Powells sleeping better together with Inspire® therapy

Jack and Theresa Powell will celebrate their 46th year of marriage in 2025.

Their lifetime vows weren’t the only commitment they made together.

The Powells also both decided to treat their obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with Inspire® therapy, implanted just 46 days apart.

"I was the guinea pig," Jack said. "She made me go first to see how it was going to turn out."

"When I saw that Jack did fine, I said, 'Yep, I'm ready,'" Theresa said.

The couple supported each other throughout the entire process.

Theresa even went to every one of Jack’s appointments to make sure they had all the necessary information.

Their individual journeys were a little different, however.

Jack worked as a clinical research associate dealing with OSA. He was on call some nights.

Sleep was already difficult for him to try to treat his condition with a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine.

He woke up constantly with his mask slipping off his face. And he was still tired in the morning.

Jack remained exhausted throughout the day.

Theresa, on the other hand, quit CPAP over 20 years ago. She struggled so much that she switched to a dental device.

Her sleep didn’t improve much regardless of which treatment option she used.

She also stayed awake listening to Jack’s breathing problems at night which made matters worse.

She counted the seconds and wondered if Jack would ever start breathing again.

Jack began researching more about Inspire therapy. Theresa thought it sounded better than what she had, as well.

The couple both went through qualifying tests and learned they were both candidates.

Jack received the Inspire® implant on May 6, 2022.

Theresa followed on June 21, 2022.

The best thing they now share is an ability to enjoy their sleep together.

"I am thrilled for him and thrilled for me," Theresa said.

Theresa said Jack sleeps so well, he doesn't want to get up, Jack sometimes sleeps longer than 12 hours soundly.

He said he wakes up refreshed, has more energy and just feels better. He also lost about 50 pounds.

"I had to get up so early and go in so early and on call so many times, I am just enjoying catching up on my sleep," Jack said.

Theresa is also sleeping well.

She said she goes to bed at 2 a.m. to watch television or do other things. But when she’s ready and turns Inspire therapy on, she knows she will be out like a light.

The Powells always had a good relationship, with the secret of never going to bed mad at each other, Jack said.

It doesn't hurt to be able to share restful sleep, as well.

"Since I am wide awake now during the day, my wife looks even prettier to me," Jack said.