Inspire, an upper airway stimulation that’s a potentially life-changing alternative to your CPAP

Get back to enjoying a good night’s sleep, without restriction

Inspire works inside your body with your natural breathing process to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Inspire uses an FDA-approved implantable device similar to a pacemaker to deliver mild stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve to prevent the tongue from blocking the airway. Following its placement during outpatient surgery, the easy-to-use device:

• Monitors your breathing while you sleep and issues stimulation only when necessary

• Turns on and off with a simple handheld remote, allowing treatment based on sleep schedules

• Goes where you go and operates silently­­_­

Our board-certified physicians and medical experts from the Sak Sleep Wellness Center and ENT Specialists of Northwest Ohio are highly trained to provide the Inspire procedure and treatment for their patients. Our providers work in collaboration to provide outstanding care for their patients. Their goal is to help patients achieve a restful and healthy sleep.

If you are interested in learning more about this alternative to CPAP, call 419.427.2604 to schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a good candidate for Inspire?­­

Inspire therapy is for people who meet the following requirements:

• Diagnosed with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (AHi 15-65)

• Cannot use or get consistent benefit from CPAP

• Not significantly overweight

• 22 years of age or older

How does Inspire work?

Inspire therapy is designed to help patients who cannot tolerate CPAP. The Inspire system is comprised of three implantable components: a small programmable pulse generator, a breathing sensor lead and a stimulator lead. While you sleep, Inspire delivers mild stimulation to key airway muscles, allowing the airway to remain open. Patients have full control of this device via a remote; they simply turn it on at night before bed and then off after awaking in the morning.

Will this treatment help with snoring?

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

What does the stimulation feel like?

Inspire typically feels like a mild muscle contraction. The stimulation should not be painful or uncomfortable.

Do I need to get approval from my insurance company before my first visit?

No, you do not need approval from your insurance company before your first visit.

Is this procedure covered by insurance?

Inspire is reimbursed by most major insurance providers, either as a covered policy or approved on an individual basis. Your doctor and the insurance team will work with you for approval.

Is this procedure covered by Medicare?

Medicare is reimbursing the cost of Inspire therapy based on medical necessity.

Is Inspire DOT approved?

Like CPAP, an Inspire doctor can print out a usage record of Inspire to show the medical examiner that you are using your prescribed sleep apnea treatment. By proving compliance, there should be no issues renewing your commercial driver's license.

How long is the recovery time after surgery?

Recovery time after surgery will vary. You can expect some pain and swelling at the small incision sites for a few days after the procedure. Most patients return home the same day and take over-the-counter pain medication, if needed. You can resume normal, non-strenuous activities within a few days or as directed by your doctor. Most patients have a full recovery within a couple of weeks.

Will the Inspire system limit my activities?

Inspire should not limit normal daily activities once you are fully healed. You should ask your Inspire trained doctor about any activities that are particularly strenuous, like weightlifting, or those that entail a large or unpredictable range of motion in your upper body and/or arms, such as working as a firefighter.

How often should my doctor check the Inspire system?

Generally, the Inspire system should be checked one to two times a year.

Which doctor will I see?

To learn if you are a candidate for this procedure. Patients generally start with the Sleep Wellness team. If patients are already receiving care from a BVHS ENT provider, they may start their evaluation with an ENT specialist.

If you are interested in learning more about this alternative to CPAP, call 419.427.2604 to schedule an appointment.