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Inspire Therapy
How Does the Inspire Implant Work?
The Inspire implant works comfortably inside your body to treat the root cause of your OSA. The Inspire implant uses gentle pulses to keep your airway open, allowing you to continue breathing regularly, without disrupting sleep. Most patients report they feel nothing at all during sleep when their Inspire implant is set at the correct therapy level for them.
Once your implant has been activated you are able to turn your Inspire therapy on and off using a handheld Inspire remote.
What Would the Inspire Therapy Process Look Like?
If you choose to move forward with Inspire therapy, there are a few steps before the procedure to ensure Inspire therapy is right for you. There will also be a few steps after the procedure to make sure you’re healing well, and your implant is set at the appropriate therapy level. Our team is here to help you, and make sure you don’t get lost or confused. Please know each step in the Inspire therapy process is important to help you receive the best results from your therapy.
Step 1: Take the Inspire Therapy Questionnaire & Schedule an ENT Consultation
Scan the QR code or copy https://www.inspiresleep.com/en-us/do-i-qualify/ into your browser to take Inspire’s quick questionnaire and see if you may be a good candidate for Inspire Therapy. If the results suggest you're eligible and you'd like to explore the possibility of the procedure, your next step is to schedule and meet for a consultation with our ENT specialist.
Step 2: Airway Exam
If our ENT specialist confirms you are a good candidate for Inspire Therapy during your initial consult, they will schedule you for an airway exam. This is a safe, routine exam that takes about 20 minutes, and will provide more information about your airway to determine if you are suitable for the procedure.
Step 3: The Procedure
If the Airway Exam shows you are suitable for the procedure and you choose to move forward, our ENT specialist will schedule your procedure.
Inspire is a small device that will be implanted during an outpatient procedure, which typically takes about 90 minutes. Most patients go home the same day. During the procedure, your doctor will make two small incisions: one near your collarbone to place the Inspire device under the skin, and another beneath your jawline to connect the device to the nerve that controls your tongue.
Step 4: Healing & Device Activation
When you’re healed, about a month after your procedure, you will come back for a follow-up appointment and our ENT specialist will help you turn on your therapy and teach you how to use your remote. They will answer any questions you may have following the device activation and help you adjust your settings until your sleep goals are being met.
Step 5: Follow-Up Sleep Study
Our ENT specialist will schedule a follow-up sleep study after the device is activated, which will determine if any adjustments need to be made to your device.
Common FAQs
Most U.S. insurance providers — including Medicare, Veterans Affairs (VA), and major commercial insurers — cover Inspire Therapy. This typically includes the pre-screening airway exam, the procedure itself, and follow-up appointments for patients who have tried CPAP and continue to struggle with it.
*Note: Different plans can result in varying out-of-pocket expenses. Inspire does not verify benefits or quote out of pocket costs.
Yes, you need to meet these basic requirements:
- Are age 18 or older.
- Have been diagnosed with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
- Have tried and struggle with CPAP therapy.
*Note: Inspire Therapy has been clinically tested for individuals with a BMI up to 40, which includes most U.S. adults. Many insurance plans have specific BMI requirements, so be sure to check with your provider for details.
During your consultation, our ENT specialist will ask you questions regarding your experiences with OSA and CPAP therapy. Bring a copy of your most recent sleep study, ideally one that was completed within the past 2 years, and be ready to discuss your:
- Sleep quality and concerns
- Experience using CPAP therapy
- Use of prescription sleep medication(s)
- Questions about Inspire therapy
Inspire therapy delivers a gentle stimulation that feels like a mild muscle contraction. It’s not painful or uncomfortable and is carefully designed to move the tongue forward without disrupting your sleep.
If you have any other questions regarding Inspire Therapy, please visit https://www.inspiresleep.com/en-us/
Meet Our Inspire Therapy ENT Specialist
