Inspire® therapy helps Navy veteran get relief from severe sleep apnea

It took about 20 years before John Templeton started to rest better. John first noticed his sleep issues when serving in the Joint Forces Honor Guard for presidential affairs. The Pennsylvania resident enlisted in the Navy in 2004. Templeton joined the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard in 2006.

He served at many high-profile events with the guard. This includes former President Ronald Reagan’s funeral. Many people told him that he snored while he served. He also had a different sleep pattern than his colleagues.

“I would sleep longer hours than those around me,” John said. “And I had a hard time getting out of bed in the morning.”

A sleep study later showed he had severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). He stopped breathing up to 100 times an hour during the test. John often dreamt about not catching his breath, as well.

John Templeton and his family visit a petting zoo. John has more energy to enjoy quality time with his family since he began treating his obstructive sleep apnea with Inspire® therapy.

A provider recommended Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) surgery first. The surgery helped reduce his snoring and his sleep apnea events. The change was short-lived, however. John’s apnea episodes returned to around 100 an hour as time passed. He next tried a few Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines and masks. None worked well enough for him.

John then heard about the Inspire^® therapy through a provider at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He eventually went through the process and qualified for the device. John received the Inspire^® implant in 2023. His provider turned it on about a month later.

Today, he now sleeps at least six hours each night. He also lost about 100 pounds. The best part is that he’s more present with his wife and twin children.

“Better sleep makes me a better husband and a better father,” John said. There are other added benefits as well.

“I used to nod off while at the wheel,” he said. “Now, I don’t worry about falling asleep while driving.”