About Inspire Therapy
Inspire® Upper Airway Stimulation (UAS) is an FDA-approved treatment for people with moderate to severe OSA who are unable to use or get consistent benefit from CPAP. In contrast to CPAP, Inspire therapy works inside the body with a patient’s natural breathing process. Based on these unique breathing patterns, the system delivers mild stimulation to key airway muscles. By stimulating these muscles, the airway remains open during sleep.
Inspire is implanted during a short, outpatient procedure. Most patients return home the same day, and can resume non-strenuous activities within a few days or as directed by their doctor.
The Inspire system consists of a breathing sensor lead and a stimulation lead, powered by a small battery. The therapy is controlled by a small handheld sleep remote. The remote allows the patient to turn the device on before bed and off when you wake up, increase and decrease stimulation strength, and pause during the night if needed.
One month after the device is implanted, the patient returns to the physician’s office to activate the device. One month after activation, the physician optimizes the therapy settings for the patient during a routine sleep study. Patients typically return once a year for a checkup.
Inspire Therapy Advantages
In contrast to other surgical options to treat sleep apnea, Inspire therapy does not require removing or permanently altering a patient’s facial or airway anatomy. As such, the procedure is less invasive and may result in a shorter recovery time. It also does not require a mask or oral appliance.