", "CPAP is doing wonders for my sleep apnea. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. What else do you need to make your decision. For some, sleeping with a CPAP machine is impossible. There are risks associated with the surgery and the device itself, including tongue abrasion and discomfort (more on that below). You may have other tests to find out what's causing sleep apnea. These include nasal strips and nasal disks. Navigation Menu - Opens a Simulated Dialog, E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine, Hasmeena Kathuria MD - Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine, Sleep Medicine. I also read that surgery may only help about half of the time. Oral devices may be used for people who have mild to moderate sleep apnea. Soft elastic belts will be placed around your chest and belly to measure your breathing. 1. Details. Problems with nighttime behaviors. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your options. Use this Prior Authorization Guide to assist you in determining if your patient meets criteria.. Make it harder for people with diabetes to control blood sugar. The HGNS device monitors your breathing and activates the nerve that controls the tongue muscles. All rights reserved. It really isn't that much of a bother for me to use. You can go back to your usual activities. This most often occurs because your airways are blocked or partly blocked. You notice that your bed partner stops breathing, gasps, or chokes during sleep. Starting August 1, UnitedHealthcare is covering a specific therapy for obstructive sleep apnea, a medical implant developed by Inspire Medical Systems. While you sleep, Inspire delivers mild stimulation to key airway muscles, allowing the airway to remain open. CPAP stands for "continuous positive airway pressure.". Certain things increase your risk for obstructive sleep apnea. After menopause, women get sleep apnea at a rate similar to men. Learn more at. Inspire is an alternative to CPAP that works inside your body while you sleep. 3. These studies can help find sleep problems, such as: Sleep apnea. Do you need treatment even if your sleep apnea doesn't bother you too much? Sign In You are not significantly obese. Shop your favorite products and well find the best deal with a single click. Does UPPP always work well for sleep apnea? Inspire is significantly more expensive than traditional CPAP machines, which usually retail between $250 and $1,000 -- some go into the multiple thousands. It's mostly used for central sleep apnea. Your doctor may suggest a sleep study. Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information (e.g. Get in touch with an Inspire Advisor. A CPAP machine is durable medical equipment. Does anyone have any experience with the Inspire device? The exact out-of-pocket cost will depend on your insurance plan. Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Oahu:808-432-2000Maui:808-243-6000Hawaii:808-934-4000 (Hilo) / 808-334-4400 (Kona). Here are some changes to think about. It's important to treat sleep apnea, because it makes you more likely to have high blood pressure, depression, irregular heart rhythms, heart failure, coronary artery disease, and stroke. This is repeated muscle twitching of the feet, arms, or legs during sleep. Does tracheostomy almost always cure sleep apnea? Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. These studies usually are done in a sleep lab. Most major US insurance companies cover Inspire, An Inspire trained doctor can discuss insurance coverage requirements during an initial consultation, Typically, you can expect to pay any unmet deductible for the year, along with any copay or coinsurance fee for a surgery. While youre asleep, a camera records how your airway opens and closes, The whole exam only takes about 20 minutes, and when youre done, youll find out if Inspire is right for you, Inspire is placed under the skin, in a same-day, outpatient procedure that takes about two hours, Most patients take over-the-counter pain medication and resume non-strenuous activities within a few days, You can resume more strenuous activities within a couple of weeks, Inspire sends mild stimulation to the motor nerve that controls your tongue, moving it out of the way. Enlarged tonsils or adenoids are a common cause of sleep apnea in children, so surgery to remove them is usually the first treatment. Even though that might sound intimidating, it's an outpatient procedure. A device called a mandibular repositioning device pushes the jaw forward, improving airflow. Ongoing problems that have not responded to treatment. If you have a bed partner, they may notice that you: Children who have sleep apnea nearly always snore. You choose not to useor cannot useCPAP to treat your sleep apnea. However, as an example, the pricing page states that a person with traditional Medicare should expect to pay a maximum of $1,400 out of pocket if the procedure is done in hospital. This may prevent a buildup of fluid and swelling of the tissues in the nose and throat at night. Try losing weight if needed, sleeping on your side, and avoiding alcohol and medicines like sedatives before bed. What are the risks of untreated sleep apnea? Inspire is available for veterans at select VA and military hospitals across the US, Visit the Find a Doctor page or chat with an Inspire Advisor to see if there is an VA or military hospital near you that offers Inspire, If there is not a center near you, you can possibly utilize a program called the Community Care Program. I want to try surgery even though I know I may have to go back to using CPAP afterward. If you will have portable sleep monitoring, your doctor will explain how to use the equipment at home. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider. 2. The surgery called tracheostomy (which puts a permanent opening in your neck to your windpipe) almost always cures sleep apnea that is caused by blockage of the upper airway. Follow us on these external social media sites that will open in a new browser window. Bone deformities or enlarged tissues block your airways. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. 1-800-464-4000 (TTY 711)Espaol: 1-800-788-0616Chino: 1-800-757-7585. Because of the need for surgery to place the Inspire implant, it likely isn't most people's first choice. Do not drive when you are drowsy. or Drinking alcohol or taking certain medicines, especially sleeping pills, opioids, or sedatives, before sleep may make symptoms worse. All Rights Reserved, Most major US insurance companies cover Inspire, An Inspire trained doctor can discuss insurance coverage requirements during an initial consultation, Typically, you can expect to pay any unmet deductible for the year, along with any copay or coinsurance fee for a surgery. Inspire is a sleep apnea treatment. For adults, breathing may stop as few as 5 times an hour (mild apnea) to 30 or more times an hour (severe apnea). I nspire is a brand which manufactures the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved device for treating obstructive sleep apnea. This makes your heart and blood vessels work harder and can affect your heart rate and nervous system. You are age 18 or above. It increases air pressure in your throat to keep your airway open. It's also not recommended for anyone with ". Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice? If your sleep apnea doesn't improve with treatment, you may have more tests to find out what's causing it. Request for confidential communications forms, A nasal pillow that covers only the openings of your nose. Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health. De lunes a viernes, de 8:00 a. m. a 6:00 p. m. Horario Abierto los 7 das de la semana, de 8 a. m. a 8 p. m. Washington (fuera del rea de Vancouver/Longview), Direccin 601 Union St., Ste. Sleep studies you do at home can be done with portable equipment. These include sleepwalking, night terrors, bed-wetting, and REM behavior disorders (RBD). Raise your risk of having high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension). What are the Operating Hours of the Sleep Lab at South Sacramento Kaiser Permanente? The Sleep Lab at South Sacramento Kaiser Permanente is open Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00pm. It's important to treat obstructive sleep apnea, because sleep apnea makes you more likely to have high blood pressure, depression, irregular heart rhythms, heart failure, coronary artery disease, and stroke. Remember, it's an outpatient procedure, so there are some medical bills that will have to be taken into account. Based on FDA indications and insurance requirements, an Inspire trained doctor will determine if you meet the four criteria. Apnea episodes may be more frequent when you have not had enough sleep. Your doctor will examine you and ask about your past health. Register. Does tracheostomy almost always cure sleep apnea? Inspire improves airflow and reduces obstructive sleep apnea . Kaiser Permanente health plans around the country: Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., in Northern and Southern California and Hawaii Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Colorado Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Georgia, Inc., Nine Piedmont Center, 3495 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305, 404-364-7000 Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc., in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., 2101 E. Jefferson St., Rockville, MD 20852 Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest, 500 NE Multnomah St., Suite 100, Portland, OR 97232 Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington or Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Options, Inc.,1300 SW 27thSt., Renton, WA 98057, Selecting these linkswill take you away from KP.org. Several more . Yes, you're right. Obesity is the factor most likely to lead to sleep apnea. Please call the phone number on your prescription label or 808-643-7979. As with any surgery, there's also the risk of pain, swelling or infection after the device is initially implanted. You may be asked to keep a sleep diary before your sleep study. These include: You can also try oral breathing devices or nasal devices. Other risks may include: Scar tissue forming at the opening of the hole in your throat. According to Inspire's website, it's covered by most insurance providers. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience. Health Insurance Inspire is covered by most major insurance providers. The Inspire device is placed during a minor surgical procedure, but you can usually go home the same day. It's also often accompanied by loud snoring. If you think your sleep partner may have periods when breathing stops, suggest that they talk with a doctor. For adults, breathing may stop as few as 5 times an hour (mild apnea) to 30 or more times an hour (severe apnea). The Inspire isn't constantly sending impulses to your nerves. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. Key points to remember If you snore but don't have other symptoms of sleep apnea, you may not need a sleep study. The company claims that their device is a more convenient alternative to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines. For more information on MRI Guidelines, please, To find out what Inspire Model you have, please contact your doctor or refer to your Patient ID card. Spice up your small talk with the latest tech news, products and reviews. Apnea episodes and snoring may return over time. For more information, please visit. Don't use alcohol or certain medicines before bed. Kaiser Permanente health plans around the country: Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., in Northern and Southern California and Hawaii Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Colorado Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Georgia, Inc., Nine Piedmont Center, 3495 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305, 404-364-7000 Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc., in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., 2101 E. Jefferson St., Rockville, MD 20852 Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest, 500 NE Multnomah St., Suite 100, Portland, OR 97232 Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington or Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Options, Inc.,1300 SW 27thSt., Renton, WA 98057, Selecting these linkswill take you away from KP.org. The risks and cost of the surgery and the possibility that I might still have to be on CPAP are not worth it. Medicare is covering Inspire for those who qualify. It may help to go back and read "Compare Your Options." It reduces the chance of developing long-term. My wife can't believe the change in my attitude during the day. Radiofrequency ablation for sleep apnea can cause: Damage to tissue near the area being treated. Your throat muscles and tongue relax during sleep and partially or completely block the airways in your nose, mouth, or throat. Nota: Si necesita ayuda para un miembro de Kaiser Permanente que no es usted, seleccione el estado o rea donde reside esa persona. or How sure do you feel right now about your decision? Bachelor of Science, Psychology and Sociology. Abierto los 7 das de la semana, de 8 a. m. a 8 p. m. Puede llamarnos las 24 horas del da, los 7 das de la semana, al: Despus de las 7 p. m., llame al 1-888-576-6225, de lunes a viernesLlame en cualquier momento los sbados y domingos. 2006-2023 Healthwise, Incorporated. The surgery may stop your snoring, but you may still have apnea. Appointments are strongly recommended. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Previously it was connected to two places in your body -- the hypoglossal nerve and your ribs. The stimulation is very gentle and designed to move the tongue forward without disturbing your sleep. The Inspire sleep apnea device is a Food and Drug Administration-approved surgical implant that's placed under the skin on your chest. To improve the airflow during sleep and reduce sleep apnea, inspire sleep therapy is the most ideal way. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Most sleep apnea patients who meet eligibility requirements for Inspire have access to insurance coverage. Be safe with medicines. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. That eliminates an incision and, according to Inspire, reduces the procedure time by 20%. Inspire works inside your body with your natural breathing process to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Surgery is a first choice only if the sleep apnea is caused by a blockage that is easily fixed. Author: Healthwise StaffMedical Review: Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal MedicineE. Taking certain medicines or drinking alcohol before bed. Problems with nighttime behaviors. While you sleep, Inspire opens your airway, allowing you to breathe normally and sleep peacefully. Your airway can become blocked when your throat muscles and tongue relax during sleep. Changing the position of the lower jaw enlarges the airway and decreases the chance that it will collapse when you inhale. It really isn't that much of a bother for me to use. I am tired of being attached to a machine at night while I sleep. Have personality changes, anxiety, and depression. My wife can't believe the change in my attitude during the day. Try using devices that you attach to the outside of your nose to help with breathing while you sleep. Traditional Health Insurance Medicare Veterans If the sleep study will be done in a sleep lab, you will be asked to shower or bathe before your test. For more information, please visit. If your nose is runny or stuffy, talk to your doctor about using a decongestant medicine or steroid nasal spray. Ask your doctor when you can expect to have your test results. Some insurance won't approve it. You are age 18 or above. Sleep labs are often located in hospitals. It is approved to treat mixed sleep apnea, as long as central sleep apnea does not account for more than 25% of events. Nasal disks have a valve that makes it harder for you to breathe out. You are unable to use or get consistent benefit from CPAP. The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Or it might take place at a sleep center, where you will spend the night. Some lifestyle changes can help sleep apnea. You may not need to use CPAP after surgery. Sleep studies are a series of tests that look at what happens to the body during sleep. If you get better on your own, you won't need treatment. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. What is involved in the Inspire procedure and recovery? I'm willing to try surgery to get better. Surgery is 2.5-3.5 hours-outpatient most have a quick recovery got to wait a month to turn the device on. Once that information is recorded in your medical record, Medicare will generally cover an additional ten months of sleep apnea machine rental, for a total of 13 months, at which time, you will own the equipment outright. Monday through Friday, Oahu: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Prescription questions, refills, or new prescriptions. Decision Points focus on key medical care decisions that are important to many health problems. You may be asked to avoid food or drinks with caffeine during the afternoon and evening before your test. Taking my CPAP machine on business trips is too much trouble for me. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) surgery (which removes tissue from the back of your throat) may reduce sleep apnea and snoring for some people. During a routine checkup, your doctor will ask you and your child about snoring. If you have moderate to severe sleep apnea, you may need to use a breathing device (continuous positive airway pressure CPAP) that prevents your airway from closing during sleep. 4. You will stay in the sleep lab overnight. See if your doctor can adjust the pressure of your CPAP. Some people have both types. Does Medicare Cover Inspire For Sleep Apnea? Kaiser Permanente is not responsible for the content or policies of external websites. Bilevel positive airway pressure (BPAP). You'll avoid the risks of having surgery. These will record things like brain activity, eye movement, oxygen levels, and snoring. I don't like the side effects of using CPAP, so I rarely use it. Here's a record of your answers. Almost all people who have sleep apnea snore. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), Sleep Apnea: How Treatment Can Improve Your Life, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine, Hasmeena Kathuria MD - Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine, Sleep Medicine, Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for sleep apnea. Tubing and other supplies for your sleep apnea machine are generally also covered at 80%. Details. I am tired of being attached to a machine at night while I sleep. Sign In Does UPPP always work well for sleep apnea? You might be a candidate for Inspire if. Problems staying awake, such as narcolepsy. 1995-2023 Healthwise, Incorporated. 3. We talked about my having surgery to treat my sleep apnea so I wouldn't have to use CPAP anymore. CPAP: If you have a bed partner, they may also sleep better when you use a CPAP. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious risk of: Treatment options for sleep apnea include: Answer a few short questions to see if you may qualify for Inspire, then connect with a doctor to take the first step toward better sleep. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The benefits of the Inspire implant are significant -- better sleep quality, no more daytime fatigue and a lowered risk for a stroke or heart attack. CPAP side effects may include nosebleeds, a sore throat, and headaches. I don't like the idea of living with a hole in my throat. It's recommended that you turn it on at night and turn it off when you wake up for your day. "I have been using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to treat my sleep apnea for over a year. Disorders that may increase your risk include hypothyroidism and acromegaly. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Sleeping on your back may make sleep apnea worse. This may happen 5 to 50 times an hour. Adaptive servo ventilation (ASV). You have tried CPAP, but it hasn't helped. It should not be painful or uncomfortable. Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd. How often should my doctor check the Inspire system? Inspire should not limit your normal activities, The current version of Inspire can undergo MRI scans provided specific conditions are followed, Having a pacemaker should not disqualify you from becoming a candidate for Inspire, The current version of Inspire (Model 3028) is eligible for MRI scansprovided specific conditions are followed. Central sleep apnea is less common. How does Inspire work? I have apnea and the restmed that I have been using has been difficult at best to keep on my face, I just move around way too much at night. Neighbor islands : 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. next day; Weekends and holidays, 24 hoursOahu: 808-432-7700Neighbor islands: 1-800-467-3011. Other problems may include pain, infection, speech problems, and a narrowing of the airway in the nose and throat. 2. A dry mouth or sore throat in the morning. According to Inspire, the stimulation is subtle and is designed to not wake you up, meaning it shouldn't be painful or uncomfortable. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider. We talked about my having surgery to treat my sleep apnea so I wouldn't have to use CPAP anymore. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Hasmeena Kathuria MD - Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine, Sleep Medicine. Your doctor will probably have you try lifestyle changes and CPAP first. The side effects of CPAP aren't bad enough to keep me from using it. Children who are overweight are encouraged to lose weight. Your doctor will probably have you try lifestyle changes and CPAP first. Inspire Model 3024 is not eligible for MRI scans. This is repeated muscle twitching of the . For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider. My nose is always dry, and my sleep is not improving. Follow the directions for cleaning the machine. Getting up often during the night to urinate. It also reduces the chance that tissue will collapse and narrow the airway when you breathe in. Your doctor may suggest CPAP if you have: If using CPAP is not comfortable, or if you have certain side effects, work with your doctor to fix them. Be ready to talk about your struggles using CPAP and any sleep-related topics including: Write down any questions you have for the doctor, The airway exam is a very routine and non-surgical exam, Youre given a short-acting medication to put you to sleep. and our Oral devices (also called oral appliances) are sometimes used to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Things like a stuffy nose caused by a cold or allergies can make apnea worse. Sore throat, incision pain, and muscle soreness. A recent study found that Inspire resulted in a 79% decrease in sleep apnea events. It is the first treatment choice and the most widely used. "A patient's financial responsibility varies based on the specifics of their individual insurance plan," Inspire told CNET. Apnea episodes and snoring may return over time. They check for how often you stop breathing or have too little air flowing into your lungs during sleep. My nose is always dry, and my sleep is not improving. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. You may find that you want to take off the mask, or you may find it hard to sleep. You can expect to see a total bill of around $30,000 to $40,000 for both the surgery and device cost, but that'sbeforeyour insurance kicks in. Nerve stimulation. The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. The Sleep Lab is closed on most major holidays. If your child snores, be sure to tell your doctor. It's a small device that operates remotely to help open your airways while you sleep, helping to make you sleep better at night. The oxygen levels in your blood may go down, and carbon dioxide levels go up. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. "We are thrilled to receive this positive coverage . The more often it happens, the more severe your sleep apnea is. You have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. Some people who have sleep apnea have a small, receding jaw. Other forms of surgery are not right for you. After three months, there is a sleep study for the inspire reps to jack with settings to hone in the best setting. Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Oral Breathing Devices for Sleep Apnea and Snoring, Request for confidential communications forms. What sleep apnea treatment options exist? It's a small device placed during a same-day, outpatient procedure. Wear compression stockings if your doctor recommends them. Simply turn Inspire on before You can try nonsurgical treatments, including lifestyle changes and. Check what you need to do before you make this decision. Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. 2023. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. You can get many of these devices without a prescription. A dentist will shape the device to fit your mouth. Around 22 million Americans have sleep apnea. Surgery can sometimes correct these deformities and improve sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is called either mild, moderate, or severe. 2023 Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. We are unable to switch you to this area of care. The Inspire device delivers what's called "hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy" while you sleep. Inspire is a medical technology company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative and minimally invasive solutions for patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Inspire is available for veterans at select VA and military hospitals across the US, Visit the Find a Doctor page or chat with an Inspire Advisor to see if there is an VA or military hospital near you that offers Inspire, If there is not a center near you, you can possibly utilize a program called the Community Care Program. 2023 Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. We are unable to switch you to this area of care. Now it's connected only to your hypoglossal nerve, which stimulates the tongue and airway muscles that open your airway. Your doctor may ask you or your bed partner about your snoring and sleep behavior and how tired you feel during the day. You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Follow us on these external social media sites that will open in a new browser window. But it leaves a hole in your throat where the breathing tube sits. Treatment Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. 2023. But other treatments work almost as well in most people. It's important to treat sleep apnea, because it makes you more likely to have high blood pressure, depression, irregular heart rhythms, heart failure, coronary artery disease, and stroke. It's important to treat sleep apnea, because it makes you more likely to have other serious problems. The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. You may also hear this called BiPAP. Medicines to avoid include sleeping pills, opioids, and sedatives. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. Now there's a new alternative to CPAP machines. They are easier and more comfortable for some people to use. CPAP is a machine that prevents your airways from closing during sleep. How sure do you feel right now about your decision? Sign In Seizures that occur at night (nocturnal seizures). Sleep apnea and coronary artery disease (CAD). Sleep apnea is often treated with a CPAP machine or other machine that prevents your airways from closing during sleep. 2023 Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. We are unable to switch you to this area of care. Want CNET to notify you of price drops and the latest stories? Kaiser Permanente health plans around the country: Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., in Northern and Southern California and Hawaii Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Colorado Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Georgia, Inc., Nine Piedmont Center, 3495 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305, 404-364-7000 Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc., in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., 2101 E. Jefferson St., Rockville, MD 20852 Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest, 500 NE Multnomah St., Suite 100, Portland, OR 97232 Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington or Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Options, Inc.,1300 SW 27thSt., Renton, WA 98057, Selecting these linkswill take you away from KP.org. It senses the breathing pattern and mildly stimulates the airway muscles to keep the airway open. May help keep heart failure or other heart problems from getting worse. Register. If you are overweight and have sleep apnea, nutritional counseling, daily activity, and other treatments may help. or Other types of surgery that may be used to treat sleep apnea include: Maxillo-mandibular advancement, which moves the upper and lower jaw forward to increase the size of the airway. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente.