Inspire Therapy

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when breathing is repeatedly stopped and started due to a narrowed or closed airway. As the throat muscles relax, the airway closes, limiting the oxygen intake to the lungs. The brain senses a drop in the oxygen levels and arouses or wakes the sleeper, causing the airway to open. People with sleep apnea often awake with a gasp or snort, with the pattern occurring 5-30 times an hour all night long.

The gold standard treatment for sleep apnea is the CPAP machine. However, CPAP doesn't work for everyone. It can be uncomfortable, and the machine requires maintenance. With only the remote to keep track of, Inspire sleep apnea treatment is much more convenient than the CPAP machine.

Data from the Inspire clinical trial showed that 85% of bed partners reported either no snoring or soft snoring by their partners using Inspire sleep apnea therapy.

You should feel a mild sensation from the stimulation. Typically, patients feel a tingling sensation or mild contraction in their tongue muscles. The stimulation should not be painful or uncomfortable and the level is adjustable. Your Inspire therapy-trained doctor will make any adjustments as needed.

Generally, Inspire will not limit normal daily activities. However, you should ask your Inspire therapy-trained doctor about any activities that are particularly strenuous, like weight lifting, or those that use a large or unpredictable range of motion in your upper body and/or arms, such as working as a firefighter.

Yes, you can use a microwave oven and any common household appliances that do not emit strong magnetic fields. If you have concerns, consult with your Inspire therapy-trained doctor.

No, you do not need to have approval from your insurance company for the therapy prior to your first clinic visit. Your medical care team will work together to determine if Inspire therapy might be right for you. If you qualify for Inspire therapy, your Inspire therapy-trained doctor will work with you, the hospital and your insurance company for approval.

Every insurance plan is different. Generally, the copay costs for Inspire therapy should be similar to copays for other surgical procedures. Some patients may have secondary benefits or supplemental coverage that will offset their copay. Your Inspire therapy-trained doctor can help you through this process.

The Inspire system is typically implanted during an outpatient procedure under general anesthetic. The system is placed under the skin of the neck and chest through 2 small incisions. Specifics and any risks should be discussed with your doctor.

Most batteries last 8-11 years. The generator battery cannot be recharged, so once the battery runs out, you will need to have the generator replaced. This is a very common procedure with many surgical implants.