Doctors use three approaches to treat sleep apnea, including: -Treating reversible conditions, such as allergies and severe congestion, educating people to avoid sleeping on their back and encouraging and coaching weight loss. -Using devices to keep the upper airway open, such as a positive pressure device (CPAP) or an oral device to hold jaw and tongue forward. -Surgery involving removing tissue of the upper airway or implantation of a stimulation device, Inspire.
“Sleep apnea is a slow and insidious condition affecting your health,” says Joseph Hellmann, MD, Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist with The Christ Hospital Physicians. “At first, you may just notice that you are not sleeping well, so you feel more fatigued and drowsy during the day. Not getting enough sleep due to obstructive sleep apnea can cause significant cardiovascular, pulmonary, and other health issues including decline of cognitive function.”
Dr. Hellmann, along with Dr. Matthew Hensler, have been two of the leading providers since 2014 in Greater Cincinnati offering an innovative treatment called Inspire. Inspire is an FDA-approved obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment option for people who have failed conservative treatment, including a trial of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. This implantable device activates nerves that push the tongue and palate of your mouth forward each time you breathe. The therapy is controlled by the user with a small handheld remote and eliminates the need to wear a mask at night.
The Inspire Company has recognized Dr. Hellmann and his team as a “Physician of Excellence” for demonstrating their commitment to delivering an exceptional patient experience while achieving excellent medical outcomes while performing over 100 procedures.
“Overall, the Inspire implant can be life changing. Although no treatment is 100% effective, the success rate of this option is better than any surgical treatment that we have used in the past.”
To find out more about sleep studies at The Christ Hospital Health Network, click here. To learn more information about sleep apnea & Inspire, click here.
About The Christ Hospital Health Network
The Christ Hospital Health Network consists of an acute care hospital located in Mt. Auburn, a remote hospital location in Liberty Township, five ambulatory outpatient centers and dozens of medical offices throughout the region. For more than 130 years, The Christ Hospital has provided compassionate care to those it serves. Made up for more than 1,300 physicians and more than 6,500 team members, our mission is to improve the health of our community by providing exceptional outcomes in an affordable way. The Network was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 hospital in the Cincinnati Region, named to Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals list in 2023. It is also a Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award recipient, which recognizes top-performing healthcare organizations that achieve the 95th percentile or above of performance in patient experience.
Soon-To-Be-Dad, Sam Hubbard, has gifts for Newborns and Dads at The Christ HospitalFather’s Day is here and The Christ Hospital Health Network has partnered with the Sam Hubbard Foundation to surprise some new dads.
The Christ Hospital Recognized in Caring for People Living with DiabetesThe Leapfrog Group and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) announced that The Christ Hospital Health Network has received national designation as a Recognized Leader in Caring for People Living with Diabetes. The Christ Hospital is one of just 37 hospitals in the United States and only system in Ohio earning this recognition for a strong commitment to the safety and well-being of hospitalized people living with diabetes.
First NEOMED Students Arrive for Orientation at The Christ Hospital Health NetworkThe Christ Hospital Health Network announced in November 2025 a groundbreaking partnership with Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) establishing pathways for future generations of physicians to train for a medical career in Ohio.
The Christ Hospital Health Network to Host Free Webinar on Comprehensive Spine CareOn Tuesday, June 23 at Noon, healthcare providers at The Christ Hospital Health Network will host a free online webinar titled “Conversations for Confidence: Expert Answers on Comprehensive Spine Care.”
The Christ Hospital Health Network Named One of America’s Best Hospitals for Specialized CareThe Christ Hospital Health Network has been named to America’s Best Specialized Hospitals 2026 list by Newsweek. The network was featured for its cardiac, cancer, endocrine, Gastrointestinal, orthopedic and pulmonary care. This prestigious award is presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.
Mental Health at the Forefront in Primary Care at The Christ Hospital Health NetworkIn the United States, 1 in 5 U.S. Adults experience a metal health condition each year while more than half of them do not receive treatment. That’s why The Christ Hospital Health Network is making mental health a priority for patients.
The Christ Hospital Health Network Gives Back to Team Members with Health FairTo promote team member well-being, The Christ Hospital Health Network will host its fourth annual Health & Wellbeing Fair at the Mt. Auburn location on Thursday, May 21 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Christ Hospital Liberty Township Birthing Center Now a Breast Milk Dispensary as Part of OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk BankThe Liberty Birthing Center, in partnership with the Ohio Milk Bank, is now a Breast Milk Dispensary. Mothers with babies that need pasteurized donor breast milk as a bridge until their own milk comes in can now purchase pasteurized donor milk.