TV commercial opens North Dakota woman’s eyes to sleep apnea treatment

An Inspire^® therapy TV commercial changed Sandra Kershaw’s life.

But the North Dakota woman struggled with sleep issues for more than a decade before finding the alternative treatment. She used to feel tired and needed naps throughout the day.

Her symptoms led her to take a sleep study. And that’s when she received a severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnosis. She stopped breathing more than 40 times per hour while sleeping.

Sandra first tried a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. Her allergies made wearing the mask difficult, however. She struggled with the seal as air leaks woke her up at night.

“I used it for three years, and then I stopped,” Sandra said. “At that point I started looking for alternatives to CPAP.”

She saw a commercial for Inspire therapy. And she called the number on the screen. Sandra made an appointment with an Inspire-trained provider that night.

She eventually qualified for the Inspire^® implant and received it in December 2022. Her appointment to turn on Inspire therapy came about a month later. She noticed positive results right away.

“I slept like a baby that first night,” Sandra said. “I actually slept all night long, which I hadn't done in quite a long time.”

She no longer needs midday naps. She also feels more awake and alert overall.

“It’s so easy to use,” Sandra said. “It doesn’t matter what time I go to bed. I know I’ll get a good night of sleep.”