Heaggans was retired, but Donita still had to get up for work in the morning. This put a strain on their relationship, and the move also didn’t help his sleeping patterns.

He woke each morning feeling extremely tired, and everything continued to worsen.

Donita decided to mention Heaggans’ sleep issues to her own doctor, and her doctor said Heaggans should discuss his symptoms with a doctor. This led Heaggans to a sleep study and an obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnosis.

A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine was the first option. Heaggans’ symptoms did not improve, but then came another option – Inspire® therapy.

It took a little research to find out about Inspire, an alternative for those who struggle with CPAP, but he made an appointment with an Inspire-trained doctor, later qualified and received the Inspire implant in March 2020.

Heaggans said his life turned around after Inspire was activated the following month.

“It’s the best decision I could have ever made,” Heaggans said.

Inspire is a second-line therapy FDA approved to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, so Heaggans did have to try CPAP first.

He tried multiple masks and just could never find one that fit his face.

Heaggans said he thrashed around in bed and that it “felt like someone was trying to smother him.” He also noticed the mask on the floor most mornings.

This is when Heaggans started searching for alternatives. The selling point that helped him make an appointment with an Inspire-trained doctor – Inspire is FDA approved.

He now feels rested each morning and began working out five days a week, helping him lose weight. His snoring also improved.

The best thing of all? He’s able to sleep in the same room as his wife again.