Schoonmaker began to have sleep apnea symptoms almost 20 years ago. He felt tired during the day, lost energy and experienced brain fog.

He stopped breathing in the middle of the night, and his wife would have to hit him to wake him up so he could start breathing again.

Ed Schoonmaker found out about Inspire® therapy from his neighbor and friend Dick Murray.

Schoonmaker’s OSA diagnosis was confirmed after a sleep study, and he received a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine.

The CPAP did little to help, however. He was only getting about two and a half hours of sleep per night, and he and his wife couldn’t sleep in the same room anymore.

Meanwhile, his neighbor Dick was dealing with similar symptoms of OSA.

Murray’s energy levels were low, and he wasn’t getting restful sleep each night, just like Schoonmaker.

Murray decided to get Inspire after doing research, and he was implanted in November 2021.

Schoonmaker watched as his neighbor’s quality of life improved. Murray was now able to get quality sleep every night.

Dick Murray (pictured here) started using Inspire® therapy about a year before his neighbor, and it was his success that drove Ed Schoonmaker to see if he also qualified.

Murray shared his positive results which prompted Schoonmaker to research Inspire therapy further.

"If I hadn't known (Richard) and just read about it, I would have probably not taken a chance on it," Schoonmaker said. "I'm 82 years old and am now looking to make it to 90 or even longer."

Murray’s help didn’t end there.

Schoonmaker lost weight and later qualified for the Inspire implant procedure in late 2022.

However, a few days before his surgery, Schoonmaker’s wife was in a car accident and couldn’t drive him to the procedure.

Murray stepped in to make sure Schoonmaker made his appointment. And the surgery was a success.

Schoonmaker, who’s in his 80s, sleeps better and has enough energy to play golf almost every day.

The neighbors also share something else besides a land border and a hobby – they now sleep better.

“This is the best advice Dick has given me,” Schoonmaker said.