Introducing GEM SLEEP’s CPAP + GLP-1 Therapy Program
GEM’s goal is to help you find the right solution and get you sleeping better, consistently.
If you have a BMI > 30, GLP-1 therapy can be a powerful addition to CPAP therapy helping you successfully improve your OSA and reduce your apnea hypopnea index (AHI), a measurement used to determine sleep apnea severity.
GLP-1s are a type of medication that mimics a natural hormone your gut (stomach and intestines) produces. The GLP-1 hormone helps:
- Regulate blood sugar after eating
- Ensure healthy digestion
- Control appetite
These benefits promote weight loss, which in turn helps reduce OSA symptoms.
In addition to sleeping better, you feel better when they are at a healthy weight because you have:
Getting Started with GEM’s GLP-1 Therapy Program
GEM SLEEP’s GLP-1 Therapy program is an available therapy option if you have moderate to severe OSA, you use your CPAP consistently for at least 30 days, and a licensed clinician determines GLP-1 Therapy would be appropriate. For eligible patients, GEM SLEEP combines CPAP Therapy with medically supervised weight management to support improved sleep apnea outcomes and long-term health goals.
Here’s how the process works:
- OSA diagnosis + CPAP Therapy
- Use CPAP consistently for 30-days
- Meet with Clinician
- Review eligibility for GLP-1 Therapy
- Progress checks and Rx oversight
- Prescription sent to pharmacy
- Medication costs paid separately
- Dosage varies by patient
- Clinician visits to monitor progress
- Billed per visit -insurance or patient-pay
A Complete Approach to Treating Sleep Apnea
You’ve found GEM SLEEP to treat your obstructive sleep apnea. Now you may want to manage your weight to support your OSA treatment and improve your health. GEM SLEEP makes that possible by bringing everything together, so you get the care and support you need to be successful.
Treats OSA with CPAP Therapy
Coaching Support
Medical Evaluation and Rx (if appropriate)
Rx Fulfillment at Pharmacy (Patient Pay)
Virtual Visits via Insurance (Coverage varies)
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Weight and Sleep Apnea are Often Linked
Excess weight, especially if it is around the neck and airway, can increase the likelihood of an airway collapse while sleeping. This in turn increases the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) – the collapse of your upper airway that leads to pauses in breathing, drops in oxygen, and cardiovascular stress while sleeping.
Losing just 5-10% of your body weight is shown to significantly improve OSA symptoms like snoring, gasping for air, and for some, it may even resolve the condition. GLP-1 Therapy can support this process by helping you lose weight in a safe, sustainable way.
Clear, Up-Front Pricing
We offer in-network insurance coverage for some services and cash-pay options for others. Many OSA patients use insurance coverage for initial and ongoing virtual visits (coverage is unique by plan). GLP-1 medications are paid for directly by the patient.
Initial GLP-1 Evaluation Visit
Clinical Check-in Visits
Monthly Medication Management + Support
Monthly Zepbound® Prescription
Insurance or $129
(one-time)
Insurance or $89
(as needed)
Free
$299 and up
(to Pharmacy – Based on dosage)
Our Chief Medical Officer shares why GLP-1 Therapy can be the key to effectively treating OSA by addressing one of the most significant drivers of OSA: excess weight.
Play VideoFAQs
Important Answers When Considering GEM’s GLP-1 Therapy Program
GLP‑1s (glucagon‑like peptide‑1 medications) are a type of medication that mimics a natural hormone your gut (stomach and intestines) produces. The GLP-1 hormone helps regulate blood sugar after eating, ensures healthy digestion, and helps controlling appetite.
GLP‑1 medications activate the brain in the same way your natural GLP‑1 hormones do. This offers you several benefits:
- Improves Blood Sugar (glucose) Control
- Helps the pancreas release more insulin when blood sugar is high (like after eating), while lowering glucagon (the hormone that raises blood sugar.)
- Slows Digestion
- Helps your food move slowly through the stomach to prevent blood sugar spikes and keep you full longer.
- Reduces Appetite and Cravings
- GLP‑1s can help people eat less and often promotes weight loss because they affect appetite regulation signals in the gut and brain.
GEM SLEEP’s GLP-1 Therapy Program is designed to maximize patient outcomes. GEM SLEEP requires consistent CPAP usage to:
- Build CPAP Habits: Starting CPAP involves a new routine that takes time to adjust to. Once you have established a regular routine, you can focus on adjusting to GLP-1s.
- Provide Better OSA Treatment Outcomes: Consistent CPAP use ensures your obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is actively and safely managed right now.
- Enhance OSA and Weight Loss Results: Studies show that combining CPAP and GLP-1 therapy leads to greater weight loss and superior sleep apnea management.
If you are looking at GLP-1 medication exclusively for weight loss, we encourage you to talk to you Primary Care Provider.
GEM SLEEP offers Zepbound®, the only GLP–1 FDA approved for OSA, to eligible patients participating in the GLP-1 Therapy program.
Zepbound® prescriptions are fulfilled through the LillyDirect® pharmacy.
Excess weight, especially if it is around the neck and airway, can increase the likelihood of an airway collapse while sleeping. This in turn increases the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) – the collapse of your airway that causes you to gasp to breathe or pauses breathing while sleeping.
Losing just 5-10% of your body weight is shown to significantly improve OSA symptoms like snoring, gasping for air, and for some, healthy sustained weight loss may even resolve the condition. In addition, people sleep better when at a healthy weight because they have:
- Hormone balance,
- A stabilized appetite, and
- More energy for exercise and better long-term health.
Weight loss can reduce sleep apnea severity and improve CPAP outcomes, making coordination important.
The GEM SLEEP GLP-1 Therapy program supports current GEM SLEEP patients who:
- Have been diagnosed with moderate or severe OSA,
- Have started CPAP therapy and consistently use their CPAP for at least 30-days
- Have a BMI > 30, and
- Meet additional GLP-1 eligibility criteria assessed during the GLP-1 evaluation visit.
The GEM SLEEP GLP-1 Therapy Program is a dual treatment approach to OSA. It utilizes GLP-1 medication in conjunction with CPAP therapy to improve overall health. GEM SLEEP evaluates and manages the GLP-1 Therapy Program. Zepbound® medication is provided and billed separately by a LillyDirect Pharmacy fulfillment partner.
Zepbound® is the only FDA-approved GLP-1 for OSA.
A clinical visit with a GEM licensed clinician is required to evaluate if GLP-1s are appropriate for you. The clinician reviews your health history, including medications and other health factors, to determine if you are eligible for GLP-1 medication. In some cases, lab work is needed before beginning GLP-1s.
NOTE: A GLP-1 medication is prescribed only after evaluation by a licensed clinician and is not appropriate for every patient. Eligibility is determined based on medical history, current health status, and treatment goals.
The GLP-1 Medication Management and Support Program provides ongoing medication management and CPAP + GLP-1 support. You receive access to your entire care team. The care team is available to help with any questions or issues on the medication.
You also receive access to educational materials for making the most of your GLP-1 therapy. Program materials focus on maintaining the effectiveness of CPAP therapy while on GLP-1 medications.
No. It supports weight loss but must be paired with nutrition, hydration, and physical activity.
Most are GI related: nausea, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, or heartburn. Some patients experience none.
Patients pregnant, breastfeeding, or with certain cancers or pancreatitis may not be eligible.
GEM SLEEP’s GLP-1 Therapy Program pricing varies depending on factors including insurance coverage and frequency of visits required. GEM SLEEP will submit claims to your health plan on your behalf for the initial evaluation and ongoing virtual visits. Patient responsibility applies. There is also a self-pay option for virtual visits.
The GLP-1 medication cost is paid directly to the LillyDirect Pharmacy fulfillment partner. Costs vary based on your prescription and dosage.
The Monthly Clinical Visit provides a therapy progress check and is required for prescription renewal.
Is GEM SLEEP’s GLP-1 Therapy Treatment Right for Me
Patients in CPAP Therapy with GEM SLEEP may be eligible for evaluation for GLP-1 Therapy. Continuity of care is important for the best sleep, and health, outcomes.