Northern Colorado man finds sleep apnea relief with Inspire® therapy

Travis Rice loves to be active but struggled to keep up with anyone his own age. 

He has Down syndrome, and his mom, Patty, said he struggled with exhaustion every day. 

Travis didn’t receive a diagnosis for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) until he had a sleep study in his 20s. He later started Inspire^® therapy after other treatment options failed. 

The changes in his life were drastic. 

“He used to hide in his room trying to sleep,” Patty said. “Now he spends more time with us in the living room and is able to be more present with the family.” 

Travis Rice hangs out with Santa Claus during the holidays. Travis has Down syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). He can spend more time with others now that he is treating his OSA with Inspire® therapy.

It was a different story when Rice’s OSA symptoms began early in his life. 

He used to wake up with dark circles under his eyes. Patty said it looked like he always had a black eye. 

“He always seemed tired, but we thought it was allergy related,” Patty said. 

Travis eventually had a sleep study. The diagnosis surprised everyone. 

He had 50 apnea episodes every hour in the study. 

Patty said she now understands the signs he showed when she looks back. 

For instance, Travis snored loudly when the family traveled and stayed in the same room. 

A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine is the first treatment option for OSA. It is difficult for many with Down syndrome to tolerate CPAP, however. 

Travis Rice hikes by a stream. Travis has Down syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Since he started treating his OSA with Inspire® therapy, his mother said he is happier and more energetic.

Travis’ pulmonologist suggested looking into the Inspire^® implant after initial struggles with CPAP. 

He later qualified and became the first Down syndrome patient in northern Colorado to receive the implant in May 2022. 

His dark circles disappeared since beginning the therapy. Patty says he is happier and more energetic, as well. 

“He was the perfect candidate,” Patty said. “He’s like a different person now. He’s just ready to go.” 

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