New Device Solves Sound Beach Man’s Sleep Apnea

Ryan Owens has lived with sleep apnea since he was a teen. To help alleviate his condition, the Sound Beach resident tried an APAP (automatic positive airway pressure) machine and, despite his best efforts, did not achieve his desired results.

Knowing his sleep apnea could cause serious health problems, Ryan met with Catholic Health Otolaryngologist Lee Shangold, MD, who specializes in pediatric and adult sleep medicine. After unsuccessfully trying to troubleshoot his PAP issues, Dr. Shangold recommended Inspire, an FDA-approved sleep apnea treatment that works from within the body with just the click of a button.

“I was tested to see if I would qualify,” Ryan said. “During the test, I continued to stop breathing and woke up choking. My condition was affecting my personal life, and I was feeling more and more sluggish.”

Inspire is placed inside the body through a minimally invasive, same-day outpatient procedure. When ready for bed, the patient uses a remote to turn on the device, opening the airway for normal breathing and elimination of snoring. The Inspire procedure was performed by one of Dr. Shangold’s partners, John Sugrue, MD.

“A good night’s sleep is imperative to maintaining overall good health,” Dr. Shangold said. “Untreated moderate and severe sleep apnea is an independent risk factor for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attacks and strokes. Inspire allows patients who struggled with PAP therapy an alternative to improving the quality of life.”

Now for the first time in years, Ryan is sleeping soundly.

“I’m more alert, and my family is also enjoying the fact that I no longer snore,” he said. “For me, this was about finding something that would allow me to have the best health possible and not keep my wife and kids awake at night. I thought there would be no solution to my sleep apnea, but thanks to Drs. Shangold and Sugrue my problem is solved.

Catholic Health sleep centers across Long Island help diagnose and treat sleep disorders for adults and children, including insomnia, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea. Board-certified sleep specialists conduct overnight sleep studies in an environment that is safe and comfortable for patients. For those unable to travel, Catholic Health specialists will discuss the options of virtual sleep consultations and home sleep testing.