CPAP replacement works well for the overweight, not obese, study finds

An implant for obstructive sleep apnea works best in overweight individuals but not severely obese ones, according to a recent study. To qualify for the implant, a person must be over 18, diagnosed with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea, and unable or unwilling to use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. The study found that the success of the implant decreases with increasing body mass index (BMI) beyond 32. The implant surgery costs between $50,000 and $100,000 and is covered by Medicare for people with a BMI up to 40. The study also found that the implant was less successful for people who slept on their backs.