Inspire® Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Inspire Therapy is a mask-free solution for people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who have tried and struggled with CPAP. Through a simple-to-use system including the Inspire® implant, remote and app, Inspire Therapy enables you to control your OSA treatment from the palm of your hand.

How Inspire® Therapy Works

When we sleep, our airway muscles and tongue relax. For people with OSA, the tongue relaxes into a position that blocks the airway. When your airway is blocked you get less oxygen to your brain, triggering you to wake up to take a breath. This cycle happens repeatedly, preventing quality sleep.

The Inspire implant delivers gentle pulses that move your tongue out of the way each time you take a breath, keeping your airway open while you sleep soundly. No mask or hose required. Inspire therapy is the only FDA-approved obstructive sleep apnea therapy that works comfortably inside your body. 

 

Visual diagram of Inspire Therapy technology.

FAQs

Does my insurance cover Inspire®?

  • Inspire is reimbursed by most major insurance providers.

Do I qualify for Inspire®?

  • In order to qualify for Inspire, you must be:
    • Over the age of 18
    • Diagnosed with moderate to severe OSA 
    • Unable to get consistent benefits from CPAP
    • At a healthy weight

Is Inspire® covered by Medicare?

  • Medicare is reimbursing the cost of Inspire Therapy based on medical necessity across the United States. 

How long is recovery time after surgery?

  • Recovery time may vary. Normal, non-strenuous activities may resume as normal after a few days or as directed by your doctor. Most patients have full recovery within a few weeks. You can expect some pain and swelling at the incision sites.

Will Inspire® help with snoring?

  • A significant decrease in snoring has been found as a secondary effect of Inspire. 90% of bed partners report little to no snoring by their partner. 

What does the air stimulation feel like?

  • The stimulation is gentle and designed to move your tongue out of the way without disturbing your sleep. It should be painless and not cause discomfort.

How long does the battery in Inspire® last?

  • The battery is designed to last approximately 11 years. It can be replaced during a simple outpatient procedure when it is running low.