If you’re suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and have found CPAP intolerable, AIRLIFT may be the long-lasting solution that’s right for you. Many patients come to Dr. Jordan Weiner’s Scottsdale office exhausted from sleepless nights, defeated by masks that don’t work, and questioning if they’ll ever find relief. For those who are good candidates for AIRLIFT, this outpatient procedure has helped many with mild, moderate, and severe OSA sleep better through the night.
AIRLIFT is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that physically repositions and stabilizes the hyoid bone to open your airway. Muscles of the tongue base, as well as the upper part of the voice box (the epiglottis), attach to the hyoid bone. Researchers discovered that if the hyoid is pulled forward, this in turn pulls the base of the tongue and epiglottis forward. This more forward position creates more space in the lower throat and decreases the collapse of the tongue base and epiglottis during sleep. For patients whose obstructive sleep apnea occurs behind the tongue base and epiglottis, AIRLIFT can prevent this collapse and obstruction. The hyoid bone is placed into a more forward position using a small suture-based implant system.
Through this procedure, AIRLIFT creates immediate and lasting improvement in the patient’s airflow. There’s no obnoxious mask, no machine to maintain, and nothing to turn on or off at night.
Unlike therapies that require nightly compliance to be effective, the AIRLIFT sleep apnea system works around the clock. The procedure uses a specialized suspension system to reposition your hyoid bone, which moves the base of your tongue forward. This mechanical repositioning prevents the collapse of soft tissues that block your airway during sleep.
AIRLIFT creates structural support that works with your body’s natural anatomy. Once the hyoid is repositioned, your airway remains open while you sleep, reducing or eliminating apnea events without requiring any action on your part.
AIRLIFT may be right for you if:
Dr. Weiner evaluates each patient individually, reviewing sleep studies, medical history, and performing a detailed examination of your airway anatomy to determine if AIRLIFT is the best option for you. Not every patient with sleep apnea is a good candidate, which is why a medical evaluation is essential.
Meet the Expert
Dr. Weiner is an experienced sleep apnea surgeon and otolaryngologist (ENT) who has performed more than one thousand successful sleep apnea procedures, including AIRLIFT hyoid suspension. His considerable surgical background includes training in advanced airway procedures and years of experience helping patients find the right treatment for their specific anatomy and needs.
As a nationally recognized leader in sleep apnea surgery, Dr. Weiner brings both extensive surgical experience and deep clinical knowledge to every case. His approach emphasizes finding the right solution for each individual patient rather than recommending a one-size-fits-all treatment.
AIRLIFT is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia and typically takes less than an hour. Most patients go home the same day with a suggested soft food diet for the first four days. Dr. Weiner makes one or two small incisions under the chin to access the hyoid bone. Using the AIRLIFT suspension system, the hyoid is repositioned and secured to provide immediate airway opening.
The procedure leaves minimal scarring, as the incisions are placed beneath the chin where they’re barely visible once healed.
Recovery from AIRLIFT is generally straightforward. Most patients experience some throat discomfort and mild swelling for the first few days, which is managed with prescribed pain medication and a soft food diet. You may notice some changes in swallowing initially, but this typically resolves within a week or two as healing progresses.
Many patients return to desk work within a few days. We recommend avoiding strenuous activity for two weeks to allow proper healing of the surgical site.
AIRLIFT therapy offers immediate and lasting improvement, because the procedure creates a structural change in airway anatomy. Results begin right away and continue as long as the suspension remains in place. Clinical studies show that patients experience meaningful improvement in their sleep apnea severity, with many achieving significant reductions in their apnea-hypopnea index (AHI).
Even more encouraging, patient satisfaction remains high long-term because there’s no equipment to maintain, no nightly routine to follow, and no concerns about compliance. The treatment works whether you remember to “use” it or not.
AIRLIFT is covered by most private insurance plans, Medicare, and the Veterans Administration. If we determine you’re a good candidate for AIRLIFT, Dr. Weiner’s staff will review your coverage and begin the approval process. Should you be interested in self-pay, let us know during your consultation so we can provide specific cost information.
While Dr. Weiner has extensive experience with AIRLIFT, he never recommends it automatically. All treatment plans start with fully reviewing your specific situation and health. Sometimes, AIRLIFT is the right answer. Sometimes another surgical approach, such as pharyngoplasty, palatoplasty, Inspire Therapy, or Nyxoah Genio makes more sense. Or, a combination of procedures may be best. And sometimes, a non-surgical option is most appropriate.
Your consultation will explore all possibilities so you can make an informed decision about your care.
If you or your loved one is struggling with CPAP intolerance or looking for a lasting solution to obstructive sleep apnea, schedule a consultation to discuss whether AIRLIFT might be right for you.
Quality sleep is possible and solutions are available to you.
AIRLIFT repositions and stabilizes the hyoid bone using a suture-based suspension system. This moves the base of your tongue forward, opening your upper airway and preventing the soft tissue collapse that causes obstructive sleep apnea. Unlike CPAP or oral appliances, AIRLIFT creates a permanent structural change that works 24/7.
Candidates typically have moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea and struggle with CPAP compliance or effectiveness. However, even those with mild sleep apnea may be a good candidate, so speak with your sleep specialist. A complete evaluation including review of your sleep study, medical history, and physical examination of your airway, is required to determine if AIRLIFT is appropriate for your anatomy.
The outpatient procedure takes about 30-45 minutes under general anesthesia. Dr. Weiner makes one or two small incisions in the natural crease under your chin to access the hyoid bone and lower edge of the mandible (lower jaw). The AIRLIFT suspension system is then placed to reposition the hyoid forward by pulling it towards the mandible, opening your airway. The incision(s) is closed with dissolvable sutures, leaving minimal visible scarring.
The procedure is performed in a licensed surgery center or hospital.
After AIRLIFT, most patients experience mild to moderate throat discomfort and swelling, which typically resolves within 5-7 days with prescribed medication. Some temporary changes in swallowing are normal and improve as you heal. We recommend avoiding strenuous activity for two weeks, though many patients return to desk work within a few days.
Unlike nerve stimulation therapies that require activation and adjustment periods, AIRLIFT begins working immediately because it creates an instant structural change in your airway. Many patients notice improvement in their sleep quality within the first week. A follow-up sleep study is typically performed 2-3 months after surgery to objectively measure the improvement in your sleep apnea.
The procedure cost varies depending on your insurance coverage and the facility where surgery is performed. Most private insurance plans, Medicare, and the Veterans Administration cover AIRLIFT when it’s medically necessary. Our office works directly with your insurance company to obtain authorization and can provide private pay pricing if needed.
Yes, AIRLIFT is often combined with other sleep apnea procedures for patients who need multi-level airway treatment. Dr. Weiner may recommend combining AIRLIFT with procedures like palate surgery, pharyngeal repositioning surgery, or nasal surgery, depending on where your airway obstruction occurs. This customized approach addresses all levels of obstruction for optimal results.
While AIRLIFT is effective for appropriately selected patients, no surgical procedure has a 100% success rate. If AIRLIFT alone doesn’t provide adequate improvement, other treatment options remain available, including additional surgical procedures, combination therapy, or nerve stimulation devices. The presence of the AIRLIFT suspension system doesn’t prevent other treatments.
Unlike most sleep procedures, AIRLIFT can be adjusted and removed. The suspension system can be adjusted to reposition the hyoid bone or if you are unhappy with AIRLIFT’S results, the suspension system can be removed. Unlike CPAP, which only works when you’re using it, or oral appliances that must be worn nightly, AIRLIFT provides continuous benefits without any action required from you.
Dr. Weiner is an advanced sleep surgeon with extensive experience in complex airway procedures. Unlike most otolaryngologists performing sleep procedures, he specializes in sleep apnea treatment, giving him greater insight into which patients benefit from different therapies. His expertise and care mean you’ll receive the right treatment for your specific situation, not just a one-size-fits-all approach.
