Inspire® Sleep Apnea

Inspire® Therapy: A Long-Term Solution for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Struggling with sleep apnea and solutions like PAP therapy? Wondering how inspire therapy works and if it’s a painless alternative? Learn about Inspire®, an FDA-approved implantable device, and discover how it helps keep your airway open for better sleep.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects approximately 18 million Americans and can lead to serious health issues, including excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating. Those suffering from OSA are also at a higher risk for heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most common treatment for OSA, some individuals aren’t able to tolerate it. If you’re looking for an alternative to CPAP, Inspire® therapy may offer relief and help you to regain quality sleep.

What is Inspire® Therapy?

Inspire is an implantable device that helps manage your breathing while you sleep. It works by delivering gentle stimulation to the nerve controlling the tongue and airway muscles, keeping your airway open to prevent the obstruction that causes OSA.

Key Features of Inspire:

• Implantable Device: The system comprises a small generator, a breathing sensor, and a stimulation lead.

• Controlled by a Remote: Patients use a handheld remote to turn the device on, off, or pause it during the night.

• Adjustable Stimulation: The strength of the stimulation can be adjusted using the remote, and it’s typically painless for patients.

Inspire stimulates the airway muscles and ensures the airway remains open, preventing breathing interruptions and allowing for restful sleep.

How is Inspire Therapy Administered?

The Inspire device is implanted during an outpatient surgical procedure under general anesthesia. The device is placed beneath the skin of the neck and chest using three small incisions. Most patients recover fully within a couple of weeks and experience improvements in their sleep quality.

Inspire is designed to stimulate the airway muscles during sleep, keeping the airway open and reducing symptoms of OSA, such as snoring and interrupted breathing. Many patients find that this treatment option enhances their ability to sleep and improves their daytime function.

Inspire Therapy FAQs

Who is a good candidate for Inspire therapy?

Candidates for Inspire therapy typically include individuals with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who can’t tolerate or benefit from CPAP therapy. Patients should also meet certain health criteria, including not being significantly overweight, to be considered for this procedure.

How long does it take to recover after Inspire surgery?

The Inspire procedure is outpatient, and most patients recover fully within a couple of weeks. To ensure the best possible outcome, we’ll provide specific recovery instructions tailored to your case.

Can I adjust the stimulation from the Inspire device?

Yes, the Inspire device comes with a handheld remote that allows you to turn it on or off, pause it if needed, and adjust the stimulation level to your comfort level.

Is Inspire therapy painful?

Most patients report that Inspire therapy is painless, though some may experience mild discomfort or a slight sensation when the device activates. The stimulation settings can be adjusted to ensure that the experience remains comfortable.

How effective is Inspire therapy?

Inspire therapy has been shown to significantly reduce sleep apnea symptoms in many patients, improving their ability to breathe during sleep and enhancing their overall quality of life. Our team will evaluate whether this treatment is right based on your specific condition and needs.

Is Inspire Right for You?

If you’ve been diagnosed with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea and haven’t found success with CPAP therapy, Inspire could be a great option for you. Inspire therapy offers a long-term, effective solution for managing sleep apnea and improving the quality of your sleep. Don’t wait — call today to schedule your appointment with our team of ENT specialists. At Pinnacle ENT, we’ll assess your condition and help you determine if Inspire is right for you.