Inspire® gets golfer more z's to hit tees

As an avid golfer, Scott Blazak enjoys time with friends touring different courses. But it's the downtime between rounds that's been an issue. His nights have been anything but restful for him and those around him.

Blazak's snoring was so intense on one particular golf trip, his friend opted for an unconventional solution — sleeping in his car rather than experiencing another sleepless night in the same room.

"I mean, I can imagine it has to be pretty freaking bad when you leave the room to sleep in your car," Blazak said.

For years, a restful night's sleep had been a struggle for Blazak.

A native of Connecticut, he moved to Richmond three years ago from Phoenix to work at Hill's Pet Nutrition as an Environmental Health and Safety Manager.

While visiting his provider -- Thomas Jetmore, MD, for Reid ENT -- Blazak noticed Inspire® Sleep Therapy is offered as a treatment option for those who struggle with a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device.

It's been more than 10 years since Blazak first started using a CPAP, but he hasn't used one in about five years. He found the device bulky and difficult to maintain. When he traveled, he'd leave it at home.

"I could start with it, but I could never get very far into the night before I was taking it off," Blazak said.

He had tried other solutions over the years before talking with Dr. Jetmore to see if Inspire might be a suitable option.

Inspire is an FDA-approved, mask-free treatment option to effectively reduce snoring, daytime sleepiness, and the severe effects of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Blazak had first learned about it on TV, but it wasn't until talking with Dr. Jetmore that he seriously considered the treatment.

"I still had snoring issues so Inspire looked like a potential, viable solution," Blazak said.

"I didn't even realize the ENT was the one who performed the procedure. Once we talked about it, I started the process."

Unlike CPAP, which uses a mask and machine, Inspire works from inside the body to treat sleep apnea. A small device is implanted under the skin of the neck and chest during a short outpatient procedure. It gently stimulates the airway during sleep to keep it open, allowing normal breathing.

A handheld remote is used to turn it on at bedtime and off in the morning. Most people go home the same day of the procedure and manage any discomfort with over-the-counter medicine.

Dr. Jetmore walked him through how the device works, the procedure itself, and what to expect during surgery and recovery.

"I've been impressed. I'm happy with all the treatment at Reid from start to finish," Blazak said. "They seem to be very sincere about the care and made sure I understood what was going on. That made it a lot easier."

Since receiving Inspire, Blazak has noticed significant improvements not only in his sleep but also daily life.

"My wife, Kelly, definitely sleeps better," he said.

Of those using Inspire therapy, 90% of their partners report no snoring or only soft snoring.

Blazak encourages others struggling with CPAP to research their options and consider Inspire.

"Do your homework," he said. "Talk to people who've had it done. I've had co-workers ask me about it, and I try to give them a real idea of what to expect."

Since the procedure, Blazak says another bonus to achieving more restful sleep is his weight is in balance. Now, he can focus on what he loves — hitting the golf course and enjoying life.

And best of all, Kelly and his golf friends can finally get a full night's sleep too.