Airvance Procedures

Hello all, I wanted to come here and just share my experience in hopes it may help someone else. Of course everything I am about to say is my personal experience with very complicated surgeries. Obviously everyone will be different.

Some background: I had my tonsils and adenoids removed when I was 8 years old because I kept getting various illnesses such as strep. I'm currently 39 and in good health. I'm 6'5" and weigh 190 lbs (obviously not fat). I was diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2014 with an AHI of 66. I ignored the doctors for a few years, finally getting a CPAP in June 2017. I used it every night and could not argue with the results. However, like everyone, I hated and began searching for alternatives.

In December I had both tongue base suspension and hyoid suspension (both Airvance) procedures completed. In addition, at my request, I had my uvula removed. The surgery required 4 days of inpatient hospital stay. I physically could not swallow liquids for 5 days and could not swallow food for 11 days. During that time I lived off an IV and then protein shakes until I could eat normally. I lost 22 lbs in 11 days.

Once I was able to eat normally, there were still some minor lingering side affects such as clearing my throat more than usual, but nothing I would describe as a real issue. Most importantly I no longer have sleep apnea. I sleep like I never have before.

They surgery cost $46,000, but I am lucky that I have great health insurance that covered all but about $2,000.

Again, this is just my experience, but I do recommend the surgery if you are a good candidate.

Personally, I will take CPAP over that anyday...of course I'm not 39.