Inspire Therapy
What is Inspire Therapy?
Inspire® therapy is a mask-free1 solution for people with obstructive sleep apnea who have tried and struggled with CPAP.
How Inspire Therapy Works
The system includes three components:
1. The Implantable Device
- Placed under the skin during a minor outpatient procedure.
- Placed under the skin during a minor outpatient procedure.
2. The Patient Remote
- Turn therapy on before bed and off when you wake up. Adjust stimulation strength as needed.
3. The Inspire Sleep App
- Track sleep quality, therapy usage, and share data with your care team.
Key Benefits:
Proven Effectiveness:
79% reduction in sleep apnea events (AHI).
Improved Quality of Life
94% of patients recommend Inspire.
Silent Nights
90% of bed partners report no or soft snoring
Convenience
No masks, tubing, or restrictive equipment.
Who Qualifies for Inspire Therapy?
Inspire is ideal for adults with moderate to severe OSA who:
1. Diagnosis & Severity
- Confirmed OSA diagnosis (Apnea-Hypopnea Index/AHI 15-100).
- Not effectively treated by CPAP or intolerant to CPAP therapy.
2. Health Criteria
- BMI ≤ 40 (no significant weight loss required).
- No complete concentric collapse of the soft palate (confirmed via sleep endoscopy).
3. Lifestyle & Medical History
- Not candidates for traditional airway surgeries (e.g., UPPP).
- Free of neuromuscular diseases or conditions affecting nerve function.
Pediatric Use: Inspire is also FDA-approved for children aged 13+ with Down Syndrome and OSA.
The Inspire Therapy Process: Step-by-Step
- Initial Consultation
- Sleep Study Review: Our team evaluates your OSA severity and CPAP usage history.
- Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE): A 15-minute procedure to assess airway collapse patterns.
- Pre-Screening: Confirm BMI, medical history, and eligibility.
- Implant Procedure
- Outpatient Surgery: Performed under general anesthesia (≈2 hours).
- Device Placement:
- A small generator is implanted near the collarbone.
- Two leads are connected to the hypoglossal nerve and a breathing sensor.
- Recovery: Most patients resume light activities within 24-48 hours.
- Activation & Customization (4 Weeks Post-Surgery)
- In-Office Setup: Our specialists activate the device and tailor stimulation settings to your comfort.
- Remote Training: Learn to use the handheld remote and app.
- Long-Term Follow-Up
- 1-Month Check-In: Optimize therapy settings.
- Annual Visits: Ensure device function and sleep improvement.
Safety & Effectiveness
FDA-Approved
Backed by over 10 years of clinical data and 100,000+ patients treated globally.
Risks
Temporary discomfort near the implant site, rare risk of infection (<1%), or device adjustment needs.
Success Rates
Over 90% of patients achieve significant reduction in OSA symptoms.
Insurance & Cost
Coverage
Inspire is covered by most private insurers, Medicare, and Veterans Affairs (VA).
Financial Assistance
Our team helps verify benefits, navigate prior authorization, and explore payment plans.
Why Choose Premier Head & Neck Surgery?
Certified Inspire Specialists
Our surgeons are among the most experienced in implanting and managing Inspire devices.
Comprehensive Care
From screening to long-term follow-up, we prioritize personalized treatment plans.
Proven Outcomes
98% patient satisfaction rate for Inspire Therapy at PHNS.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Inspire Therapy vs. CPAP
| Factor | Inspire Therapy | CPAP |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | No mask or tubing; uses a discreet implant. | Requires wearing a mask and hose nightly. |
| Compliance | 90% long-term adherence (no daily discomfort). | 30-60% of patients struggle with consistent use. |
| Effectiveness | Reduces AHI by ~79%; treats moderate to severe OSA. | Highly effective when used correctly, but only if worn. |
| Noise | Silent operation. | Machine noise may disturb sleep for some. |
| Portability | Easy travel with a handheld remote. | Requires carrying a machine and accessories. |
| Best For | CPAP-intolerant patients seeking a permanent solution. | Patients who tolerate masks and prefer non-surgical options. |
Key Takeaway: Inspire is ideal if CPAP feels restrictive or ineffective, offering similar benefits without nightly equipment.
2. Inspire Therapy vs. Oral Appliances
| Factor | Inspire Therapy | Oral Appliances |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Implant stimulates airway muscles. | Repositions the jaw to prevent airway collapse. |
| Effectiveness | Effective for moderate to severe OSA. | Best for mild to moderate OSA; less reliable for severe cases. |
| Comfort | No oral discomfort; fully internal. | May cause jaw pain, tooth shifting, or dry mouth. |
| Durability | Long-term solution (10+ years). | Requires replacement every 1-3 years. |
| Adjustability | Settings customized remotely via app. | Limited adjustments; requires dental visits. |
| Best For | Patients needing a robust, hands-free solution. | Patients needing a robust, hands-free solution. |
Key Takeaway: Inspire provides stronger, more reliable results for moderate to severe OSA, while oral appliances suit milder cases.
3. Inspire Therapy vs. Upper Airway Surgery (e.g., UPPP)
| Factor | Inspire Therapy | Upper Airway Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Invasiveness | Minimally invasive outpatient procedure. | Often requires removing tissue; longer recovery. |
| Recovery Time | 1-2 days for light activities. 2-4 weeks of downtime. | 2-4 weeks of downtime |
| Reversibility | Fully reversible; device can be removed. | Fully reversible; device can be removed. |
| Success Rate | ~90% achieve significant AHI reduction. | 40-60% success rate, depending on anatomy. |
| Risks | Low risk of infection or discomfort | Higher risk of pain, bleeding, or swallowing changes |
| Best For | Patients seeking predictable results with fewer risks | Patients with specific anatomical issues (e.g., enlarged tonsils) |
Key Takeaway: Inspire offers a safer, reversible alternative to traditional surgery with higher success rates for most patients.
Inspire Therapy vs. Lifestyle Modifications
| Factor | Inspire Therapy | Lifestyle Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Directly addresses airway collapse during sleep. | Directly addresses airway collapse during sleep. |
| Speed of Results | Immediate improvement post-activation. | Gradual results (months to years). |
| Effectiveness | Treats root cause of OSA. | Helpful but rarely curative for moderate-severe OSA. |
| Sustainability | Long-term solution with minimal effort. | Requires lifelong commitment to diet/exercise. |
| Best For | Patients needing rapid, reliable symptom relief. | Complementary to Inspire or mild OSA cases. |
Key Takeaway: Inspire provides definitive treatment, while lifestyle changes work best as supportive measures.
Why Inspire Stands Out
- Only FDA-approved implantable OSA treatment with over a decade of clinical data.
- Combines the benefits of CPAP effectiveness and surgical permanence without major risks.
- Fully adjustable to match your evolving needs.
- Reversible, unlike airway-altering surgeries.
Which Treatment is Right for You?
Choose Inspire if:
- You have moderate to severe OSA.
- CPAP feels uncomfortable or ineffective.
- You want a low-risk, long-term solution without daily effort.
Explore alternatives if:
-
- You have mild OSA or anatomical issues better treated surgically.
- You prefer non-implant options (e.g., CPAP or oral appliances).
Still Unsure?
Schedule a consultation with our Inspire-certified specialists at Premier Head & Neck Surgery. We’ll review your sleep study, anatomy, and goals to recommend the best treatment for you.