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Common Questions About Inspire Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- May 8
- 3 min read
Are you having trouble getting a restful night's sleep? Have you been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea but find it hard to use a CPAP machine? If you are struggling with your sleep apnea diagnosis and having a difficult time finding a treatment that is right for you, there is another option for treating your obstructive sleep apnea beyond a CPAP machine and mask. Inspire Therapy treats the root cause of sleep apnea by working inside the body. No masks, no hoses, just peaceful sleep.
If you're wondering whether Inspire Therapy for obstructive sleep apnea is right for you or a loved one, here are answers to several common questions to help you learn more about this treatment.
Who is a good candidate for Inspire Sleep Therapy?
If you are considering Inspire Therapy for Sleep Apnea, there are a few criteria that can help narrow down whether you are a possible candidate. The first is that patients must be at least 18 years old. Second, you must be diagnosed with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea and be able to produce documentation showing you have difficulty using CPAP, such as mask intolerance or low compliance. Also, most insurance plans require patients to have a BMI under 35.
If you determine that you are a potential candidate, a sleep specialist will review your history, and a surgeon will perform a drug-induced sleep endoscopy to help determine whether the tongue is the primary cause of the sleep obstruction.
If you have questions about these criteria, please contact Topeka Ear, Nose and Throat for a consultation to learn if you may be a candidate for Inspire Therapy.
How does Inspire Therapy for Sleep Apnea work?
Inspire therapy is the first FDA-approved device for treating obstructive sleep apnea that works from inside your body. Once the small device is surgically implanted, it delivers gentle pulses to your airway muscles, keeping your airway open so you can breathe regularly. Taking regular breaths allows you to sleep more soundly.
What is the surgery recovery like?
Inspire therapy surgery recovery is generally quick, with most patients returning to light daily activities in a few days and fully healing in two to four weeks. This outpatient procedure allows you to go home the same day. Patients typically experience mild pain, swelling, and bruising, manageable with over-the-counter pain medications, at the two small incision sites.
What does the Inspire device feel like?
The Inspire therapy device feels like a gentle, tingling sensation or mild muscle contraction under the chin that moves the tongue forward without causing pain or waking you up. Most users describe it as unobtrusive once they are asleep, although some may feel a slight sensation when the device is first turned on for the night.
Will I still snore after Inspire Therapy surgery?
While Inspire Therapy significantly reduces or eliminates snoring for most patients, you may still experience mild or occasional snoring. Clinical data shows that 86–90% of bed partners report no snoring or only soft snoring after 12 months, but it does not guarantee that snoring will be eliminated entirely in all patients.
Why You Might Still Snore
Lifestyle Factors: Weight gain can decrease the effectiveness of the therapy.
Sleeping Position: Sleeping on your back may still allow for some airway collapse.
Nasal Issues: If you have congestion or structural nasal problems, they may continue to cause snoring.
Device Settings: The stimulation level may need to be adjusted by your doctor to achieve optimal results.
Will Inspire Therapy restrict my activities?
Inspire Therapy generally does not restrict daily activities once you have healed from the procedure. You must avoid strenuous upper-body activity and heavy lifting for about two to six weeks after implantation, but most patients return to normal activities, including sports and exercise, thereafter.
Topka Ear, Nose and Throat is ready to help you solve your sleep problems. Whether through Inspire Therapy or alternative treatments, our specialists are here to serve patients in Topeka, KS. Our goal is to help relieve patients of the side effects of obstructive sleep apnea by effectively diagnosing and treating any underlying issues.
Contact our team to schedule your consultation today and let us help you gain a better night’s sleep.
