years feeling exhausted and frustrated from her sleep apnea. Then she came to Covenant Health Parkwest and found the support she’d been missing. Thanks to Inspire technology offered conveniently close to home, Alana was able to find the solution and rest that she needed.

When CPAP Isn’t the Answer

For years, Alana woke up every morning exhausted. No matter how early she went to bed, she felt like she hadn’t slept at all. She struggled to stay awake during the day and often napped just to make it through.

Alana tried using a CPAP machine, the most common treatment for sleep apnea. But it never worked for her.

“I would wake up and my husband would tell me he didn’t get any sleep because of my snoring,” Alana says. “I had pulled the CPAP off in my sleep and didn’t even know it.”

Finding Advanced Technology Close to Home

Alana began searching for other options and learned about the Inspire, an FDA-approved device placed under the skin to keep airways open during sleep. It sounded promising, but she wanted a local, trusted provider to guide her. That’s when she met Jaron Densky, MD, an otolaryngologist at Parkwest.

“A lot of people think it’s new,” Dr. Densky says, “But it’s a proven, effective therapy for the right patient.”

He explains that CPAP or BiPAP is always the first line of treatment, but they don’t work for everyone. Some patients feel claustrophobic or anxious. For others, like Alana, it simply isn’t the right fit.

How the Device Works

The process began with a sleep endoscopy to determine if the problem could be fixed using Inspire. This technology works for obstructive sleep apnea. This is caused by the tongue relaxing during sleep which blocks the airway.

“Inspire attaches to the hypoglossal nerve, which controls tongue movement,” Dr. Densky explains. The device delivers gentle stimulation to move the tongue forward and clear the airway.

The sleep endoscopy confirmed that Alana was a good candidate for the technology, and she proceeded with implantation. The device sits just under the skin of her chest. At bedtime, Alana simply holds a small remote over the area and presses a button to activate the device. After a delay that allows her to comfortably fall asleep as normal, the device kicks in and helps her stay asleep peacefully.

A Life-Changing Difference

The change in Alana’s daily life has been dramatic.

“I hardly ever nap now, and I used to nap all the time,” she says. “Life is so much better in every way. I’m more confident and now I can go on an overnight trip with my friends without being embarrassed about my snoring.”

Alana spent years working as a surgical nurse. After the impact of her own surgery, she applied and joined the same surgery center where Dr. Densky works. Now, she encourages other patients who are exhausted from lack of sleep and desperate for relief.

“If you are struggling, there is hope,” she tells them. “It is a miracle, and I feel so lucky and blessed to have the Inspire.”

Finding Better Sleep with Covenant Health

No matter what the cause of sleep problems, it’s important to seek help early. Early diagnoses and treatment can make a big impact on well-being.

Wonder if Inspire or other sleep services might help you? Contact the Sleep Disorders Center at Parkwest to get started today.