Naperville man with Down syndrome treats obstructive sleep apnea with Inspire® therapy, has more energy to compete

Austin Cleary enjoys participating in the Illinois Special Olympics, even winning a gold medal in powerlifting in June 2025.

An obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnosis nearly upended his life, however. 

Individuals may join a Special Olympics program in their state as soon as they turn 8-years old. Austin’s family decided to get him involved to help him avoid any potential weight gain that is associated with Down syndrome. 

But through the years, his OSA developed and worsened. It led to issues with energy and training. 

“He was definitely not the same person,” Austin’s mother Melissa said. “He didn’t have the energy and would fall asleep during the day. But then he got (Inspire^® therapy), and yes, it is a world of difference.” 

Austin’s family didn’t learn he had OSA until he turned 16. And they noticed differences. 

He could sleep 12 hours and still be exhausted throughout the day. His parents noticed that this affected his behavior and mood. 

Austin Cleary has a night out with his father. Austin has Down syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). He sleeps better and has more energy throughout the day since treating his OSA with Inspire® therapy.

His provider first took out his adenoids and tonsils. He also had a palate expander. 

But he then needed to try a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. It didn’t help. 

Austin took his mask off in the middle of the night too often. 

“We tried for a couple years, and it just wasn’t working out, so we pretty much just gave up,” Melissa said. 

Melissa learned about Inspire therapy as another option to treat moderate to severe OSA. 

Today, children aged 13-18 with Down syndrome, who don’t get benefit from CPAP and have an AHI between 10-50 are eligible. 

But FDA approval didn’t come until February 2023. Back then, Austin needed to wait until he turned 18. 

His family sought out an opinion of an Inspire-trained provider soon after his 18^th birthday. 

They heard more and decided to have their son go through the qualification process. 

Austin received the Inspire^® implant in the spring of 2021. His appointment to turn on Inspire therapy came a month later. 

Austin Cleary celebrates a gold medal in powerlifting at the Illinois Special Olympics state meet in June 2025. Austin, who has Down syndrome, has more energy to train since treating his obstructive sleep apnea with Inspire® therapy.

His family soon realized he now had restful sleep. His mood began improving as a result. 

“It has really improved his quality of life outside of just his medical health,” Melissa said. 

Austin is now thriving and still competes in the Special Olympics, hoping to compete in another tournament in the Fall. 

He tried several group and individual sports throughout the years. But eventually he began working with a trainer and started lifting weights. 

As soon as the Illinois Special Olympics brought powerlifting back as an event, Austin joined. 

“He just really enjoys it, and he will keep doing it,” Melissa said. “It is a nice, social thing for him to do as well because he gets to hang out with people that he enjoys spending time with.” 

And the better sleep he gets today with Inspire therapy is key. 

Melissa said Austin trains five to six days a week during the season. He didn’t have enough energy before. 

“Obviously, sleep is so important in every aspect of your life, but especially if you are trying to gain muscle mass,” Melissa said. “If you are not resting, your muscles don't have a chance to rejuvenate. So getting a good night's sleep is key for that.” 

Austin notices a difference with his quality of sleep and daily energy levels too. 

“It really was a battle,” Melissa said. “But now his confidence and his level of independence have increased as he’s able to sleep better.” 

Learn more about Inspire therapy for children with Down syndrome at www.inspiresleep.com/pediatric-down-syndrome