Upper Airway Stimulation Therapy
How does UAS work?
The device works inside your body with your natural breathing process to treat obstructive sleep apnea. While you sleep, the device delivers mild stimulation to key airway muscles, allowing the airway to remain open. The device is controlled by a small handheld sleep remote. Simply turn it on before bed and off in the morning when you wake up!
Am I a good candidate for UAS?
UAS therapy is for people who meet the following requirements:
- Diagnose with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (AHI15-65)
- Cannot use or get consistent relief from CPAP
- Not significantly obese
- 22 years of age or older
Is UAS therapy covered by insurance?
This therapy is covered by most major insurance providers, either as a covered policy or approved on an individual basis. Your doctor and the insurance team will work with you for approval.
Is UAS therapy covered by Medicare?
Medicare does cover this therapy option based on medical necessity all across the United States.
How much will I have to pay out of pocket?
Every insurance plan is different. Typically, you can expect to the cost of any unmet deductible for the year, along with any required copay or coinsurance fee for a surgery.
Do I have to get approval from my insurance company before my first visit?
No, you do not need approval from your insurance company before your first visit.
Is UAS therapy DOT approved?
Like CPAP, your physician can print out a usage record of your UAS therapy device to show the medical examiner that you are using your prescribed sleep apnea treatment. By providing compliance, there should be no issues renewing your commercial driver’s license.
Will UAS therapy help with snoring?
A significant decrease in snoring has been found as a secondary effect using this device. 90% of bed partners report no or soft snoring by their partner after having the implant.
What does the stimulation feel like?
It typically feels like a mild muscle contraction. The stimulation should not be painful or uncomfortable.
How long is the recovery time after surgery?
Recovery time after surgery will vary. You can expect some soreness and slight swelling at the small incision site for a few days following the procedure. Most patients return to home the same day and take over the counter pain medication if needed. You can resume normal, non-strenuous activities within a few days. Most patients have a full recovery within a couple of weeks.
Am I still a candidate for UAS therapy if I have a pacemaker or other implanted device?
In most instances you will still be a candidate, but you will want to discuss with your doctor to confirm.
Will the device limit my activities?
The implantable device should not limit normal daily activities once you are fully healed. You should ask your doctor about any activities that are particularly strenuous, like weightlifting, or those that entail a large or unpredictable range of motion in your upper body and/or arms.
How often should my doctor check my device?
Generally, the device should be checked 1 to 2 times a year.
What types of medical imaging are compatible with this therapy?
All device patients can undergo most imaging across the entire body including CT scans, ultrasound, and x-rays. You will be able to undergo MRI on the head, neck and extremities, provided certain conditions and precautions are followed. Please talk to your doctor for additional questions and/or concerns.
Do you have quality data for UAS therapy?
MercyOne North Iowa ENT at Mason City Clinic is showing excellent outcomes for patients utilizing UAS therapy.
- AHI: Apnea Hypopnea Index is the average number of times per hour that a person stops breathing due to sleep apnea.
- ESS: Epworth Sleepiness Score represents the severity of a person’s symptoms due to sleep apnea.
